Michael Thwaite is excited about the upcoming A-League season as he embarks on a new journey with a new club.

The former SK Brann and Melbourne Victory defender says he is delighted to be a part of Australian football history as he enters the first season with new franchise Gold Coast United.

"It's the chance to create something very special from the ground up," said the 25-year-old.

"We need to develop a culture of our own, it's not about copying Melbourne Victory or anybody else for that matter.

"Melbourne are the benchmark but we have to build our own structure. It will be very important to turn Skilled Park into a fortress."

Thwaite is looking forward to getting out onto the pitch before the season proper and hopes the squad coheres well.

"It will be vital to play as many games as possible in the build-up to the season to gel the team. We're obviously coming in cold and we'll have to hit the ground running when the season starts," added Thwaite.

"That way we will quickly learn a lot about the character of the team.

"Despite the fact we have some big names, the depth of the squad is going to be what determines our future."