New A-League club Melbourne Heart have started off on the right foot with player welfare in regards to Kristian Sarkies. The Adelaide United and former Melbourne Victory midfielder had his leg broken in a horror tackle in a National Youth League game in Adelaide last weekend.

Sarkies has signed with Melbourne Heart for their inaugural 2010/2011 Hyundai A-League season and because he is expected to miss over 6 months while he recovers from his broken leg, his new contract could have been at risk.

But according to players at Adelaide United, as soon as the news broke that Sarkies had sustained his career -hreatening injury, officials from Melbourne Heart called the 23-year old to reassure him that they would welcome him with open arms and honour their agreement.