Championship winning defender Josh Rose is in the capital to support his son, Jai, take on the under-10 division.

"It's something he looks forward to all year, he talks about it at home and it's something where he can get away with his friends and have a good week," said Rose.

"He does alright, he's still only eight to nine so it's a good challenge for him this week to play against some good quality teams."

Canberra's relationship with the Central Coast Mariners will kick-off this year for two preseason matches in September, as well the Remembrance Round clash with Wellington Phoenix in November and another against defending champions Adelaide United early next year.

Rose said two homes are better than one and he was looking forward to playing in front of a loud crowd at Canberra Stadium.

"It's fantastic," he said. "To have a couple of games here it's something we look forward to and hopefully we can get a good crowd and hopefully a few wins.

"It's a fantastic stadium, so we look forward to playing there. The pitch will be fantastic and to get away from home is always good."

Despite the side finishing on the bottom of the table last season, the A-League's strict salary cap ensures the competition remains competitive. And with a number of squad changes to champions Adelaide, recruit Jake Adelson is excited to see how the new Mariners perform.

"We're looking forward to seeing what the squad brings this year," he said. "I'm keen to see what [Mickael] Tavares brings to the table in the midfield. I've seen him at training and he looks so calm on the ball and I think he's going to be a massive difference to our squad this year."

Mickael Tavares joined the Mariners alongside his cousin and fellow former Sydney FC player Jacques Faty. The pair were influential for the Sky Blues in their Grand Final appearance last year and should help the coastal side push back up the ladder.

And hopefully they enjoy their trips to the capital as much as Rose and Adelson.

"It's always good to come down to Canberra," said Adelson. "People are always welcoming and it's lovely."