STAGE one of Graham Arnold's bid to get the Mariners back to the top of the A-League is complete.

The signing of goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan this week ends what has been an extensive recruitment campaign from Arnold.

With his playing roster complete Arnold is focused on team tactics and getting his team ready for round one of the A-League against new club Melbourne Heart in Melbourne on August 5.

"That's it for us at the moment," Arnold said after announcing Vanstrattan's arrival. "Our cap is full with 22 players. I'm more than happy with the squad we've got together. Things are looking good."

Vanstrattan's arrival comes at the perfect time for the Mariners after the departure of Danny Vukovic last month.

Vanstrattan, who just turned 28, has signed a one-year deal with the club. Arnold said Vanstrattan had fitted straight in with the club and would be "up to speed" ahead of the club's match against the Heart.

For Vanstrattan the signing is a great opportunity to return to the coast after many years away. The Terrigal junior spent several years in Italy when contracted to Italian giants Juventus and always followed the progress of the Mariners.

He made 18 appearances for Gold Coast United last year, but is looking forward to again working under Arnold and playing in front of family and friends for his hometown club.

Vanstrattan's first professional contract was with former National Soccer League club Northern Spirit in 1999 with Arnold as coach.

"After hearing about Danny moving on I phoned Arnie and asked him what the situation was" Vanstrattan said.

"I had a verbal agreement with Gold Coast that if something like this came up they wouldn't stand in my way. It was a mutual thing, it's worked out very well.

"I grew up in the area and represented Central Coast in the juniors so it's pretty special for me to now get a chance to play for Central Coast in the A-League.

"It's very exciting."

Former Australian shot-stopper Terry Greedy is a long-time coast resident and coached Vanstrattan at junior level.

"I've always followed his career - it's great to have him back on the coast" Greedy said.

"It's a very good signing. He's got a lot of experience but is still at the peak of his career."

Vanstrattan should get game time when the Mariners tackle Melbourne Victory in Tasmania on Sunday.