Thwaite, 25, who represented Brann in the UEFA Cup earlier this year, joins Ney Fabiano De Oliveira, Billy Celeski and Tom Pondeljak as Victory’s key arrivals ahead of the new season.

The versatile defender is set to join Victory on July 1 and will become the club’s seventh player with senior international experience, having made his debut for Australia against Jamaica in 2005.

“It’s very pleasing to be able to bring another Socceroo home, albeit for only a short time at this stage,” Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said.

“He’s big, quick and will do a great job for us in defence. Michael’s quickly becoming a regular Socceroo and he’s a fantastic addition to our squad.

“We’ve now recruited four key players in Michael, Ney Fabiano, Billy Celeski and Tom Pondeljak, which has laid the foundations for a very exciting 2008/09 campaign.”

Thwaite moved to Brann from Polish club Wisla Krakow in January this year and has made four appearances for the Norwegian side, which is currently in the midst of its 2008 Norwegian Premier League campaign.

Thwaite is expected to make his first appearances for Victory in the club’s upcoming trial matches against the Green Gully Cavaliers on Monday, 7 July and the Whittlesea Zebras on Tuesday, 15 July.

Victory open their 2008 Pre-Season Cup campaign against Hyundai A-League rival Adelaide United at Aurora Stadium, Launceston on Sunday, 20 July.