The Tony Popovic era at Melbourne Victory has started on a high note with stand-in captain Roderick Miranda proving the unlikely hero in a dramatic 1-0 win over Western United.
Miranda headed Victory in front in the 76th minute but United captain Alessandro Diamanti was contentiously denied a penalty in the 82nd in front of 8,120 fans at GMHBA Stadium.
Both teams, under new coaches Popovic and John Aloisi respectively, had significant off-season overhauls and it was reflected on the field.
Eight of Victory's starting XI were new recruits, with Chris Ikonomidis and Jason Davidson among the seven making their club debuts.
Western United named the same starting line-up that beat Newcastle in their FFA Cup play-off, with five new recruits, including Swiss defender Leo Lacroix, featuring.
Portuguese centre-back Miranda was handed the armband after new captain, fellow recruit Josh Brillante, missed the clash through injury.
Brillante picked up a hamstring niggle late in the week and after a fitness test on Saturday morning, the club opted not to risk the 28-year-old.
After an end-to-end first half that delivered moments of excitement without scoreboard reward, the game kicked up a notch in the second half.
Victory had a handball penalty appeal waved away in the 51st minute, while United's Connor Pain hit a shot straight at Ivan Kelava in the 56th.
Nineteen minutes later, the goal arrived in style.
Jake Brimmer whipped in a lovely corner to the near post and Miranda rose highest to beat United goalkeeper Jamie Young with a well-placed header.
Seven minutes later, Diamanti took on Davidson and went down in the area after the Victory defender appeared to catch him with his back leg.
But no penalty was forthcoming and Victory held on to secure all three points.
