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An apparent hamstring injury to Socceroos winger Andrew Nabbout has soured Melbourne City's A-League season-opening 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar.

Melbourne City's season-opening A-League win over Brisbane Roar has been soured by the sight of Andrew Nabbout limping off injured.

The Socceroos winger, making his debut for City after a convulted off-season switch from crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory via Perth, pulled up clutching his left hamstring midway through the second-half of the 1-0 win at Redcliffe's Dolphin Stadium.

Midfielder Connor Metcalfe scored the winner for Patrick Kisnorbo in his first match in charge of City just minutes before Nabbout's injury.

City also had to play the final 20 minutes of the game with 10 men after Uruguayan Adrian Luna was shown a second yellow card by referee Adam Kersey.

"The first half was a bit sloppy. I think it probably comes down to nerves," Kisnorbo said.

"Such build up to the first game of the season with the season a bit interrupted but you have to adapt.

"Credit to our players that held in there with 10 men. They showed a lot of character tonight and I'm very proud."

Kisnorbo wouldn't speculate on Nabbout's injury, saying he'll wait for a full assessment from his medical staff.

Last year's grand finalists were lucky to go in at the break with the scores at 0-0, with a new-look Roar under head coach Warren Moon pressuring their more experienced rivals in humid conditions.

Japanese youngster Riku Danzaki was particulary busy in the middle of the park, as was fellow club debutant Joey Champness - playing his first A-League match since April 2019 after an attempt to forge a rap music career in the United States.

Danzaki created the best chance of the opening half, freeing up Dylan Wenzel-Halls but the Roar forward's effort was turned around the post by City goalkeeper Tom Glover's foot.

Brisbane were made to pay for their lack of a cutting edge when Metcalfe worked a one-two with Socceroo Jamie Maclaren before firing a right-foot shot past Roar keeper Jamie Young in the 52nd minute.

The Roar poured forward in search of an equaliser with Champness and defender Macaulay Gillesphey coming close.

The best chance fell to Scott McDonald in second-half injury time but the ex-Socceroos striker dragged his shot wide as the Roar made a losing start to their campaign.

"Look it was a good game. We had plenty of chances to score ourselves and unfortunately weren't good enough to take them," Moon said.

"It's a disappointing night I guess but the performance was there so that was pleasing."

Brisbane's next match is away to Victory on January 2 with City heading to Adelaide the following day.