Phoenix and Victory square off at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on Sunday - with kick-off at 2pm (AEST).

The 26-year-old played at the defending champion for two seasons, making 21 appearances in 2005/06 but just five in edition two with the likes of Grant Brebner and Brazilian Fred favoured. That lack of game time was a major factor in Ferrante moving to Wellington on a two-year deal to play at the Hyundai A-League's newest club.

Ferrante has already tasted playing against his former team-mates, being part of the Phoenix side that beat Victory 2-1 in their Pre-Season Cup match at Olympic Park in Melbourne earlier this month.

Having been born in Melbourne, it took a while for Ferrante to adjust to being in the visiting team.

"It was weird. I've never played against an old team before, and it's my old hometown, so that made it even more special," Ferrante said.

"I'm trying to take the focus away [for this weekend's match] from it being against Melbourne. I'm looking at it more that it's Wellington's first game and we want to put on a good show for the home fans - not to mention ourselves."

"It's fantastic for a new club to play against the champions. From day one you get a good gauge of where you are at as a team - and what you need to do for the remainder of the season."

Since arriving in Wellington the players have been put through an intensive training regime to match the level of fitness required to play coach Ricki Herbert's expansive style of game. For Ferrante, the off-field punishment has been worth it.

"It has been pretty intense. We started training a little bit later than everyone else but I think Ricki and the coaching staff have done a fantastic job getting us into shape and ready for the season.

"He does play a quite intense brand of football which is good. I think we're going to surprise a few people this year."

Ferrante is relishing the challenge of contesting for a starting position at the Phoenix given Herbert has signed a stack of quality midfielders including captain Ross Aloisi and Brazilian Daniel.

"I didn't come to Wellington expecting to start every game because we've assembled a great squad here. It does give me a chance to play more football … Hopefully my form in pre-season has put me in good stead to play a lot of games this year."

Ferrante is keeping his personal goals simple this season given the standard of the Hyundai A-League getting more impressive and tougher to play in each year.

"First and foremost I want to play football and do a job for the team. This year, the way Ricki plays and the way the team's been going, I might find myself in and around the box which might let me hit the back of the net a few times," he said.

"This year will probably be a closer year than last year. It's been a revelation really the league so far … and with guys coming back to various clubs it is only going to strengthen the standard and quality of the league."

Sportal