However, Aloisi is expected to start full training in the next few days and could be in the squad for Heart's trip to Newcastle Jets on August 13.

"We don't think he'll be across the line for round one," Heart football operations manager John Didulica told the Herald Sun.

"That's never been the intention because with a 30-game campaign we need to be strategic with how we use the players."

He said there was no question of pushing a player in when he was not ready - historic occasion or not.

"It's about peaking at the right time. Someone like John is not going to be pushed to be ready for round one," he added.

"The target is to be back in full training next week and then it's a matter of how long it takes the lungs and the hamstring to respond to increased training."

In other Heart news, tickets to the club's home matches at AAMI Park, including 'the Melbourne Derby', go on sale at Ticketek from 9am on Friday (30 July).
 
But tickets to the club's season opener against  Central Coast Mariners went on sale at 9am today.
 
Ticket prices start at $5 for juniors and $25 for adults.
  
CEO Scott Munn believes the release of tickets for the club's foundation season marks another major milestone in Melbourne Heart  history.
 
"The Club has come a very long way in a relatively short period of time, and it is amazing to consider we are now on the cusp of finally making our Hyundai A-League bow," he said.
 
"AAMI Park has been a welcome addition to the Melbourne sporting landscape and will certainly add a unique element to the match day experience.
 
"With unrivalled sightlines and world class amenities, AAMI Park is the perfect stage for the Club to make its debut. We are delighted to be able to call the stadium our true home."