The Fury, who toiled hard for the victory in front of crowd including Federal Sports Minister Kate Ellis MP, had a second-half Gareth Edds penalty saved, before Casey's decisive intervention.

The first-half was a keenly contested affair as players from both sides pushed their case to be considered for a starting berth in Week 1.

Despite plenty of end to end action, the closest either side came in the opening 45 minutes was when the Fury's Chris Grossman broke loose on the counter in the 38th minute, but he could not capitalise on the chance as it remained nil all at the break.

Adelaide's short-term signing Cameron Watson was given his first run as he was introduced for Adam Hughes at the start of the second-half.

Keen to impress in front of their home fans, the Fury continued to probe forward after the break and in the 61st minute they were awarded a penalty when Reds defender Nigel Boogaard brought down Isaka Cernak.

However, despite making just his first appearance of the pre-season, Eugene Galekovic proved he was still at the top of his game as he reeled off a fine save from Edds' spot kick to keep scores level.

As both teams searched for an opening goal, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 70th minute when Casey launched a shot from 25 yards that managed to beat Galekovic.

Adelaide boss Rini Coolen, taking charge of the Reds for just the second time, brought on young trialist Bradley Norton and Inseob Shin soon after but they could not inspire the Reds to an equaliser as the Fury held onto their lead to the final whistle.

Match Details
North Queensland Fury 1 (Casey 70')
Adelaide United FC 0
Referee: Chris Beath
@ Brolga Park

North Queensland Fury squad: 1.Justin PASFIELD (gk), 4.Eric AKOTO, 5.Mark HUGHES, 7.Gareth EDDS, 11.David WILLIAMS, 14.Chris GROSSMAN, 15.Chris PAYNE, 16.Simon STOREY, 17.Osama MALIK, 19.Isaka CERNAK, 21.Jason SPAGNUOLO, 2.Jack HINGERT, 8.Adam CASEY, 10.Dyron DAAL, 18.Brett STUDMAN, 20.Matthew HAM (gk)

Adelaide United line-up: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 3.Nigel BOOGAARD, 4.Iain FYFE, 5.Daniel MULLEN, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 8.Adam HUGHES (24.Cameron WATSON 46'), 9.Sergio VAN DIJK, 10.Marcos FLORES (16.Inseob SHIN 70'), 12.Paul REID, 17.Iain RAMSAY (25.Bradley NORTON 64')

Substitutes not used: 30.Nick MUNRO (gk)