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Ognenovski, 32, is in Melbourne during the K-League off-season training with Melbourne Heart.

He returns to his club Seongnam in early January ahead of the new K-League season which also includes the ACL.

Ognenovski says it’s a goal of his financially powerful club to return to winning ways on the Continental stage after lifting the trophy in 2010.

But it’s a group that will see him play against Aussies Josh Kennedy at Nagoya Grampus and A-League side Central Coast Mariners (as well as Tianjin Teda).

And while Roar continue to have the local media in a froth, the big defender has identified the Mariners as the main threat.

“I think they’ll have to change a bit tactically,” Ognenovski said of Brisbane.

“Even Ernie Merrick [former Melbourne Victory coach] tried to play the same football he was playing in the A-League in Asia; Melbourne Victory never did really well."

And he paid Central Coast a compliment by saying their football was more suited to Continental success than his former club, Brisbane Roar.

“Tactically from what I’ve seen of the three [Aussie] teams who’ve qualified, the way Central Coast plays is probably the best tactically for Asian football," he said.

“They’ve got a really good structure defensively and they’ve got a couple of boys with a bit of speed and trickery up their sleeve.

“I think Central Coast are tactically the best team for Asia.”

As for playing against his Socceroo comrade Kennedy from Nagoya, that looms as a no-holds barred battle.

Ognenovski joked: “I flicked him a text and said I’m gonna buy extra big shinnies!”

The imposing defender added he should be in good shape for the Socceroos’ clash with Saudi Arabia on February 29 at AAMI Park.

But with Matt Spiranovic also in the frame for a spot alongside Lucas Neill in the Socceroos defence, it will be fascinating to see who gets the nod against what will be a desperate Saudi side.

Ognenovski added: “I should be pretty much match fit as the season starts the week after.”

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CLICK HERE TO SEE HEART AND SASA TRAIN