VAR came to Robbie Fowler's rescue on his A-League coaching debut as Brisbane Roar snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw with Perth Glory at HBF Park.

Roy O'Donovan prodded home an Aaron Amadi-Holloway knock-down in the 95th minute and a review showed the striker to be onside after the assistant's flag was initially raised.

Chris Ikonomidis had side-footed hosts Perth ahead in the 34th minute of their first A-League outing since losing to Sydney FC in last season's Grand Final.

But the reigning Premiers wilted at the death as Liverpool legend Fowler celebrated his first point in charge of Brisbane.

There was more beginner's luck earlier on Sunday for newcomers Western United, who nabbed a 1-0 win away to Wellington Phoenix.

Mark Rudan was jeered on his return to Westpac Stadium but the former Phoenix boss had the last laugh thanks to the A-League's all-time leading goalscorer.

Besart Berisha, in his first match back in Australia following a spell in Japan, opened the new club's account with a close-range volley in the first half.

The result left Rudan's men level on three points with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers at the end of the opening round.