“He's different to Patrick in that he's not a natural left-footer but he's played left-central defence his whole career, and my network of scouts couldn't recommend him highly enough,” Arnold told Fairfax Media. “I was talking to three defenders overall, but most of my Dutch scouts loved Marcel's style. They said he was a really tough, strong player who is right up for the battle. He's also quick and good on the ball, so I'm confident he'll be an important player for us and can fill that gap of experience left by Patrick's exit.”

Seip has split his 14-year professional career between the Netherlands and the lower leagues of England. He spent five years at Heerenveen – participating in back-to-back UEFA Cup campaigns – and five years at Plymouth Argyle, with loan deals Blackpool, Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic in between.

He then spent a season with Bradford City before shifting back to his homeland last year, signing on with Eredivisie side VVV-Venlo. Despite scoring four goals in 22 appearances – an impressive return for a central defender – he couldn't help his side avoid relegation.

Overall, the former Dutch under-20 international has made over 300 club appearances since turning professional in 1999 with Eerste Divisie side BV Veendam.

“With Josh Rose, Brent Griffiths, Zac Anderson and Trent Sainsbury already on board, and with Hayden Morton getting a senior deal, I already believed we had a really strong defence,” Arnold said. “But after speaking with Marcel a few times over the phone, he comes across as someone who wants to come to Australia for the right reasons – to be successful and play in the Asian Champions League.”