Melbourne Victory have held North Queensland Fury to an uninspiring 0-0 draw at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
The hosts had the chunk of possession throughout the night and Chris Grossman had several opportunities to find the net but he could not capitalise.
The visitors were a shadow of their reputation and could not muster any quality attack with strike weapon Carlos Hernandez kept on a leash.
The Fury were ambitious with their attack early but lacked all precision to put the ball in the back of the net.
Osama Malik used his backheel to manufacture a half chance for Grossman but he could not turn it into a goal.
David Williams threaded a through ball past heavy traffic in the 27th minute but could not find a target and the ball dribbled past the left post.
The Victory were better organised up front with sustained possession often at the invitation of sloppy defence.
Tom Pondeljak had the best opportunity of the game in the 33rd minute when he streamed forward with support against just two defenders, but his shot was saved by a diving Justin Pasfield.
Rodrigo Vargas maintained the pressure with a header from a cross passing the keeper before it was dug out by Mark Hughes on the goal line.
North Queensland kept the momentum in the second half maintaining the bulk of the possession.
Ufuk Talay showed his frustration with an attempt on goal from midfield and it almost paid dividends until an outstretched Michael Petkovic tipped the ball over the post.
Malik galloped down the left of the pitch and sent a low cross into the path of Grossman in the 60th minute but he was left swinging at air as their best chance of scoring went begging.
Melbourne struggled for possession in the second half except for the odd run against play.
Hernandez snuck a through ball to an open Vargas in the 83rd minute for a chance to steal a win but he was called off-side.
Marvin Angulo sent some nerves through the home fans when he blazed down the right wing in extra time and sent a low cross towards a line of attackers but Hughes cut it off to keep the scores locked.
North Queensland Fury: 0
Melbourne Victory: 0
Crowd 4,922 at Dairy Farmers Stadium