Moore's departure from the club was announced last week and the club's claims that Moore had twice made 'it's him or me' ultimatums over Postecoglou sparked controversy.

But the coach says he has moved on and said Moore's exit had been on the cards for some time, with plans in place to look at potential replacements.

"We knew Craig Moore was going in January a long time ago," said Postecoglou. "I know the last couple of weeks there's been a bit of hysteria about it, but I knew this three to four weeks ago.

"It's certainly no surprise to me. We've been planning for it for a while as a club.

"The players pretty much knew it as well so it hasn't really been much of a disruption as far as our planning. Josh McCloughan will come in for him and we'll sign another player, maybe two in the next week or so.

"We've been working on that for a little while, hopefully in the next seven to 10 days we'll bring in a couple of defenders to make sure we've got enough cover for the end of the year."

The coach is now focused on the trip to Wellington and believes the festive break will have done his players good as they bid to bounce back from the thrashing by Gold Coast United.

"Obviously the last result was a very poor one for us but we've got a chance to bounce back," said Postecoglou. "Wellington's a difficult place, but certainly it's an opportunity against one of the sides we're fighting for a top six spot.

"I know they haven't lost at home for 15 or 16 games, so they're a tough nut to crack over there. It's a hell of a challenge for us, but if we go over there and get the points then we're at home for Newcastle and we can set ourselves up.

"We got well and truly beaten last time we were out there, so there's a bit of pride there to come back."

Brisbane striker Reinaldo, fully fit for the first time since coming back from Korea last season, agreed with his coach's assessment.

"Of course Craig Moore is a big loss for us, he was a good leader for us as well, but we have good defenders here who can do his job," he said.

"I think if (the club is) changing, it's changing for good. We have to accept that. We players are professional and just have to work hard."

Postecoglou's plans were nearly undone when McCloughan limped off the field at training, but the Roar coach was adamant the defender would be right for Saturday's clash.

"He's had a bit of an ankle knock so we're just protecting him and he's protecting himself," said Postecoglou. "He's smart enough to know what he can and can't do, but he'll be fine and he'll play."

While the game against Wellington provides Roar a chance to edge further ahead of a team just one point behind them on the A-League ladder, Postecoglou was quick to point out this wouldn't be the game to make or break their season.

He added: "They're all crucial. It'll go down to the wire, it's just the nature of the competition.

"Whatever we do this week I guarantee there'll still be a block of six teams battling for those spots."