While the forward is delighted to have both men on board - and insists there is a real buzz in training ahead of the big kick off - he feels Roar now boast other missing ingredients that hampered the chances of success last year.

He said: “I think we have stability and some continuity in place now.

"Last year there was a lot of chopping and changing from the (previous) coach, both personnel and formation-wise, and I don’t think that is always helpful.

“The strikers started the season scoring goals but maybe there was too much change and that can upset players.

“It affects strikers when you’re in and out, sometimes in a partnership and sometimes alone, it makes it difficult to establish or build up a rhythm or that partnership.

“I suppose some people may see that as an excuse perhaps, but I’m only saying what I think.

“Melbourne is a good example - Danny Allsopp and Archie Thompson were given time together last season and look how they got on. There was a consistency and they flourished.

“But with the strikers we have here at the club, there's no question we should be capable of scoring goals this season.”

Frank Farina is about to start his first full season as Roar boss and Milicic has been highly impressed with his approach.

He said: “To me, he has a better understanding of this league and the opposition.

"Also, with pre-season he’s had more time to work with the team. And then of course you have the additions in Danny Tiatto and now Craig Moore.

"There is a real buzz in training and we’re all looking forward to the season.”

Milicic, who will miss the weekend's Pre-Season Cup match in New Zealand against Wellington Phoenix, believes this is the season Roar can make the finals series...but sees Sydney FC as the team to beat.

He said: “I think experience is their advantage. On paper I think they have the best starting XI but the players didn’t play to their best last year.

“I think Branko Culina coming in has given those players the new lease of life they needed. They are still looking for a marquee player but have brought in Tony Popovic.

"They have the best keeper in Clint Bolton and they will want to hang on to Mark Milligan and David Carney. Not that’s it’s just about them. You also look at quality players in the likes of Steve Corica and Ufuk Talay.”

And as for last season’s premiers and champions, Melbourne Victory? It will be a case of ‘almost but not quite’ in Milicic’s view.

He said: “I don’t think complacency will be an issue, someone like Kevin Muscat won’t allow it.

"But I think there’s just something about that ‘second’ season which makes it difficult for teams to repeat that success.”

That’s all for the future of course. Roar’s immediate challenge is keeping Pre-Season Cup hopes alive.

Milicic said: “Obviously Wellington Phoenix will be confident after beating Sydney 3-0 last week but good results in pre-season don’t always guarantee success in the league.”

Ante’s full A-League and English Premiership predictions can be viewed in this month’s FourFourTwo magazine, out on August 15.