Heart still growing according to Garcia

Heart wilted in the 30-degree temperatures and pressure from joint ladder leader Perth Glory in its last outing as it fell 2-0.

Heart recruit, Australia midfielder Richard Garcia, who spent the past 15 years playing in England, said the conditions took their toll.

"The weekend was a bit of an eye-opener but other than that it's been pretty good," the 30-year-old said.

"I'm not used to that heat, I don't think anyone is but it's part and parcel of the league so I've got to get accustomed to it."

Garcia, who has 14 international caps and was part of the Socceroos set-up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, said the A-League was comparable to England's second-tier Championship.

"It's good, it's a very competitive league and it's a bit like Championship in that everyone can beat everyone so you've got to be pretty consistent in how you perform.

"That's probably the main thing I've noticed."

Heart opened the season with a thrilling 2-1 win over cross-town rival Melbourne Victory and has since been forced to settle for draw and a loss to Perth.

"We're still growing as a team, there's around been eight players who have joined this team and we're still getting to know each other," Garcia said." "The good thing is that we're growing in the right way."

He said newly-recruited midfield star Vince Grella wasn't ready to make his debut for the club however skipper Fred was expected to play after overcoming an eye injury which forced him off against Perth.

Veteran defender Simon Colosimo is back for the Sunday afternoon home clash after serving his one-match ban.

Garcia said the Mariners' exciting 19-year-old midfielder Tom Rogic was one player to watch out for.

"He's going to be a danger for them but they've got a good attacking force no matter who they put in.

"Their recent history proves that they're a good team and they've got a good squad and we're going to have to be very wary of them."