Around the Grounds: Kurz makes first new signing at Victory

Marco Kurz has made his first signing as Melbourne Victory boss, appointing Filip Tapalović as his assistant coach.

Kurz played alongside Tapalović, 42, at Bundesliga clubs Schalke 04 and 1860 Munich in the late 1990s and early 2000s, before reuniting at Adelaide United for the last two years.

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Tapalović will join current assistant Carlos Salvachua as support for Kurz, who was appointed new Victory boss last month following the departure of Kevin Muscat.

“I feel lucky and am excited to have this opportunity with Melbourne Victory where I can continue working with Marco,” Tapalović told the club's official website.

“Melbourne Victory is a strong, proud club and I really like what they stand for... it attracted me to the role.

“Marco is a brilliant coach and has a great vision – I look forward to working with him and the rest of the team to bring this to life in the 2019/20 A-League season.”

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Sky Blues get down to business

Melbourne Victory fans, look away now.

Former Navy Blue favourite Kosta Barbarouses was among the majority of Sydney FC players - decked out in the club’s new Under Armour apparel - who officially returned for the start of pre-season training on Thursday.

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New signings Alexander Baumjohann - who will wear No. 5 for the Sky Blues - and Anthony Caceres were also present for day one of the club's Championship defence.

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O’Donovan relishing fast-paced start in Brisbane

If first impressions count for anything, Roy O’Donovan is convinced Brisbane Roar are in for a hugely-improved Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.

The Irish striker - one of 10 new recruits brought in by coach Robbie Fowler so far - says Roar have hit the ground running during week one of pre-season.

“It’s started at 100 miles an hour but that’s good, there’s no time to waste, we’re a new team trying to gel and the hard work started on Monday,” O’Donovan said.

"It's a club that seems to have things together," the former Mariners and Jets hit-man added.

"Definitely infrastructure is very good. They have their own training base which is a big start... they're ahead of the game in that regard - big fan base, big stadium too.

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"But right now it’s trying to get things right on the pitch. The football team, the culture, a new coach and that takes a bit of time to gel.”

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