Jamieson said the incident was similar to what he experienced at Western Sydney Wanderers when marquee man Frederico Piovaccari was frozen out, but didn't get the same media attention.

He added: "He didn't have the same history Bruno had here.

"But he was a marquee on massive money, not playing – and the same questions weren't asked and the same scrutiny we copped wasn't the same at the Wanderers for whatever reason."

Fornaroli has since been replaced by Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren who hit the ground running with nine goals in nine A-League games for his new side.

"It's another thing I have a bee in my bonnet about," said Jamieson. "We brought in the Australian number nine who's a local boy from Melbourne...that's not that bad!

"This is brilliant. This is exciting news. A lot of people complain there are not enough locals but this is a figurehead. 

"I think the fans are now really excited about what's going on and have put the past in the past and appreciate it."

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But Jamieson admits Bruno could have the last laugh at Perth, and rates Glory as their biggest threat in the season ahead.

"We wish Bruno well, I think he'll do really well under Popa," said Jamieson. "I think they'll be good this year. You can't go past Perth Glory.

"I think our friends down the road at Melbourne Victory will always be great. Those teams will always be good.

"The Mariners seem to have strengthened and they seemed to have got some good people in charge there. Western United coming in will be interesting.

"But I think in terms of who's a favourite now, I think Perth will be up there – although they've had a lot of change – but I'd like to think ourselves will be very close this year."