Melbourne City have snared Kearyn Baccus after the midfielder agreed a contract termination with Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 27-year-old heads south on a short term injury replacement deal to fill the shoes of injured Scottish attacker Michael Halloran - who suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season.
Baccus was touted as a Socceroos bolter 12 months ago but has since fallen out of favour with consecutive Wanderers managers in Josep Gombau and Markus Babbel.
"Michael O’Halloran has been training well so losing him to injury is unfortunate, but we’ve secured a quality replacement in Kearyn Baccus," Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce said.
"Kearyn will add quality and brings a wealth of experience to the squad, helping to maintain the current tough competition for places."
Baccus will begin training for the club immediately but is unlikely to play in their final friendly against his former club Wanderers in Shepparton on Friday night.
The South African-born midfielder admitted his delight to have a fresh challenge away from the Wanderers - who he played 74 matches for across four seasons.
"I’m excited to have a fresh opportunity at Melbourne City and will be doing all I can to support the team over these next few months," Baccus said.
"I’m here to work hard, develop my game and show the Melbourne City fans what I can do."
Melbourne City open their A-League campaign with a blockbuster derby against Victory at Marvel Stadium on October 20.