"I've played in snow in Switzerland with my toes almost freezing and blue, with icicles in my hair, so it'll be like a summer holiday!” Milicevic told au.fourfourtwo.com from a Melbourne restaurant this afternoon.

However, one player who won't be with Milicevic and co for their jaunt to Tassie will be star recruit Carlos Hernandez. The attacking midfielder was due to arrive this afternoon at Melbourne airport but the Cost Rican's flight was delayed in the US by 12 hours.

The club will be giving him the weekend to rest before he meets up with the squad for the first time next week.

Milicevic nevertheless has been impressed with the quality of the club's signings. “Kaz is a gun, he's creative and talented. We know how good Joe Keenan is and Carlos should be a great asset. Congratulations to Gary Cole and Ernie Merrick for what they've done in bringing these players in.”

Adelaide meanwhile are struggling with injuries ahead of the game in Launceston on Sunday and will field a weakened side for this grand final rematch.

Paul Agostino (foot), Shaun Ontong (groin), Kristian Sarkies (knee) won't play. As well, goalkeeper Daniel Beltrame, Dez Geraldi and Lucas Pantelis have also been hampered by a variety of leg injuries. Pantelis missed lthe entire last season with injury.

However, Tassie football fans will get to see new signings Brazilian Cassio, Jonas Salley and Victorian defender Isyan Erdogan.

Coach Aurelio Vidmar said it had been a tiring off-season for his side that also played in the Asian Champions League following the A-League grand final. “We've had a very, very long season last year, they didn't have adequate rest. We are using this for preparation for round one [of the A-League].

“I think that's the most important thing for our club.”

The match kicks off at 12.30pm this Sunday at the Aurora stadium in Launceston.