To see Melbourne Heart training today...

 

With high profile coach Graham Arnold at helm for the first time in the A-League, the Mariners take on competition newcomers Melbourne Heart and are desperate for a winning start to kick off a new era for the club.

The match is the first stage of the Mariners long road to redemption after a miserable end to last year's campaign.

Combative midfielder John Hutchinson said the failures of last season still hurt.

"The way we finished last year wasn't good enough, things fell apart," Hutchinson said.

While several new players have come into the squad since the final game of last season, Hutchinson said the disappointments of season five will inspire the club to improve this year.

"As players we have to take responsibility for that and make sure it doesn't happen again," Hutchinson said.

"We needed a bit of a freshen up and that's what has happened."

"We've got a new coach, new players and there's plenty of competition for spots."

It is that competition for spots that Hutchinson believes will be a key factor in the Mariners charge.

Up front four players are battling for two spots, while Hutchinson is one of several jostling for berths in Arnold's midfield.

"That's the way it should be," Hutchinson said.

To see Melbourne Heart training today...