Thwaite, now at Gold Coast United, was on loan at Melbourne from Norwegian club SK Brann last season as Victory sweep the board of domestic titles.

The former Socceroo played 16 times as the Victory were crowned Premier champions, but he played no part in the successful finals series.

"I lost my place for the finals, which was very disappointing for me," Thwaite told au.fourfourtwo.com. "Especially where I had came from and what the whole loan deal was about. That was Ernie's decision and I have to respect that and the players too.

"I learned a lot last year. However I don't think I was consistent enough at Melbourne Victory. I played very regularity during the season, but for one reason or another I didn't play in the finals series - whether that is from my own performances or just my loss being another player's gain."

Thwaite said he achieved a lot in his first season in the A-League, but he has taken stock of his performances and looked at where he can improve.

"I need to work on a lot of positional aspects in my game defensively and be dominate in the air. Just being in the right areas and not overplaying each situation. I want to take what I learned from last season and portray that in the Gold Coast team."

If Gold Coast want to live up to their new billing, it is likely Thwaite's former club and current champions Melbourne Victory will be the most likely to rain on the sunshine strip parade.

"At the Victory, Ernie has a very good choice due having very good players who were comfortable with each other," said Thwaite. "He has a settled team having won the title last season, but it is going to be more difficult for Gold Coast as a new team."

Having now settled into life on the Gold Coast, Thwaite hopes he might be able to resurrect his international career.

"Last year, Pim [Verbeek] was in contact with me, so it is up to me to reach that next level. Unfortunately I didn't, but I'm still young. I just need to be honest with myself and work at all the little things," added Thwaite.