IT’S a case of friends reunited as A-League champion Adelaide United’s local contingent returns to the track this week.

South Australian under age stars Marc Marino, Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk cut their teeth with Melbourne City but have reported for duty under Guillermo Amor at Coopers Stadium this week.

Marino and Garuccio endured City’s semi-final mauling at Coopers Stadium and got a first-hand glimpse of how close mate Mauk had bloomed under master coach Guillermo Amor following a January transfer.

“I came on in the 60th minute and it was tough to do anything. They were well structured and hard to break down,” said Marino, recalling the 4-1 loss that doubled as a ninth and final game for City.

“Seeing Stefan go from City was a bit sad but he took his opportunity very well and is now in the Socceroos. It is just good signs for other young players coming to Adelaide and hopefully we can do the same.”

The post-championship departures of Craig Goodwin (Sparta Rotterdam), super sub Pablo Sanchez, Bruce Kamau (Melbourne City) and loan striker Eli Babalj (AZ Alkmaar) set up a cherished homecoming for Marino, Garuccio and Ryan Kitto from Newcastle Jets.

“I enjoyed myself at Melbourne City and obviously had a few injuries, so it was tough for me to get a lot of game time there but it was good towards the end of the season,” said Marino, who left Adelaide at 16 for Melbourne.

“I thought I came back into it well, got some games in and can’t wait to get started at Adelaide.

“It was a massive thing not just coming home but there is opportunity. I am a natural No.9 but will play any attacking position, confident in myself.”

Kamau ignited under Amor and slotted Adelaide’s opener in the grand final win against Western Sydney Wanderers but will line-up at AAMI Park next season. Marino covets his shot at guidance by Barcelona legend Amor.

“Obviously you can tell a lot of young boys did well last season so he is willing to give opportunity as long as they are putting in the work. Hopefully I can show him what I have got and get some game time,” said Marino.

Tapping the wisdom of Bruce Djite is also paramount for Marino with the striker front and centre in the 20-year-old’s early A-League memories of Hindmarsh.

“I remember when he first came. I went to all the games and he’s still scoring. I can’t wait to learn off him,” said Marino.