It could not have been a better start to life as an A-League coach for John Aloisi.

Outfoxing the A-League's best credentialled coach with a perfectly employed battle plan, and upsetting the competition's biggest club and crosstown rivals in front of a huge crowd.

Aloisi's Melbourne Heart left Etihad Stadium on Friday night with three well-deserved points - the 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory the club's first opening round win in their three-season history - and a swagger in their step.

Few had considered Heart and their rookie coach as serious finals hopes.

They'll be reconsidering after Aloisi's clear tactical nous was executed to the letter by his players, some of whom are clearly revitalised under the former Socceroo.

Aloisi said the Heart had heavily rehearsed a high pressing game, hoping to stifle Victory coach Ange Postecoglou's noted passing style.

"The players were getting sick of it at training. Players like to touch the ball and feel the ball, but we had to make sure we did it properly," Aloisi said.

"It was important we won our first game, because the last two years we've started slowly. We needed to get off to winning ways.

"Then the players get confidence from a win, and a good performance. We played well, but we know we can still improve a lot more."

Attacker David Williams, who had a less than impressive first season at Heart, was dangerous throughout with six shots on goal including scoring the opener on 14 minutes.

See the article here:
Aloisi starts coaching career in style