George Blackwood proved the difference at Hindmarsh, as Adelaide's plucky defence and direct style reaped havoc on the Big V.

"I saw the ball coming in and I just wanted to attack it," Blackwood said. "Hopefully we can keep putting good balls into the box, I'll score more headers."

The loss is the latest in a series of poor performances for Kevin Muscat's side, which despite boasting phenomenal A-League firepower, have cast a few doubts on their Grand Final hopes since their Big Blue loss and subsequent thrashing at the hands of Guangzhou Evergrande.

The loss scraps Victory's hopes of a top-two finish, handing that privilege to Sydney FC, but it's a little more crucial for Adelaide United who win two matches in a row at home against the Victory for the first time since 2006.

They're now in prime position to afford themselves a home final, four points clear of Wellington Phoenix. 13,000 Reds fans home happy, perhaps not for the last time this season.

"I think always against Victory it's a battle before you can play football - you have to be strong in every 50/50 challenge," Craig Goodwin said.

This time was more of a battle then last time, I think we lacked the final ball. But in the end we got the goal with Georgy and it puts us in a great position, you know it's a massive result for us.

"We knew we had to keep the same intensity. They had chances, nothing really clear cut, but we kept good, it was a great finish, (Blackwood) had a great game today. That kind of goal was something we've missed this season."

Goodwin was keen to praise Blackwood's influence, who missed a portion of the season with the latest in a series of injuries.

"It changes our game, gives us an extra outlet," he said. "If he can keep banging in goals we'll be a threat."