Emily Mogic Photography Emily Mogic Photography

Few people would have put money on the underprepared Melbourne Victory team against last year's runners up.

But no-one told Victory that as they started out with the right pace and great control of the ball, easily keeping possession for more than their fair share of the first 5 minutes. … and then Brisbane woke up.

Tameka Butt created space on the flank and Katrina-Lee Gorry used her speed and skills to great effect causing trouble for the Victory players.  Following a few errors in succession from Tiffany Eliadis, Brisbane Roar eventually scored from a perfectly weighted free kick by Vedrana Popovic in the 18th minute.

Brisbane managed to control the tempo of the game for much of the middle period but didn't really threaten to score again.

Late in the game, Melbourne seemed to find another gear and stepped up the pressure.  Victory's best opportunity came from their newest recruit, international striker Jessica McDonald.  In what would have been a brilliant way to start the season, her 'shoulda been' shot knocked the post and went the wrong way for Victory fans.

Terrible news for W-League and Victory fans with Ashley Brown stretchered off in the second half with what looked to be a knee injury not long after Victory captain Louisa Bisby was also injured and left the game taking no further part.

After two weeks on the road, Brisbane will need to improve if they're to trouble Sydney at home next week.

Melbourne Victory seemed to play well under the new direction of Mike Mulvey but with injuries to key players, they will see their depth tested next week against Newcastle at home.

Best Players for Brisbane - Katrina-Lee Gorry, Amy Chapman, Tameka Butt

Best Players for Victory - Rebekah Stott, Stephanie Catley, Ashley Brown (in the short time she was on the field) and Gulcan Koca.