Thistle last played in the Federation League in 2017, finishing fourth out of seven teams.
That season was marked by the allocation of six points to some games to signify they counted as two fixtures in one.
It was a move that did not go down well with everyone, and it was no great surprise when Thistle voluntarily dropped to the relative stability of the Hawke's Bay-based Pacific Premiership.
But the pathway to New Zealand football's upper reaches takes in the Federation League, so Thistle — having had three years to consolidate their resources and playing strength — are giving the higher league another crack.
It's a serious crack, too, as the intention is to fly the team to at least the more distant away games.
Whanganui Athletic will be tough. In Thistle's last foray at this level, Whanganui regarded the Gisborne fixture as their derby, so keenly contested were the games.
While Thistle coach Garrett Blair has received little in the way of intelligence reports on the Whanganui team, he knows they have a top-class goalkeeper in Yorkshire import Matthew Calvert and a livewire midfielder/striker in Josh Smith, a former Mt Albert Grammar player signed by Kevin Fallon in his last spell as Gisborne City coach from 2004 to 2006.
Whanganui were runners-up to New Plymouth Rangers last year and started their 2021 campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 home win against Levin.
Blair is excited at the depth and quality of the squad at his disposal.
With goalkeeper Mark Baple still wearing a wrist support following an operation, Mitchell Stewart-Hill has stepped into the breach.
Before leaving Gisborne for Wellington and then Britain, Stewart-Hill was an outstanding player for Gisborne Boys' High, first as a 'keeper, then as a striker.
In front of him tomorrow, former Lytton High School centreback Ryan Anderson is likely to partner Ander Batarrita in the heart of the defence.
Wide midfielder Brandon Josling has been converted to an attacking rightback, and Kuba Jerabek will continue to bar the way to attackers targeting Thistle's left flank.
The midfield three are likely to feature Cullen Spawforth as the defensive holding player and Tomek Frooms as one of the more attacking link players.
Nick Land or Jarom Brouwer look set to fill the other midfield berth.
Blair says both will play; last night he wasn't sure who would be in midfield . . . the other would be up front, along with wide speedsters Oli Davies on the left and Jimmy Somerton on the right.
The bench looks healthy. Ema Martos, Sam Patterson, Agustin Ventre, Emerson Araya and reserve goalkeeper Tom Talbot will not disappoint if called upon.
“We have 35 to 40 players across three teams at the moment,” Blair said, referring to the Fed League side and Thistle's two Eastern League 1 teams. “Those numbers mean we have healthy competition for places, and that gives coaches good dilemmas.”
Gisborne United midfielder Kieran Venema has taken over the coaching reins from Corey Adams, who wants to concentrate on regaining his form after a season-long layoff with a knee injury.
Venema, himself, is likely to start on the bench for United's Pacific Premiership game against Napier Marist. A foot injury from about a month ago has just come right and he will only risk it if he deems it necessary.
Venema's holding role in midfield — and the captain's armband he wore last season — will be assumed by Dane Thompson, whose aerial and ball-winning abilities fit him for his new responsibilities.
Seth Piper will be in goal after a good debut season last year.
Former Gisborne Boys' High player Adam Simpson has impressed with his composure on the ball and goes in at right back.
On the other flank, Malcolm Marfell continues to impress with his wholehearted displays.
Centreback pairing Kieran Higham and Mal Scammell understand each other's play well enough to repel most attacks.
Corey Adams and James Bristow will buzz around the midfield in front of Thompson, while Josh Adams, Josh Harris and Sam Royston have the pace to worry the calmest of defenders.
Royston is the newbie of the attacking trio. Venema says he needs minutes on the field to gain the confidence his pace, skill and shooting power warrant.
As for Marist, Venema expects them to be “quite physical”. Last week they drew 2-2 with Havelock North Wanderers Seconds.
