Michael Thwaite's early goal condemned Glory to a 1-0 loss at Members Equity Stadium but Mitchell was not too downhearted.

He said: "Obviously it is disappointing to lose the game but we’ve learnt a lot from that performance.

“We wanted to play a few players in different positions and it probably did interfere with our cohesion but this is what the pre-season competition is about for us and I know we can improve significantly,” said Mitchell.

The lively James Robinson and Jimmy Downey were the pick of Glory’s midfield quartet in a generally low-key first-half. Robinson was typically industrious while Downey worried his marker with searing pace down the right flank.

Mitchell said: "Melbourne defended very well and gave us limited opportunities.

“Eugene (Dadi) and Adrian (Trinidad) tried hard but we weren’t fluid into attack and the service we provided into that area wasn’t as pin-point as I know we can be."

Perth’s players and coaches will now look ahead to their next match against Adelaide in Mount Gambier where Mitchell is confident the lessons learned from tonight will be put into practice.

“Adelaide is a tough side and that’s great as we continue to increase our workload. From my point of view it wasn’t too bad tonight and come the season we’ll be up to the challenge," said Mitchell.