The Australian midfielder made just 17 appearances for Rovers last season after his $10 million move from Serie A club Torino in August.

"It's been a rubbish year. I'm happy to see the end of it but I'm feeling good now," Grella revealed.

The Socceroo started life at Ewood Park poorly with a bad run of injuries ruling him out of action all too often, before a better run after the turn of the year.

He added "I played with niggles and was just making them worse until some big damage happened and then I had to stay out for while. I was a little bit naive in some cases.

"But at least in the long run I got back to full fitness at the end of the season, I did well and I was happy.

"I'm looking forward to next season and I think I can do a lot better."