To see today's training session...

Popovic has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring niggle to feature against Wellington Phoenix in the Pre-Season Cup tomorrow night and then he can't wait for the real action to begin.

The 35-year-old admits it's been a long pre-season but has hailed the work structure put in place by coach John Kosmina.

Popovic said: "We've got all the hard work behind us now and the players are really looking forward to the first match against Melbourne.

"Kossie's coached a few pre-seasons here before so he knew how to structure the pre-season to help some of us older guys. It's worked really well. I feel strong and fit. Now it's just about getting some match fitness before the first game."

An extended A-League will shorten the break between campaigns and Popovic said: "That will come in time. When it expands it will be better for everyone."

As he prepares for his second season with the club, the experienced defender knows Sydney FC are being tipped to finish top of the pile.

He said: "Obviously there's high expectations in Sydney and that's how it should be.

"We have to cope with it. We should enjoy that tag. We should be one of the top teams every single season.

"With the players that have come in, we're expected to win it and probably be favourites and probably rightly so. But that's all on paper.

"We've got to go out and produce each game each week and show that that tag was right."

To see today's training session...