Rigters, 27, has a bit of flair, a bit of dash and can produce the unexpected. It's worth getting on Youtube to check out his bicycle kick goal for the Dutch in the semis against England at the 2007 Under-21 European Championship where he finished topscorer.

Former Feyenoord defender Bosschaart has made over 450 appearances in the Dutch top division, but has never played outside his homeland until now. However, Bosschaart arrives at Sydney with a good reputation as a reliable defender and pre-season indications are he won't let them down.

The 29-year-old 2011 Asian Cup squad member, formerly of Wellington Phoenix, spent last season in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr and remains a Socceroos regular. McKain's influence at Hindmarsh is likely to be significant too, having been named the team's new skipper despite just joining the club.

The 29-year-old central defender could be the next Patrick Zwaanswijk, having spent the past nine years playing with Dutch clubs Den Bosch and Cambuur, who are hardly the biggest names. Beekmans is a versatile player, who could also be used as a defensive midfielder too, while his height and strength make him a good fit for the A-League.

The 28-year-old central defender comes to Australia following his involvement in the Manama protests which saw him detained in Bahrain. He'll have a big role to play with the champions too, following the departures of defensive pair Milan Susak and Luke DeVere. Reportedly he's a threat from set-pieces too.

In his 14 Socceroos appearances, Vidosic has always appeared a more improved player to the one which left Queensland as a raw youngster four years ago. The skilful Vidosic isn't afraid to take on opponents and play with flair, while linking up with good friend Spase Dilevski could see a new creative partnership emerge.

The 30-year-old's career has followed an odd path, having been at clubs such as Celtic, Sunderland, QPR, Leeds United and, of course, Manchester United before finding his way to West Australia. Miller didn't have the best season last term at Hibernian in Scotland and despite Colin Calderwood insisting he was a “top-level player” in February, he has opted for a fresh start. He's already shown glimpses of his quality in Glory's pre-season loss to his former club Celtic.

Fred's creativity will be a key for the club, who are desperate to put together an attractive brand of football. In a clear sign he'll be at the centre of their play, John van 't Schip has handed him the captain's armband. And like his time at Victory, he'll be surrounded by a few other Brazilians in Alex Terra and Maycon, who could strike up quite the combination.

Emerton has spent the past eight years playing in England's Premier League with Blackburn. The Sydney-born midfielder has that bit of quality which will make a difference in the A-League, while he's also still got that pace which makes him so dangerous down the flank. He's a household name too, which will get plenty of Sydneysiders taking an interest in the Sky Blues this season.

Even his first training session got media attention, while his first public practice drew 4000 fans. And, of course, the guy can still play too, as shown by his performances in the green and gold at the 2011 Asian Cup along with his debut pre-season game over a week ago when he looked the goods in a 45-minute stint against Adelaide. There may be those who believe the ex-Liverpool, Leeds and Galatasaray is injury-prone, but he looks fit and determined to do well in the A-League.