Joyce preferred getups were shorts and a training top while Mombaerts sported suits and had an endorsement deal with a Japanese glasses designer. 

Whereas Joyce spoke with a working-class, northwestern accent that frequently bellowed out from the dugout, Mombaerts speech is a ‘sophisticated’ French that is rarely raised. 

But most importantly, after Joyce alienated supporters by employing a plan centred on monopolising possession and grinding against a defence as a monotonous wave would crash against a cliff, Mombaerts talked of a free-flowing and fun to watch attacking style. 

As a loyal employee of the organisation, the 64-year-old had no qualms with evoking the CFGs name as he outlined his plans for City and, whether he intended to or not, gave fans in Melbourne dreams of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City or Ange Postecoglou’s Yokohama transported to AAMI Park. 

And despite some shaky pre-season performances against NPL clubs, things started well; his side advanced to the FFA Cup Final as Jamie Maclaren banged in the goals and his inverted full-backs touted by some as revolutionising the A-League. 

It was indeed a powerful first impression. Surely good times were on the way? 

Alas, reality is often disappointing – the ghosts of failures past residing in Bundoora not inclined to be exhumed by first impressions, solid resumes or sartorial flair.

Mombaerts, like those that came before him, will first and foremost be judged on what he accomplished on the field come the end of the season, and that means dealing with the daunting prospect of figuring the almost supernatural tendency his club has to collapse in moments that matter most.

Luckily for City, with 16-rounds remaining on the season and closest rivals Sydney and Perth Glory soon to commence Asian Champions League campaigns, he’s got more than enough time right the ship and pursue the Premier’s Plate.

With the likes of Maclaren, Harrison Delbridge, Josh Brilliante, Adrian Luna and Craig Noone at his disposal, the assembled squad is capable of meeting the challenge; even if Olyroos Denis Genreau, Connor Metcalfe, Tom Glover and Ramy Najjarine are set to miss up to a month on international duty. 

His leadership and ability to unsettle opponents clearly missed against Sydney, Scott Jamison would also be a welcome addition to the squad set to take on United should he recover from his illness.

The new year is often a time for fresh beginnings – a chance to leave behind the scars of the past and start anew. It’s an affirmation magnified by the new year also bringing in a new decade.

Making their way to AAMI Park on Friday night, City fans will be hoping that ‘Hearting it' is something consigned to the dustbin of the 2010s.