Merrick said he was 'bitterly disappointed' after Adelaide's Brazilian import Cristiano's 90th-minute goal gave the Reds a 2-1 win in the opening match of the tournament for both sides.

While he wants his side to perform well in this tournament, Merrick readily admits that the Pre-Season is as much about processes as outcomes and there was a lot for the Melbourne coach to be positive about in a match played in bitterly cold conditions at Aurora Stadium.

"I know we had eight players out, but we expected to win that game and to be honest, I thought the boys did well enough to win it," Merrick said.

"We had three outstanding debuts and we've got three very good players in young Evan Berger, Ney Fabiano and Michael Thwaite, who was rock solid. The move for the first goal was a quality move."

In fact, that first goal, scored in the eighth minute, provided a window into what Victory fans can expect this year, and to what Merrick is so positive about. Danny Allsopp fed Nicky Ward who produced the sort of quality ball which had made him such a sought after player. A quality finish from the Victory's latest Brazilian ensued.

"I'm very, very impressed with him," Merrick said of Ney Fabiano. "His composure under pressure, it wasn't an easy header. He had to work to get to that ball, a diving header, well-directed, good in the air, he hit the cross bar with another one."

The result may not have been the desired one, but considering Melbourne went into the match with just 14 squad players available, Merrick is confident there is more improvement to come.

"I'm fortunate enough to look up my lost and say how can I improve that side? I'm thinking Archie Thompson, Carlos Hernandez, Jose Luis Lopez, Kevin Muscat, Celeski, Broxham, Brebner. I'm thinking that looks pretty good," he said.

"That a huge positive. We played so well, lost in the 90th minute, but have six or seven high quality players to come back in. That's no excuse for losing, we want to win, we want to do well in this tournament, so we are looking forward to Perth next week."

Of those players missing only Jose Luis Lopez is likely to play at Members Equity Stadium, but another positive performance will have the Victory's latest signing feeling his decision to come to Melbourne is well-vindicated.