And while the Victory supremo hinted that Kewell wouldn’t last the full 90 minutes, he didn’t’ rule it out.

And he wouldn't be drawn on the role Kewell will play as the mind games begin ahead of the A-League’s showpiece clash.

“It’s a bit too soon to be honest but being a true professional he’ll play as long as we want him to play,” Durakovic told au.fourfourtwo.com when quizzed on Kewell’s ability to see out the full 90 minutes.

“He’s a true professional  [and] wherever I want him to play, he’ll play. I’ve no doubt he’ll fit in wherever we want him to fit in. We’ll see…

“I know physically he’s in very good shape but match fitness he’s not 100%. But we’re getting there.”

Kewell - whose wife and children arrived on Tuesday and was unable to attend any of the A-League’s launch events in Sydney - continues to improve his fitness ahead of the highly anticipated season opener at Etihad.

The Victory superstar’s personal physio will arrive from the UK soon.

Victory have had two recent intra-club games to assist Kewell fit into their structure where Kewell lasted 60 minutes in each.

Against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh the former Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray star lasted half a game in September 's friendly which attracted almost 10,000 fans to Hindmarsh.

Saturday night’s game is tipped to attract upwards of around 40,000 fans while one Melbourne newspaper is producing a signed Kewell poster with its Thursday edition.

And Kewell, in a column for the Herald Sun, has added to the rivalry between the two powerhouse clubs in the A-League.

‘No disrespect to Sydney, who were very professional when we dealt with them, but it was a football decision,’ he wrote of his motives for choosing the two-time A-League champions.

“I felt that Melbourne was a better place for me to play my football, and the facilities played a huge part.’

Kewell wrote that the Victory team required a few ‘tweaks’ but was essentially on track for the start of the season.

Durakovic added: “I’m very excited to have one of the best footballers we’ve ever produced return in his peak. It’s a dream come true for us and the A-League.

“[He’s had a] huge effect, it’s phenomenal that he brings all his experience to us, the young boys and the senior players.

“Most of the young boys have a bright spark in their eyes.”