IF FIRST impressions are lasting impressions, Melbourne Victory and Nick Ward could be headed for a partnership beyond six months.

Signed to a deal that expires after the first stage of the Asian Champions League, Ward has taken no time impressing Victory officials, who hope the former Perth Glory and Queens Park Rangers midfielder likes Melbourne enough to stay for the next A-League season.

Having played a half off the bench in the loss to Newcastle Jets, Ward played a full game in Monday night's 5-2 away win against Central Coast Mariners, convincing coach Ernie Merrick he is a player to make a difference for Victory.

Merrick rarely lets a day go by without reminding Ward that Victory wants him and needs him and the coach has noticed that Melbourne's infrastructure and facilities have made a favourable impression on the midfielder.

"We've made a great signing with Nick Ward, so now we just have to start trying to extend his contract," Merrick said yesterday.

"All we can do is try to win him over. I think he's been surprised by the set-up and the professionalism of Melbourne Victory.

"We have to try to convince him that this is the right place for him to develop as a footballer and to stay here for a season would help him do that.

"But I think enjoying his football is the best way to retain him."

There is no doubt everyone in the Victory camp would have enjoyed the win against the Mariners as Melbourne posted its best performance of the season, showing what it is capable of in full flight.

With Ward anchoring the midfield with Olyroos teammate Leigh Broxham, and wide man Adrian Caceres causing problems, Victory was able to deliver service to strikers Danny Allsopp, who scored twice, and Archie Thompson, who scored once and won the penalty converted by Kevin Muscat.

It might be considered too little too late at the end of an injury and suspension-riddled season for Victory, which still has a slim mathematical chance to make the finals with three games left.

But the signs were encouraging for the Champions League campaign that starts on March 12.

"Considering how difficult it has been putting a team together, it was good to see it all come together," Merrick said.

"We were finally getting it together and scoring goals. It was a great win and the boys were feeling good about it."

The feeling may not last if Victory does not deal with the task of playing new ladder leader Queensland Roar in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Queensland is looking to bolt down first place as the Mariners continue to falter, but Victory, even though it has virtually conceded its finals hopes are dead, can boost its unlikely shot at the semis with a win.

"I'm glad we're playing another top team," Merrick said.

"There's no pressure on us, so we can just go out and play and get prepared for the Asian Champions League.

"Before the (Mariners) game I just told the boys to go out and play good-quality football and that's what they did.

"But the bigger the crowds, the more aggressive the crowds (away from home), the better it is for us because that's what we're going to have to deal with in the Asian Champions League.

"Those crowds will be very parochial."

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