Following a competition restructure by Football NSW, it was decided that the regular promotion-relegation system in National Premier Leagues 4 would not be a feature of the 2021 season.

It means Rooke and the Western coaching staff have been able to re-evaluate their goals. Yes, they want their squad to win each time they step onto the field, but they also see 2021 as a chance to give young talents an opportunity to develop and gain experience.

"At the end of the day it's been a tough season, but we've got to take it in context of what the season is," Rooke said.

"It's a really good opportunity for the young guys to get time in first grade and get that experience. For us it's looking forward to the future with these young guys and what we want to do for the region. We want to put State League on the map again and it starts with developing young guys.

"For these guys it is a great learning curve and some of the teams were are playing against have recruited really, really well. They have recruited guys from NPL 1, 2 and 3 and you can see that they are trying to advance themselves as well."

Development is certainly something that has been seen across the 13 rounds of football Western has played thus far.

The challenge as the season progresses for the young squad is to be competitive and maintain intensity for longer periods as well as better capitalising on the chances they create.

"The guys this year have been fantastic, they've been playing their hearts out and been very close to securing our first win," Rooke said.

"We are matching the other sides but those moments in matches, the other sides are winning those moments with the experienced guys we just don't have at this time."

An example of Western's ability to challenge more experienced rivals came last Tuesday night against Camden - a team sitting third on the NPL4 ladder.

"For 40 minutes in the match down there we were leading 1-0, but then all of a sudden at half-time we were down 3-1," Rooke said.

Camden went on to win that match 4-1, but come Saturday night when the two sides meet again it is Western who will be on home turf with the fixture to be played at Proctor Park.

Rooke is under no illusions how tough it will be to upset a quality opponent, but he's hoping some home town support can help his men in their attempt to do so.

"Saturday night at home is usually our bread and butter, but look based on what Camden brought to the table against us last week, they're a quality side," the coach said.

"The style of play that they bring is really high energy, they're in your face the whole time and play a pressing game. They are really difficult to play against and don't give you a lot of time on the ball.

"It is tough, but it is a fantastic challenge for the players. The guys are good, they can see a way forward every single week."

Kick-off on Saturday at Proctor Park is 5pm.