Thunder set up the win with two first-half goals, and was cruising towards victory before a late Melbourne goal set up a grandstand finish. Despite being down a player thanks to a red card midway through the second half, Melbourne scored from a corner and increased its pressure on Thunder.

Dandenong coach Stuart Munro said the result was a good start to the season and he was happy with the performances of several key players.

"Obviously at home [and being] the first game, it was important to start the season with a win," he said.

"It will be a different season this year because of our success last year; there will be teams gunning for us."

Munro said goalkeeper Stuart Webster was very important and made several important saves.

He was also impressed with the efforts of midfielder Ryan Davidson and Aron Wilford, who were "very solid" in defence.

Thunder will face Hume City in an away fixture on Saturday night, and Munro expected a difficult game.

"They are a very solid team."