He debuted for the club in the weekend's 3-2 loss to Sydney but was left isolated in the game with little service to endanger the home side's goal.

But despite not having played in a game since Australia's Asian Cup campaign in July, Aloisi still managed to put in a full 90 minutes of match action.

Now he has appealed for time to get used to the A-League style of play.

"It's a different style to the European style that I'm used to, but slowly I will adjust," he told Melbourne's Herald Sun.

"I didn't really get to know much of the old National League. I don't know how much has changed, but I'm looking forward to getting to know this league a bit better.

"I've felt tired for a couple of days, but I'll feel better come weekend time. The match rhythm will be a little bit better, and I'm sure playing at home will give us that extra lift."

Mariners face Melbourne Victory this week and need a win to stop their season sliding away after leading the league until last weekend's loss.

Aloisi added: "I saw their game the other night against Newcastle. I know a few of their players, they've got some experienced campaigners.

"Musky (Kevin Muscat) is the leader of the team, and then you've got players like Archie; he's a great player.

"They're the champions. They haven't started as well this year, but they're still going to be a tough team."

McKinna defended his star signing and said Aloisi couldn't be expected to rip the league apart immediately.

"A lot of people were expecting this World Cup superstar, which he is, but you don't obviously get that in a week, or four days training," McKinna told the Herald Sun.

"We were hoping to get 60 minutes off him and we asked him after 60 to 70 minutes, but he was fine to stay on the full game.

"From our point of view, John did very well at the weekend, and we're looking for that bit of improvement every week."