Grella will sign a one-year deal with the expansion club after enduring an injury-plagued stint with Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League.

The 33-year-old will take the weekend to settle back into his home state before linking up with his teammates again on Monday after their away clash with Perth Glory.

Grella has been working on his fitness with a personal trainer in Italy during the past four months.

The midfield enforcer earned 46 caps for Australia and was part of the golden generation that took Australia to the 2006 World Cup after a 32-year hiatus.

He spent a decade playing in the Italian professional leagues, including eight seasons in the Serie A with spells at Empoli, Rotino and Parma, before joining Blackburn on a four-year deal in 2008.

Grella left Rovers at the end of last season having made only nine appearances in his final two years at the club.

Heart has hailed the two World Cup veteran as a proven leader and ideal role model and mentor for the club's developing youngsters.

More to follow…