The rescheduling of the A-League's first Melbourne derby is likely to suit the Melbourne Victory.

The Heart versus Victory game was originally set for this Saturday but has been put back to next Friday to avoid a clash with the AFL Grand Final replay and the extra week will be enough time for the Victory to get back injured skipper Kevin Muscat.

"There is upside to it, there's no doubt about that," Victory coach Ernie Merrick said.

There was also some hope for midfielder Grant Brebner who is sidelined with broken toes.

"We'd need a fitness test on Kevin (if the game was this week) and we're not sure where Brebs is at," Merrick added.

"I don't think the bones would have time to knit, but it would be about if he can run and kick."

The first-ever Melbourne derby between the Heart and the Victory will now take place on Friday, October 8 at 7:30pm.