The start of the rugby season took its toll on Suncorp Stadium but Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory somehow entertained in difficult conditions for a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.
Brisbane Roar kept possession well in the opening stages of the match but Victory quickly worked their way in to the match and opened the scoring as Archie Thompson crossed to Leigh Broxham who headed home the goal to give the visitors an early lead.
That didn't stop Brisbane who kept attacking, with greater urgency as they looked a continual threat to the Victory defense but were continually denied.
Thomas Broich was able to pull defenders away which allowed Ivan Franjic a solid opportunity only to see his effort deflected away before Jack Hingert crossed for Besarat Berisha whose header was too easy for Nathan Coe.
The counter attack was what provided Victory's most useful opportunities and they went agonizingly close to doubling their lead when Mark Milligan's low effort went marginally wide of the post.
Daniel Mullen was the next to have a chance as he got a shot away from close range only to be denied by a superb Theo save.
In the last chance of the half Marco Rojas played Thompson clean through but he could only find Theo in the Brisbane goal as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in to half-time.
Brisbane came more in to it after the break with Broich having the first effort of the half as he sent his effort over the bar in the 57th minute.
Just before the hour mark Brisbane had an equalizer as Luke Brattan's through ball found Franjic who sprinted to goal and slotted home, nutmegging Coe.
The goal saw Brisbane Roar take firm control of the match as Mitch Nichols shot wide before Coe rushed out to deny Berisha.
Ben Halloran had one last chance, in stoppage time, as he hit a curling strike but again Coe saved the day as the match ended 1-1.
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