Mauk returned to Adelaide late last year after a stint with Fagiano Okayama in Japan’s second division.

"Stefan is a fighter and he will bring that aggression that we're sort of missing a little bit in the middle of the park," Veart told reporters on Friday.

"And he makes great runs into the box and scores goals - it's something the squad needs.

"We needed to bring someone of the calibre of Stefan into the group, so we're very happy - not just his calibre on the pitch, but off the pitch, his leadership.

"It's going to be a great boost to the squad and it's something that we have needed, especially over the last few weeks."

The Reds have lost first-choice goalkeeper Joe Gauci to English Premier League outfit Aston Villa.

Gauci joins a list of recent Adelaide departures including Craig Goodwin, Kusini Yengi, Mohamed Toure and Steven Hall.

Nestory Irankunda will also leave at season's end for German giants Bayern Munich.

While draining his talent stocks, Veart said it was Adelaide's obligation to progress their players.

"It's something that we have done quite well over the last three or four years and it's something that we are going to keep pushing," he said.

"It's important that we provide that platform for young players to use the club as an opportunity to reach their dreams."

Veart said Adelaide could yet add to their squad for this season, with the club "looking for a couple more" players.

"We're a club that sticks to a certain budget," he said.

"We have got a lot of young players here and have got to be mindful that we're not blocking their pathways as well.

"It's a balancing act. It's a difficult one at times, but we're still looking to strengthen the squad." 

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