Austin was released from the final year of his contract with the Mariners and joined Victory in a player swap deal with Connor Pain in June. The forward scored five goals in 23 A-League appearances last season.

Austin had a great debut campaign at Gosford, but felt he could further his development as a player more in the Victorian capital under Kevin Muscat.

"I just felt at my age that I wanted to try and test myself personally and coming to a club like Victory there is no better place to do that," he told FourFourTwo.

"It was a tough call to make, but when I knew I had the opportunity to go I wasn't going to turn it down. I had a great time at Central Coast Mariners and they are a great club, I hope they have a good season and wish them all the best.

"I've only been here [in Melbourne] a month, but I feel I'm improving each day. I'm trying to take in as much as I can at training from Kevin and the coaching staff and then put it into game day."

Austin said it has been a smooth transition with Victory.

"It's been great so far, there is a great bunch of boys at Victory and everyone gets on great and they have made me feel very welcome from day one," he said.

"Training has been tough, which is good, as it's only going to benefit us when the season starts."

Austin got his Victory career off to a positive start with a 3-1 away win over Newcastle in the FFA Cup's round of 32.

"It was great win in really tough conditions," the former Rotheram United wide player said.

"These are the kind of games where it doesn't have to be pretty football but as long as you grind out the result, which we did then that's all that matters. Credit to Newcastle as well who made it very difficult for us, but a win is a win and I'm very happy we are through to the next round."

It was a disappointed end to the 2016/2017 campaign for Melbourne Victory but the club has recruited strongly for the new season with the signings of Spanish defender Alan Baro, centre back James Donaiche from Brisbane Roar and Socceroo James Troisi.

Austin said Victory is aiming high in all competitions its involved in.

"Obviously we want to win the league and grand final, we are currently still in the FFA Cup so that's another piece of silverware we will be looking to try and hold onto as well," the 25-year old said.

"We have a great team here with so many talented players, [but] it's not going to be easy this season as there are really good teams in the A-League.

"We are going to continue to work hard over the pre-season and make sure we are ready to go come round one in Brisbane in what I feel is going to be a great season for the club."