The Mariners' defence copped criticism at the end of the last campaign with a series of defeats seeing the club exit the A-League finals early before a winless run in the Asian Champions League.

But McKinna is adamant he has the players to get the job done against defending champions Victory in Round 1.

New signing Chris Doig has struck up a strong partnership in central defence with skipper Alex Wilkinson.

Doig has plenty of experience in the top three tiers in England and McKinna has been delighted with how the former Scotland youth international has fitted in on the Central Coast.

The pair will need to be switched on against a star-studded Melbourne front line.

"Chris and Wilko have looked very good together in the pre-season," McKinna said. "We needed improvement in that area and I'm confident they can do the job."

During the final weeks of the last A-League season and throughout the Asian Champions League the Mariners leaked some poor goals and that is an area McKinna has worked hard on during the club's short pre-season.

"We are looking pretty solid at the back," he said. "I think we're in good shape."

A decision on whether Dylan Macallister, who is battling a knee injury, makes the trip to Melbourne will be made on Tuesday.