Scottish defender Bob Malcolm says he can't wait to play against Gold Coast United next weekend after putting pen to paper on a one-year deal with Brisbane Roar today while Swiss defender Stephan Keller confirmed a deal with Sydney.

Former Motherwell and Rangers defender Malcolm arrived in Brisbane six weeks ago, proving his worth in pre-season training and matches to join former team mates Craig Moore and Charlie Miller in the Roar squad for the new season.

The 28-year-old said he was delighted to finalise the move and was looking forward to the season opener against the Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on August 8.

"The whole squad is looking forward to it and I think it's a great game to be your first game, playing in a derby match, so I can't wait," he said.

"I've played in a few Old Firm games and I'm sure this is going to be the same sort of atmosphere.

"I spoke to a few of the boys and said we'll get off to a good start this season and hopefully that'll be the stepping stone to go and win the league.

The big Scotsman will wear the No. 16 shirt, previously worn by South Korean import Hyuk-Su Seo.

Malcolm said former Rangers team mates Moore and Miller played a major role in bringing him to the club.

"I went to an agent in Glasgow and spoke to him about the possibility of a move here but it wasn't with Brisbane Roar, it was with a few other teams," he said.

"I phoned Craig to ask about the other teams and he said ‘why don't I speak to the manager and see if you can come here?'.

"He spoke to the manager (Frank Farina) and in the next couple of weeks I was on the plane over.

"Obviously staying with Craig and Charlie helps, but even the first couple of days I came to training the other boys were brilliant as well, so that's helped me settle in easily."

The tough-tackling central defender, who can also slot into a holding midfield role, said he was looking forward to settling into a different lifestyle in Australia with his girlfriend and his dog.

"I was looking for a change," he said.

"Playing in Scotland and England the last couple of years is hard work but I'm looking to come over here and still work hard but in a different style of football, which I'm really looking forward to."

Roar fans will have a chance to meet Bob Malcolm and the rest of the team at this Sunday's free Family Fun Day in the Lake Precinct at Roma Street Parkland, from 10.30am.

Brisbane Roar's season opener against Gold Coast United kicks off at 7.30pm, Saturday, August 8 at Suncorp Stadium.

Meanwhile 30-year old Keller, who has spent the last two seasons with Dutch club, de Graafschap, signed a one year deal with the Sky Blues and is looking forward to the coming campaign.

"Personally I just want to try to give my best football here to Sydney Football Club and as a team I hope we, as the coach wants, have growth (and) improve ourselves week in, week out," explained the three-time Swiss international. "We (Sydney) have a footballing squad with a lot of technical players and this must be our advantage this year."

"I think he (Stephan) is good for the team and teaching the younger (players), especially in central defence," added Coach, Vitezslav Lavicka. "He brings experience, European football culture. I think he can help us to be successful."

After coming off contract in Holland Keller had offers to remain in Europe from clubs in Turkey and Greece but was attracted not only by the culture at Sydney FC, but also by the Australian lifestyle.

"The weather," he joked when asked about why he'd decided to sign. "When I came over here for a trial I was pretty sure my family would live here much better than in a place in Greece or in Turkey."

"The lifestyle, the city of Sydney and the adventure - living far, far away from home. We always thought 700 kilometres would be far away from home, now it's a little bit further."

Keller's signing takes Sydney FC's playing roster to 22 for the 2009/10 season. After wrapping up its pre-season with a Fan Day at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, the club will kick off its campaign next Saturday afternoon in Townsville against competition newcomers North Queensland Fury.