Robbie Kruse scored his first A-League goal since 2011 to fire Melbourne Victory to a 1-0 win over Perth Glory that lifts them above their opponents into sixth.

Kruse, making his first start since rejoining the club in July after eight years away, tapped in from a few yards out with 33 minutes played for what proved to be the only goal of Friday's game at AAMI Park.

Neil Kilkenny went close with a long-range attempt, but Kruse soon found a way through up the other end after being teed up by Andrew Nabbout.

Glory had lost just one of their last 18 away league matches and nearly kept that record intact as Bruno Fornaroli rattled the post five minutes into the second half.

A good chance also came and went for Alex Grant, whose looping header skimmed the crossbar on its way over, as Victory held on for a first win in five matches.