Melbourne Heart claimed the honours in their first-ever derby with Melbourne Victory, edging a thrilling A-League encounter 2-1 at AAMI Park.

John Aloisi opened the scoring the hosts, before Robbie Kruse equalised eight minutes before the break. Alex Terra restored the lead for Heart in the 56th minute, but John van't Schip's side had to endure a nervy finish following Aziz Behich's dismissal with 16 minutes remaining.

The biggest crowd of the season of 25,897 turned out to watch the historic match between the two sides, and they certainly did not leave disappointed after a pulsating affair.

Heart drew first blood in the tenth minute, when Terra clipped the ball for Aloisi to head home. The hosts were looking hungry and almost added a second just after the half-hour mark when Aloisi's flicked effort struck the upright before being cleared.

However, Victory were level in the 37th minute when a quick free-kick by skipper Kevin Muscat found Kruse, who slotted a shot beyond goalkeeper Clint Bolton.

Heart responded 11 minutes into the second half when Terra volleyed home from Rutger Worm's cross, and though Behich was sent off for Heart in the 74th minute after picking up his second yellow card, they held on to secure the three points.

The win moved Heart up to eighth, while Victory remain sixth.