Former Bolton Wanderers striker Adam Le Fondre pounced late in the game to earn Sydney FC a point in a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United as the new A-League season kicked off Friday.

Sydney, the 2017 champions, hadn't been beaten by the Reds in six previous encounters, keeping a clean sheet each time, but the record was under threat at Coppers Stadium.

With a scrappy first half petering out, the home crowd came alive just before the break when Adelaide's Scott Galloway collected the ball outside the box, spotted the goalkeeper off his line and curled a shot into the top right-hand corner.

In a match of few chances, Le Fondre drew Sydney level with 12 minutes left, neatly slotting home a cross from Milos Ninkovic to ensure new coach Steve Corica's first game in the dugout did not end in defeat.

"We showed true character," said Le Fondre. "My job is to score goals, so I'm glad I did tonight. It was a good point to get."

Defending champions Melbourne Victory get their campaign underway on Saturday in a blockbuster derby clash against Melbourne City.

Victory have bolstered their squad this season with the signing of Japan's former AC Milan striker Keisuke Honda, along with Swedish international Ola Toivonen, making them favourites for a fifth A-League title.

Tournament chiefs are hoping the arrival of Honda and the presence of sprint legend Usain Bolt, who is training with the Central Coast Mariners but has yet to be offered a contract, will help reverse dwindling ticket sales and tumbling TV ratings.

The Mariners, without Bolt, face Brisbane Roar on Sunday. In other weekend games, Wellington Phoenix host the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory take on Western Sydney Wanderers.