Finkler ready to survive A-League heat

Elegant and composed on the ball and with a killer pass, the 27-year-old Brazilian has found himself under tackling siege in his three matches to date.

Finkler believes Australian referees are more lenient than in South America, where he has played most of his football.

But while he has found that the biggest difference, Finkler is confident he can adjust quickly to the pace and extra physical attention of the Australian game.

"First 30 seconds - welcome to the A-League," Finkler said of a Melbourne Heart tackle which clattered around his ankles soon after kick-off in week one.

"It's quite different from Brazil. Physically, it's very strong here.

"I'm trying to improve as soon as I can here to fitting in the A-League. Next game I will get better, and better and build.

"I must try to think a little bit earlier (when on the ball), and this is one thing I've got to improve.

"The referees are quite different as well. There are a lot of free-kicks in Brazil (compared) to Australia and England."

After playing well a fortnight ago in the win against Adelaide United, Brazilian Finkler missed the Victory's loss to Newcastle Jets last weekend with a groin problem.

But he's confident he will line up in the Victory's home clash with Wellington Phoenix next Monday night.

Finkler is impressed with coach Ange Postecoglou's attitude to playing football - the expansive passing game suiting Finkler and fellow South American attacker Marcos Flores.

And he believes the Victory will improve and grow once it gets to grips with what the coach demands.

"Ange's way is the right way to win the league. We must hear him and do what we need to on the pitch."