The spotlight will be on Illawarra for round one of the 2016 FFA Cup after two-time National Soccer League champions Wollongong Wolves were drawn with Sydney FC in the knockout competition.

It will be a moment to savour for one of the youngest coaches in the tournament as Wolves coach Jacob Timpano, 30, leads his home town club against the team for whom he made his A-League debut.

The former Sydney FC defender is in his second year as coach of the Wolves and said the excitement around the fixture was brewing from the moment he saw the two clubs drawn together.

"As a former Sydney player it's a bit more special coming up against them down in Wollongong. The Illawarra supporters will be really looking forward to it."

The Sky Blues face an uphill battle to return to match fitness in time for the fixture on either July 26 or 27 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, as the team will only resume training on Monday after their off-season break.

"We've got something to aim for now in the first round, playing a very motivated Wollongong Wolves team and we're looking forward immensely to the challenge," Sydney coach Graham Arnold said.

Elsewhere, Western Sydney Wanderers were dealt a tough draw with a trip across the Tasman to face Wellington Phoenix, while holders Melbourne Victory will travel to Newcastle to take on the Jets.

Some of the state league teams are preparing to recruit high-profile players for the tournament, with Melbourne Knights confirming their interest in Australian-born Croatian international Joe Simunic. The veteran defender played over 100 games for Croatia having started his career with Melbourne Knights.

"I know that's on the agenda, for sure," coach Andrew Marth said of the potential signing. Melbourne Knights start their FFA Cup against Cockburn City of Western Australia.

Now 38, Simunic has not played professionally for nearly two years, missing out on Croatia's 2014 World Cup squad due to disciplinary reasons.

Not all players were pleased with the FFA Cup draw, with Sydney United defender Eddie Bosnar hoping for one of the fiercest rivalries in Australian football.

"I wanted Bonnyrigg White Eagles because I wanted a real derby," Bosnar said during the draw.

The comments stoked the flames between the two clubs, founded by Croatian and Serbian migrants, with passions so tense that recent games have been played behind closed doors.