Tim Cahill's signature has ensured that much of the hype and hoopla around the new A-League season has been centred on Melbourne City.

The Manchester City-owned club won plenty of plaudits for its attacking style and swashbuckling approach last season, when it averaged more than two goals a game.

Melbourne Victory have the most members in the A-League. Credit:Getty Images

But having lived for all of their existence in the shadow of the A-League's biggest club, Melbourne Victory, City badly needs to build on that goodwill and attract more fans to their games.

Whether it's the Cahill effect or a gradual growth of appreciation for the Latrobe University-based team, City are building up their supporter base.