Joe Lolley is the headline addition to the Newcastle Jets, joining former Sydney FC teammates Patrick Wood and Alex Grant.
Thirteen players departed during the off-season, including striker Lachie Rose, now at Dundee United, Clayton Taylor, who joined Barnsley, and Eli Adams, who moved to Gamba Osaka.
Captain and goalkeeper James Delianov said the defending A-League Men premiers wanted more silverware. "Bring more trophies," he told AAP.
The Jets face Central Coast in an F3 derby on Saturday, less than a fortnight after the Knights lost 19-18 to the Sydney Roosters in the NRL grand final.
Delianov said Newcastle's response to the Knights' run to the decider had inspired the Jets, with fans waiting in the rain for the team bus and commemorating the season with tattoos and painted houses.
"We were obviously supporting them. It was amazing to see just sporting fans here in Newcastle come together," Delianov said.
"It's definitely motivated us to give those fans something to cheer about over the summer. It is a rugby league-first kind of city, but we're happy to take on that challenge."
Under former Socceroo Mark Milligan, the Jets won their maiden Premier's Plate in front of sold-out crowds last season, but lost a semi-final to Sydney FC on penalties.
Delianov praised the experience of Lolley, Wood and Grant, saying the squad had a balance of older players and young talent.