Victory, who were held to a goalless draw by Wellington Phoenix in midweek following last Sunday's 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar, toiled hard but rode their luck for their point in Townsville.

Merrick said his side mentally prepared well for the Fury match despite their busy week.

"It was a tough three matches and we have spoken about two aspects of physical fatigue and mental fatigue and I think the boys mentally really got themselves up," he said.

"It was obvious fatigue when we are facing eight, nine set plays against us but yet the Fury didn't look like they were going to score.

"The boys ground it out really well, our defence was terrific, our midfield was rock solid but that final pass was not going to work for us up front."

Melbourne, who are fourth on 10 points, next travel to the Hunter Valley to face the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.