“It wasn’t a game for the purists that’s for sure,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com after the second round pre-season cup match.

“The guys ground out a result and for a side that’s known for playing attractive football I’m happy they showed they can do that. The mentality was good.”

A goal in the 51st minute to midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse won the game for the visitors in front of an estimated crowd of almost 9000.

The win puts Newcastle into second spot in group A of the pre-season cup one point behind leaders Perth on four points.

Van Egmond was less complimentary about the surface at Skilled stadium, Geelong – home to AFL leaders the Cats.

“The pitch was quite heavy. While it’s good to take the game to fans in regional centres, it wasn’t what we’re used to playing on in the A-League.”

The Jets’ coach however wasn’t about to write off Melbourne even though they sit bottom of the group with just one point.

“They’re going to be a benchmark. They’ll be right up there,” he said.

The Jets made a spritely opening, placing Melbourne on the back foot as the forward combination of Joel Griffiths and Scott Tunbridge tormented the Victory rear guard with their darting runs and quick one-touch passing.

And it was the away side who conjured the first scoring chance as Mark Bridge capitalised on a Ljubo Milicevic error, bursting through the defence before playing a splendid through ball to the oncoming Griffiths.

But the fringe Socceroo was unable to apply the finish, striking into the grateful arms of Eugene Galekovic.

Playing in an unfamiliar striking role, Joe Keenan displayed his versatility as he used his speed to great effect, linking effectively with the Victory midfield.

With a swift flick of the hips, Keenan almost snatched the lead for his side, turning past his opponent before firing a strike into Ante Covic.

However, a defensive mix-up between home-town hero Adrian Leijer and Galekovic almost resulted in a Newcastle goal late in the first half, but Griffiths was again unable to take advantage, toe-poking his shot wide.

Following the break, Melbourne were a rejuvenated unit, with the introduction of on-loan Benfica player Kaz Patafta altering the course of the match.

Patafta's intricate link play with Kevin Muscat and Leigh Broxham left the Jets flagging, although the side were unable to convert its possession dominance with Danny Allsopp heavily marked by Adam Griffiths and Andrew Durante.

Allsopp was able to break free from their stranglehold in the 48th minute, but he was only able to unleash a rocketing strike that sailed metres high.

But three minutes later, Newcastle broke through for a stunning opener as Wheelhouse bundled home from close range.

After a scramble in the penalty area, the ball fell to Tunbridge, who pressed against the by-line, threaded a low ball across the face of goal, leaving the youngster with the simple task of applying the finish.

However, on the hour mark, the stadium was a buzz with an aura of anticipation, transforming the atmosphere markedly, as Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez entered the fray for his long awaited first appearance in Victory colours,

Although clearly lacking match fitness, Hernandez made an instant impression, launching a trademark thunderbolt from long range which failed to test Covic.

Delegated his favoured playmaker role behind Allsopp, the former LD Alajulense star displayed brilliant awareness and a stunning first touch, constantly turning defenders inside out while bringing his team mates into the play.

However, it wasn't Hernandez who came closest to securing a deserved equaliser but trial player Daniel Vasilevski, whose audacious 30-yard pile driver fizzed just wide.

"Hernandez is going to be a talent,” noted Van Egmond. “He looks a bit underdone but you can tell, he sees things early and is a good passer.”

Newcastle should have its own South American flair with Argentine winger Jorge Drovandi due to arrive this week, according to Van Egmond.

Another signing is expected the following week and midfield fulcrum Stuart Musialik is also due back very soon.

A marquee player is still something the club is looking at although Van Egmond wasn’t keen on fuelling speculation on that player’s identity.

The Jets will take on Adelaide United in Adelaide next Friday night.

Additional reporting by Simon Chiarelli.