Former Adelaide United skipper Ross is very happy with the squad that Aurelio Vidmar has assembled and feels the difference between the Reds and Sydney FC is strength in depth.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "I think Aurelio Vidmar has recruited very well in fact I think Adelaide's recruitment is the best in the A-League.

"There's 22 or 23 players there that can do a job for the club and I think they can finish at the top.

"Aurelio (Vidmar) will be bigger and better for his first year in the job and hopefully it all goes well."

Sydney FC have hogged a lot of the pre-season headlines and been tagged as favourites by rival clubs and pundits - not least because of their capture of Aloisi's brother John.

However, Ross doesn't believe that his brother's arrival at the Sydney Football Stadium will be enough to land John Kosmina's men the silverware they crave.

He said: "It's back to the depth issue. I think Adelaide have it, Sydney don't. I mean no disrespect by that.

"I think Sydney will finish in the top four if they have everyone available."

Ross revealed that brother John is itching to play and driven by a desire to put something in his trophy cabinet.

"Aside from the premier's plate with the Mariners last season, for all the experience he's had and the places he's played, I'm not sure John has ever won a championship. I know that's what really drives him."

Aloisi senior feels both Melbourne Victory and Queensland Roar will be the other teams breathing hard down Adelaide's necks this year.