Ognenovski said the past month had been 'hard' but added he was trying to be philosophical about his dad's passing.

"If you are realistic in life then it's hard, but you should understand that it's just part of life and they are forever going to be in your heart and in your mind but obviously you can't hang around forever," he said.

"I've got a young family that keeps me in line and excited about that."

Ognenovski said his father Josif, who succumbed to an 11-month battle with bowel cancer, had provided him with great support without being overbearing.

"He supported me right through my career and once I started playing seniors he watched every game I ever played, he was a big supporter of me," he said.

"He wouldn't comment on the way I played but if I did something stupid he'd tell me but apart from that he always said 'I'm not a coach, I've never played the game so listen to your coaches and make sure you stay as disciplined as you can."

"It was more of what he did as father to shape my character as a youngster growing up. He wasn't a coach or anything like that but what he made me believe and how he brought me up is why I am the person I am today."

Meanwhile Ognenovski said Adelaide United had been really understanding during this tough time.

"The club has been fantastic in that regard. They gave me as much time as I needed to spend with my family and back in Melbourne and I'd like to thank them for that," he said.

"They showed a lot of support in that sense."

Meanwhile Ognenovski said he wanted to play every minute of Tuesday's trial match as he prepares to make his official debut with his new club on April 9.

"I've been away and have come back and I'm training hard and am focused again," he said.

"I've played a game for a month or so but I don't really lose my fitness so fast so I'm back up to speed."

"If I can play the full 90 minutes it'd probably be good and would put me in good stead for the Vietnam game."