Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson can't wait for Melbourne clash
After facing Melbourne, Wrexham play two more matches against A-League opposition - Sydney FC on July 15 (Allianz Stadium) in Australia and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on July 19 (Sky Stadium) - during the trip.
The games are important in the build-up to the new season, which starts with a clash against Southampton at St Marys Stadium on Saturday August 9, but Parkinson stressed the importance of enjoying the tour.
He told the official club website: 'There's a real passion for the sport here in Australia, particularly Melbourne. It's great to be over here and we're looking forward to the tour.
'It's important to get a feel for the city and we can't wait to play on Friday.
'Pre-season is so important to us because we get back to the UK with two weeks to go before our first season in the Championship for 43 years.
'We want the lads to enjoy these games and the experience.'
Parkinson has named a 30-man squad for the trio of games with academy graduates Alex Moore, Max Purvis and Callum Edwards on board and they are set to get their chance to impress in the matches.
'We've got a good squad over here with some of our young players which is important," said the Reds' boss.
'We've built our Academy up over the last couple of years and it's important to try and give them as much game time as possible.
'Over the coming days I'll start watching their games and we'll study Melbourne Victory and how they play.'
It's been an amazing journey under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with Wrexham climbing from the National League to the second tier at a rapid rate.
The Reds will make the biggest step-up yet when they play in the Championship but it is a challenge that Parkinson is relishing.
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"The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in world football and it's exciting for us," he added.
'When you look back at us three years ago playing in the National League to preparing for the Championship, it's a huge challenge for us.
'Everyone has to raise their game in all areas and that's what it is all about.
'There's a huge passion from our supporters in Wrexham and I can imagine they'll be a lot of bleary-eyed supporters staying up through the night to watch the games.'
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