Two Heart players made 26 appearances for the Red and White last season; experienced duo Clint Bolton and Matt Thompson, while Michael Marrone made the most appearances for the Club last campaign, featuring in 28 matches.

Heart’s new 22-year-old signing GolGol Mebrahtu made 26 appearances for Gold Coast United between 2009 and 2012.

Heart attracted crowds in excess of 26,000 on two occasions last year, with the Club’s first Melbourne Derby against Victory enticing 26,579 to AAMI Park in round 12.

Heart won the match 3-2 on 23 December 2011, thanks to a double from Matt Thompson and a single from Alex Terra.

When Heart played Victory in round 20, a crowd of 26,395 turned out to witness a 0-0 draw on February 4.

Heart’s winger David Williams was born on 26 February 1988 (age 24), while Fred made 26 appearances for Major League Soccer club D.C. United in 2007.

Melbourne Heart’s youth team accumulated 26 points during its National Youth League campaign last season, in its 18 matches.

Heart will take on Western Sydney Wanderers on 26 January next year at Parramatta Stadium.