Melbourne Victory's new signing Callum McManaman scored a stunning debut goal but it was not enough to prevent a home defeat.
Alessandro Diamanti's love for the game burns as bright now as when he was a''ragazzo''in Italy. But it's not all positives for Western United on the eve of the season.
League chiefs have been working frantically to reschedule the fixture list to be announced Tuesday,while Victory won't have to undergo a nightmare Christmas quarantine.
Robbie Kruse is back in training,running and changing direction. But Victory's Socceroo veteran confirmed he won't be ready for the season start.
Melbourne Victory have advanced to the knockout rounds of the competition for just the second time in their history,after beating FC Seoul 2-1.
Melbourne Victory have received an Asian Champions League lifeline thanks to a Thai club,while Western United make a''massive coup''in signing a Spanish midfielder.
Victory,who normally have well over 20,000 members,are set to have to ration attendance even if restrictions ease over the next month.
Western United wants to play six matches at AAMI Park but Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City are blocking the request.
Patrick Kisnorbo was a warrior as a player but his lengthy apprenticeship within the City group as a coach has given him a more sophisticated outlook.
Melbourne Victory could be close to augmenting their European contingent with another ex-Premier League striker.
Melbourne Victory have brought talent and leadership to the dressing room by completing a deal to sign former Wigan,West Brom and England junior international.