The players were due to get their first work out at their Macquarie University base as they build up to the big kick-off in August.

Some familiar faces will be missing with the likes of John Aloisi, Simon Colosimo and Clint Bolton all having moved on and Steve Corica now retired.

Lavicka has promised a slightly shorter pre-season campaign this time round with Sydney to take part in the Asian Champions League at the end of the domestic season.

Lavicka also knows that winning  title is one thing, retaining it is another. He told au.fourfourtwo.com recently:  "I know how difficult it is to win back-to-back.

"But I like my job and the people here in Sydney FC - I had a very good feeling last season with people around me who have strong leadership and very positive character.

"That's all what I like."