Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar was positive after another loss to arch rival Melbourne Victory.

The Reds went down 2-1 in their pre-season friendly in Launceston but Vidmar said the match provided plenty of positives.

"There were a lot of upsides for us," Vidmar said.

"We started off the game really, really well and bright.

"Melbourne was very close to a full-strength side.

"We had the majority of the game in the second half and we were pretty lucky not to at least equalise.

"I'm confident when we get the other boys back we'll be extremely competitive."