To see Sydney's post-match celebrations...

To see the fans before, during and after the match...

Melbourne are yet to beat Sydney this year and have gone goalless in the past three encounters.

But Merrick is confident his charges can bounce back in Thursday night's major semi-final against the Sky Blues at Etihad Stadium, the return of inspirational skipper Kevin Muscat perfectly timed.

"There is a disappointment in the dressing room but there is also a determination to bounce back from this," he said.

"Our players don't feel as though we were outplayed tonight. We were outscored but we weren't outplayed.

"I think the boys played some great football without finishing it off.

"It would concern me if we weren't creating the goal scoring opportunities but we are. We're creating really good opportunities.

"I don't feel like we're playing bad football against them but we have to start scoring goals against them."

Victory will be without Matthew Kemp, Robbie Kruse and more than likely, Archie Thompson as well.

To see Sydney's post-match celebrations...

To see the fans before, during and after the match...