Melbourne Heart is a step closer to finalising its inaugural A-League squad after signing duo Aziz Behich and Ante Tomic.
Behich, a former Melbourne Victory youth team skipper, has signed on a seven-week-deal as an injury replacement for Socceroo Kristian Sarkies whilst Tomic joins the Heart from NSW Premier League side Sydney United.
An impressive trial period for Behich included games against English Premier League side Everton and fellow A-League teams Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar and the 19 year-old showed enough to convince Heart coach John van 't Schip he was worth signing up.
"We are very pleased to give him (Behich) another opportunity at the elite level. One of the great benefits of more professional clubs in Australia is the greater opportunities it gives to young players to stay in the sport during their important development years."
"Ante and Aziz have proved themselves to be excellent talents and trainers throughout their time at the Club, and I feel they will certainly add an extra dimension to our squad."
Skoko told Sportal last week that the experienced players amongst the Heart squad are taking a hands-on role in the development of the youth and this was re-inforced by van 't Schip.
"With youth a key focus of the Club's philosophy, we are pleased to have signed such promising youngsters. They are very raw talents that we are confident can develop into exceptional professionals while working with the likes of Simon Colosimo, Josip Skoko and John Aloisi."
Behich was a second-half substitute in last year's dramatic A-League Grand Final against Sydney FC and played a part in the Melbourne Victory's 2010 Asian Champions League campaign.
Tomic, an exciting winger, spent last year playing in Sydney United's youth system and was spotted by then Sydney United coach Ante Milicic. After Milicic joined Heart as an assistant coach, Tomic was always on the radar for the Heart and they are delighted to have signed him.
The signing of the duo caps off an exciting week with famous singer Bon Jovi announced as the Heart's No.1 international ticket holder. Bon Jovi has paid for four premium memberships to Heart home games and will donate the seats to football fans who don't have the financial means to watch the A-League.
Melbourne Heart open its season with a home match against the Central Coast Mariners on August 5.