To see Kristian meeting kids in Geelong...

 

 

 

 

The skilful midfielder was operated on about 12 weeks ago after breaking his leg playing for Adelaide United in an NYL clash following a wild lunge by Perth Glory's Steven Hesketh.

Sarkies is undergoing a rehab program and he is planning to start running next month. But the 23-year-old wants to take his time to ensure the recovery is 100 percent.

That's why Sarkies believes October should be the month he's back in contention for a starting berth in John van't Schip's side.

And he's pencilled in the historic October 2 clash against his former teammates Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

"It's the goal I've set for my comeback game. If I do all the right things off the park then you never know. You have to set a goal, don't you?" he told au.fourfourtwo.com at Heart's promotional trip to Geelong earlier this week.

Despite being away from the training group, Sarkies likes what he sees of the new A-League franchise and believes they have the set-up to build a successful A-League franchise - just like his previous club Victory.

"Here, it's a very professional football environment which was a key thing that brought me back," he said. "There are first-class facilities.

"This is my third A-League club and it'd be up there as one of the best, from the training parks to the physios and doctors and whole crew. It's all in the one area; we don't have to travel anywhere to do anything.

"I enjoy the Dutch coaches and even the assistant coaches we have in Jesper Olsen and Ante Milicic are great people to have.

"I'm just looking to the future now with that new stadium. It looks amazing. I haven't officially been in since it's been finished but I've driven past it.

"Exciting times ahead - I'm just looking forward to my first official training session in the red and white."

And from what he's seen so far, Sarkies says former Jets skipper Matt Thompson can stamp his authority on the club.

"I think Matty Thompson will be a big part of Melbourne Heart," said Sarkies. "The season he had last year was first class.

"If he can bring that form into Heart ... he's very much a leader and a goal-scoring midfielder."

For Sarkies though, it will be a challenge for to carve out a regular spot with Heart's starting XI already taking shape after a flurry of recent player announcements.

In what looms as a 4-3-3, in goals will be Clint Bolton with a defensive four likely to be Heffernan, Colosimo, Beauchamp and Marrone.

The deep lying playmaker is likely to be Joe Skoko with Matt Thompson and Wayne Srhoj playing more advanced roles in front of the former Socceroo star.

And up forward big Gerald Sibon is the likely target-man with wide players Brazilian Alex Terra and Dutchman Rutger Worm working off the big striker.

It's an impressive starting side that also has John Aloisi, Jason Hoffman and Sarkies to push for starting selection. And Sarkies can't wait for the challenge.

 "Look out for us next season, I think we'll be a very tough side to play," he added.

"I think the supporters will get involved and it'll be a great game Melbourne Heart versus Melbourne Victory."

* Heart will today unveil their away strip for next season, a River Plate-style white shirt with a red sash.

To see Kristian meeting kids in Geelong...