Melbourne Victory have scraped over the line against Canberra United, narrowly notching a 2-1 victory in front of an elated home crowd thanks to strikes from Victory new signing Kristen McNabb and Natasha Dowie.

After the Victory launched to an early lead from a perfectly timed McNabb header, Canberra talisman Michelle Heyman was on hand to equalise – her powerful effort from the edge of box leaves her even on one goal with fellow national team stars Kyah Simon, Sam Kerr and Katrina Gorry after the first round.

It wasn’t to last though, Dowie scoring from very similar circumstances to open her account and give Melbourne the perfect start to the season at Epping Stadium.

Equally impressive to her more distinguished counterparts was the debut performance for Victory fifteen-year-old Kyra Cooney Cross, her quick dribbling and athleticism making her one to watch for this, and many seasons to come.