Thompson snared his sixth goal for the season in the eighth minute and the visitors defended gamely to hold on, with Roar controlling possession and creating a handful of opportunities.

Thompson had a great chance in the opening minute, but Roar then controlled the tempo until Melbourne captain Kevin Muscat's precise dead-ball cross set up the only goal of the match.

Thompson worked his way in front of Brisbane defender Andrew Packer and made the most of the space, powering his diving header past outstretched Roar keeper Griffin McMaster.

The visitors looked to sit back after establishing the lead in what was a physical match.

It proved to be a very difficult assignment.

McMaster did well to keep Nick Ward out in the 40th minute and Evan Berger had a great chance soon after half-time, but aside from those opportunities, Roar did the bulk of the attacking.

The home side looked lively in the opening half, but the introduction of Tommy Oar and Henrique after half-time saw the men in orange become all the more productive.

After making a brilliant save to deny Charlie Miller soon after the break, Victory keeper Mitchell Langerak, starting ahead of regular first-choice keeper Glenn Moss for the first time this season, looked to have finally conceded in the 73rd minute.

Langerak was unable to get to the fall of an Ivan Franjic corner and Roar substitute Josh McCloughan timed his leap perfectly to nod the ball into the back of the net.

Roar's celebrations were soon shelved when referee Ben Williams disallowed the goal, suggesting contact from Brisbane skipper Craig Moore prevented Langerak from competing in the air.

As Victory looked to park the bus in front of goal, Roar continued to apply the pressure and a blitzkrieg of chances resulted.

Sergio van Dijk put Henrique through with a slick ball, only for the Brazilian to shoot inches wide.

Henrique went close once more, Langerak was booked for time wasting while Matt Kemp and Mate Dugandzic also saw yellow, Muscat called in to make a couple of brilliant tackles in one-on-one situations.

Roar's hopes finally dried up when Henrique, starring in his return from a knee injury, was shown a direct red card from Williams for an intentional handball in the 86th minute.

The win, Melbourne's sixth on the road for the season, saw  Victory reclaim top spot on the ladder from Sydney FC, who take on Perth Glory on Sunday.

Aside from Victory coach Ernie Merrick axing Moss, Nick Ward and former Roar winger Robbie Kruse also returned to the starting side as the visitors looked to shuffle the cards.

Kruse was on the receiving end of a few testing challenges against his old club, but nothing compared to the treatment he copped last time the two sides clashed.