A stress fracture to his tibia on the eve of Season 7 forced the talented goalkeeper to watch from the sidelines as his club’s season imploded.

The 25-year-old was out of action for all but the last two games of the campaign – far from the season he was expecting after completing a dream move from Perth Glory.

But he says the experience has left him a wiser and more focused player.

Now with replacement shot stopper Ante Covic signing with new A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers, the Perth native said he’s determined to earn his place as Victory’s first choice keeper.

“I’m really looking to make up for last season and have a good year and hopefully that will lead to some success for the club as well,” Velaphi said.

“Last year I did most of the pre-season and then got a stress fracture that sort of ruled me out for about four and a half months.

“It’s the longest time I’ve been out in my career and as they say, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

“To be in a position where I was watching from the sides was very difficult. It sort of rekindled my desire.

“I knew this was what I wanted to do. I really wanted to work hard so that I could play regularly, that’s what every player wants to do.”

Velaphi credited incoming double championship-winning coach Ange Postecoglou for building a new sense of belief within the club following last season’s disappointing eighth finish.

“Ange has come in, had an overview of everything and looked at things we needed to change,” he said.

“Obviously that starts on the field, but there are things off the field like the boys getting together a bit more as a group.

“The younger guys are getting more involved and the senior guys are sort of passing on their knowledge now which can only benefit the whole group.

“It’s been fantastic. Ange has come in, restructured things a little and everyone’s really taken on board what he has to say and his whole philosophy of football.

“He really looks at every player and wants to improve them which will eventually help the team."

Velaphi said the quality of the squad meant that everyone had to fight for their position.

And while he was more than prepared to battle for his spot, that extended time on the sidelines had broadened his horizons.

“I’ve started doing a small business course and coaching kids,” he said. “Obviously during that period I had a bit more time, especially when the boys were travelling away and I was back here.

“I’ve had a bit more time to look at things outside of football and look beyond the day to day rigours on the field.

“I think that’s been positive. In the end it helps your football to have more balance in your life.”