Victory lost 1-0 in a match that saw tempers fray on a couple of occasions following clashes.

Despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline, Merrick was still feeling positive.

"There was a lot of feeling in the game and we got out of it exactly what we wanted and it was great to see a team like Boca come over and be very serious about winning a game,'' Merrick told reporters.

"We were particularly happy with the intensity in the second half. This is the best way to prepare for the league."

After a slow start in the first 45 minutes, Merrick was delighted that it was only a lack of polish in the final third that prevented his side from at least forcing a draw.

"I was very happy with having a game like that," he said.

"I thought in the first half it was a bit like a pre-season game and the boys were a little bit nervous. But we still created a chance with Mate Dugandzic and Marvin Angulo.

"But they took their goal well, a bit of a mistake, a back pass (and their) striker finished under a lot of pressure, (he) finished well.

"But in the second half we started to get into a rhythm, (there were) some good passages of play from both teams."

Despite having most of his squad settled for the new campaign, Merrick admitted the Victory are still short a forward.

"I think we need a striker in our team but I was pretty happy creating four chances and we didn't put any of them away," said Merrick. "But it was good to see us create those.

"It's a thing that we're well aware of... it would be ideal to have another striker there's no doubt about it."

Defender Adrian Leijer added he was delighted to return to action as the Victory try to atone for last season's Grand Final defeat.

"Obviously it was hard to take last year and personally for me it's spurring me on a lot," he said.

"So to get out there tonight, first real hit-out of pre-season was exciting and everyone was really looking forward to it.

"We've been training very hard and there's only so much you can do in training so to get out there and put it into a real game against a quality opposition like Boca was great for us and it will help us a lot heading into Round 1."

Victory begin their A-League season with a clash against current champions Sydney FC.