Massimo Maccarone (7') and Brett Holman (28') gave a clinical Brisbane Roar a handy two goal lead at the break before Troisi came off the bench to jump-start Victory's fightback.

The Socceroo made a big impact when he entered the fray at AAMI Park just before the hour, and fired off a long range bullet on 83 minutes to reduce the deficit.

But Roar - fielding one of their oldest teams with an average age of 33.4 - held on for the win with a dogged defensive effort while Victory suffered their third straight loss.

Speaking to Fox Sports about his goal, Troisi said: "To be honest I think it's the first time I've shot outside the box this season...I've got a good strike on me when I connect.

"I should do it more often this season. Obvously I'm happy to get the goal but it's another disappointing result and performance."

 

 

It was a tough night for Victory boss, Kevin Muscat, who was booed by the home support. And while Victory started with great intent t was Roar who made their two shots on target count. 

Troisi added: "Most of the time this season we've started really well and then if we don't take opportunities and we let goals in obviously we make it very difficult for ourselves. 

"When you've conceded more goals than you've scored obviously it's not a good thing. What have we got, eight games left? We need to rectify that as soon as possible because it's costiing us."

Victory cranked up the intensity after the break and kept the visitors  pegged back in their own half for large periods. 

Troisi said there was no hard feelings about starting on the bench.

"I respect the boss's decision," he said. "I go about my business exactly the same way every week. I don't change the way I play, I try to stick to a structure - some games it works, some games it doesn't. 

"I'll continue to do the same thing week in week out." 

The result leaves Victory in fifth place on the ladder. Kevin Muscat's men will now have to back up for a tough ACL match against Ulsan Hyundai on Tuesday night.

Roar return to the top six, equal on points with Western Sydney Wanderers who are still to play.