“To get over 2,000 to the first pre-season warm up match is pretty impressive. I'd heard about the Victory fans before I arrived, and I can see how important they are to the team.

“I was told that for the same fixture last season there were only around 500 or so spectators, so for 2000+ to make the effort shows how much enthusiasm there is for the team. The fans seem very knowledgeable and passionate, and I hope I can become a favourite with them,” the former Chelsea man told au.fourfourtwo.com after last night’s game.

“It was good to finally get on the pitch again, and I really enjoyed the competitive edge that you only get from matches. Once I worked myself into the game I managed to get down the left a few times and put in a few crosses.

“I felt a bit of tiredness in my legs towards the end of the game, but that's to be expected after a long time without a match. I can't wait for the next game now against Oakleigh Cannons next week.”

Victory scorer was Archie Thompson. Thompson produced the highlight of the night after 83 minutes, when he gained control of the ball on the edge of the penalty area before firing a shot that rebounded off the left post and into the net,” reported the club’s website.

The absence of several regulars including Captain Kevin Muscat, Adrian Leijer, Leigh Broxham and Daniel Piorkowski saw Coach Ernie Merrick give an opportunity to the trial players and VIS talents to gain valuable experience with the A-League powerhouse.

“Richmond provided us with a good test. They are halfway through their season in the Victorian Premier League so we couldn't afford to just go through the motions, and we were pleased with the way things went. You can't ask for much more than a clean sheet and a win in your first match, and although performance is always more important than results at this stage, a win is always good for confidence," added Keenan.

As for star signing Lujbo Milicevic, the left sided defender/midfielder says “he played in a defensive holding role and kept things nice and tight in there. His ability in the air is going to be a big asset for us.”