In truth it was never in doubt with Adelaide dominating proceedings - they had a mammoth 23 shots in attack - and perhaps should have enjoyed a greater margin of victory.

The impressive McGree opened the scoring with a simple tap in after a rebound off the post from Kristian Opseth’s shot.

The second half brought an intense flurry of action as Victory equalised through the indomitable Ola Toivonen, their captain thrashing a volley high into the net from Robbie Kruse’s accurate cross.

Adelaide then almost immediately put themselves back in front when Michael Maria advanced from his left back position, scurrying into the box and flashing a shot past Lawrence Thomas with the aid of a couple of deflections.

The takes Adelaide into third spot but Victory now find themselves only one point off the bottom of the A-League standings.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo - 6

Izzo was a relatively untroubled spectator in goal and could do nothing to prevent Toivonen’s close-range volley from finding the net.

Ryan Strain - 6.5

Always made himself available from right back and it was his threatening run forward that led to the opening goal.

Michael Marrone - 6

Very solid in defence and also brought the ball forward on occasion.

Michael Jakobsen - 8

The captain’s head was involved always involved at both ends. He should have done better with a few efforts from corners but the towering Dane cleared most dangerous deliveries into his box from Victory.

Michael Maria - 7

One of those full backs who looks more comfortable venturing forward, Maria was caught out by runs in behind but was a constant presence on the left for his side. His brave dribble forward and shot immediately brought the second goal too.

Louis D’Arrigo - 8

The young Australian showed a maturity in possession that belied his age. He always showed for the ball and kept things ticking over well from midfield.

James Troisi - 8

He didn’t disappoint against his former club and was always involved in the thick of the action. An industrious presence who consistently linked the midfield and attack for Adelaide.

George Blackwood - 5

Blackwood took the starting place of the injured Ben Halloran but didn’t grasp his opportunity. He often looked tired and off the pace.

Riley McGree - 9

The man of the match was a dominating figure for Adelaide and arguably should have had a hat trick. His first goal was opportunistic but his second was pure skill as he out muscled his opponent and kept cool to slot under the legs of Thomas.

Nikola Mileusnic - 6

Can’t be faulted for his effort but his touch often let him down in key positions.

Kristian Opseth - 7

The big forward kept the ball extremely well under pressure and linked excellently with his fellow attackers.

Substitutes

Ryan Kitto - 5.5

Brought on and did nothing wrong as his team romped to the win.

Al Hassan Toure - 5.5

Returned from international duty and should be troubling the poor Blackwood for a starting position up front

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas - 5.5

Made some good stops in the first half and has to be commended for keeping the score only at three.

Storm Roux - 4

Looked rusty after his return from international duty. Roux played a lot of aimless long balls that reached no teammate.

James Donachie - 5.5

The strongest member of his defensive unit but that’s not saying much.

Thomas Deng - 4.5

Another who looked weary after the international break. Deng looked uncomfortable bringing the ball out from the back and was awkward both at centre back and right back.

Adama Traore - 4.5

Not his best game at left back and made way in the second half. Traore was beaten by even Blackwood on several occasions.

Brandon Lauton - 6

The young Australian enjoyed a great battle with Maria on the right and found joy getting to the byline several times. It was a shame for Victory when he had to be substituted.

Migjen Basha - 4

Underwhelming yet again in central midfield. His passing was loose and he simply had no vision or creativity.

Leigh Broxham - 5

Fought courageously against the Red tide and put in some tough challenges.

Andrew Nabbout - 5.5

A welcome presence in attack after injury and always looked to make something happen with some surging runs. He’ll only improve further when he gets fully fit.

Ola Toivonen - 6.5

The main man for his team as always. He got an early yellow card for dissent and looked frustrated throughout at having to drop deep to link the play. He took his goal superbly too.

Corey Brown - 4

Offered almost nothing in attack down the left. Brown had no inventiveness and his delivery wasn’t the best.

Substitutes

Tim Hoogland - 3

Almost immediately involved as the defender was outmuscled by McGree who promptly put Adelaide ahead again. He’s not fully fit, it must be noted, but will need to be stronger for Victory.

Robbie Kruse - 6

Another substitute appearance after his cameo last weekend and surely did enough to merit a starting place in the next round. He set up Toivonen’s equaliser with a powerful run and cross and looks to be capable of linking up positively with the Swede.

Elvis Kamsoba - 6

A livewire appearance from the bench. Kamsoba was strong in possession and always hurried his opponents in defence.