Despite signing two weeks before Victory’s AFC Champions League 2008 campaign begins, Pondeljak won’t be available for the Group Stage of the tournament due to player registrations closing earlier this month.

However, he will remain on standby in case of injury ahead of Victory’s first game in Asia’s premier club competition against the Chunnam Dragons on Wednesday, 12 March, and will be available for the next A-League season.

Pondeljak, who was part of the Socceroos training squad for the World Cup qualifier against Qatar earlier this month, played 55 matches over three seasons with Central Coast, including last Sunday’s A-League Grand Final against Newcastle Jets.

“I’m happy to be coming back to my home town and I’m looking forward to the next two seasons,” Pondeljak said.

“There’s a good bunch of boys from what I hear and there’s a good mix of youth and experience, so it’s going to be exciting stuff.

“I’ve got a young family now, so we were just waiting for an opportunity and it’s come along, which is great.

“I’ve always wanted to play football in Melbourne, so coming back to play for Victory is a huge bonus.”

Pondeljak, who made his debut for the Qantas Socceroos in 2002, overcame a knee strain to represent Central Coast at this year’s Grand Final and was also part of the Mariners side that contested the inaugural A-League Grand Final against Sydney.

He added: “It was disappointing to get into a second Grand Final and not win it, but I’m at Victory now so I’m looking to reach another Grand Final and win one.”

Victory also confirmed they had extended Nick Ward's contract for 12 months.

Ward, 22, was recruited to Victory from English side Queens Park Rangers last December, scoring his first goal against Wellington Phoenix in Round 20.

“Nick’s been a fantastic addition to our squad and we’re delighted to sign him for a further 12 months,” Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said.

“He’s an exciting box to box midfielder that plays with great energy and enthusiasm and loves to score goals.

“He’s progressing really well since his groin surgery and we’re looking forward to seeing him in action in the AFC Champions League and the Hyundai A-League.”

Ward said he was delighted by the deal.

“I like Melbourne, it’s a beautiful city and I feel at home here,” Ward said.

“It should be good for me to get games under my belt and to carry on from the AFC Champions League into the A-League, which will be good for my groin as well.

“All the physios and Adam Basil, our Strength and Conditioning Coach, have been amazed with my progress.

“I’m ahead of schedule and I should be joining in training a little bit tomorrow, so hopefully that goes well and then I’ll be on my way to play at Telstra Dome on March 12.”