A former Brazil under-20 representative, Fabio Alves Macedo has put pen to paper on a 12-month deal after impressing in recent weeks since leaving Brazilian club Volta Redonda.

Fabio, 26, was a standout in last weekend’s pre-season friendly win over reigning premier Brisbane Roar in Tasmania and Football Director Francis Awaritefe snapped him up.

“Having lost Surat Sukha a couple of months ago, it was a priority of the Football Department to find a high quality replacement and Fabio certainly fits the bill," said Awaritef.

“Mehmet Durakovic and Kevin Muscat thought he had a fantastic game against Brisbane last weekend and we’re very pleased to have him onboard for the upcoming season.”

Stopper Thomas, 19, has just returned home to Australia after a spell with English League 1 club, Sheffield United.

He's signed a two year deal with the two-time A-League champions and will compete with current number 1 Tando Velaphi for the spot between the sticks on gameday.

Awaritefe added: "Lawrence has shown that he’s a young ‘keeper with a bright future and under the tutelage of Steve Mautone we hope he can develop into an outstanding prospect for us in goal.”