The 33-year-old France-born midfielder is a key signing for the Mariners who finished well adrift in bottom spot last season with a record 20 defeats.

To make matters worse after their nightmare season, coach Tony Walmsley was sacked less than two months out from their opening game of the season too.

Tavares insisted the playing group, under new boss Paul Okon, was feeling good and optimistic about moving beyond last season.

“The morale is good. Everybody is happy,” Tavares said.

“That’s like the mentality of the club. It’s more like a family. Everybody is together and on the same page.

“The past is the past. Now we have a new team and a new spirit.

“I think it’s going to be different to last year.”

The Mariners open the new season away to Perth Glory who have recruited well in the off-season. Despite that, Tavares sniffed an upset.

“We’re very confident,” the ex-Sydney FC man said. “We had a good pre-season.

“The new coach came with a good philosophy and everyone sticks to the plan so I don’t see why we shouldn’t play good or win this game.”