While the Socceroos took on then European Champions Greece in Melbourne four years ago, some Aussie fans have been left deflated by the prospect of entertaining the Kiwis, ranked 79th in the world, in the vital World Cup preparation game on May 24.

That view is not shared by Australia's no-nonsense midfield general Grella, who believes the All Whites will be travelling to Melbourne full of confidence after reaching their first World Cup finals in 28 years.

"It is harsh to say that New Zealand are not strong enough opposition for our farewell game," said Grella speaking to Australian FourFourTwo at the World Cup kits launch in London.

"New Zealand have made the World Cup so they have proven they are one of the 32 best nations in the world.

"They will give us a tough match and we better have our wits about us as New Zealand will want to come to Melbourne and try and get a good result."

The Socceroo's Blackburn teammate and New Zealand captain Ryan Nelson was also in attendance at the event to launch the Kiwi kit, and he was in an optimistic mood when discussing his side's chances at the tournament in June.

"Australia caught a few teams off guard in Germany 2006 and hopefully we can do the same in South Africa. We've got a competitive and experienced team with some strikers who can score goals. We'll be an awkward game for anyone we meet at the World Cup," said Nelson.

"We will face three good teams in our group at the World Cup in Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia, but I would take that group over what North Korea have got in Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast."