Under Branko Culina, Brosque will revert back to a more central striker’s role. Last season Terry Butcher largely used the 23-year-old as a wide left-sided attacker.

“It is a position I like playing and it might be in more of a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2,” he hinted. “That’s where I’ve always played and that’s where I’m more comfortable.”

Brosque says that no calls or text messages have been exchanged with former Sydney FC striker Sasho Petrovski with both sides anxious for a result ahead of the game.

"It’s actually fairly quiet going into this game. No one really wants to talk it up or give anything until after the match," said Brosque.

“The Mariners are always solid and haven’t made too many changes. They’re hard-working. Obviously they touched us up in the Pre-Season Cup so we’ve got to get them back.”

New Sydney FC captain Tony Popovic agrees, and says the Mariners have impressed him so far.

“They look a very good side, very organised team," he said. "They’re run well by Lawrie McKinna and the first game of the season is always tough.

"Everyone wants to get those first points on the board. We’re playing at home and they’re out to get a big scalp first up so it should be an interesting match.”

The 193-cm defender also joked that the Popovic clan will form a sizeable section of tonight’s crowd.

“I’ve got a pretty big family and my sister’s got four kids," he added. "It’ll be a good crowd.

"I can guarantee my family will be there so there’ll be at least 20 people at the game - I’m not sure about the rest!”