The Deni team kept the Strathfieldsaye Colts to a four-goal lead at half-time before ultimately losing 13-nil.
Deni Wanderers’ coach Mark Plant said the team was short on players from the start of the day.
“We were short before we even got on the bus.
“We were playing with 10 from the start. We had four or five players out with a mixture of injury, illness or commitments on.”
Plant said the Deni side had to change its structure due to being a player down.
“We played with no subs on a very wide field and decided to play without a striker.
“They are a quality side and we thought that was the best solution.”
The change in formation worked early in the game until the Colts clued into the Wanderers’ playing situation.
“We held them for the first 20 minutes. Then they realised we only had 10 players.
“They dropped one forward and played with one less at the back, and they took advantage.”
Despite the loss, Plant said the game had a few positives.
“We played right to the end . All our players got a full game and got some match fitness and experience.”
The division has a bye this weekend.
The Wanderers are then scheduled to take on third-placed La Trobe Red at home at Rotary Park next Saturday.
The team is keen to keep building momentum regardless of the bye this weekend and last weekend’s loss.
“Hopefully we will get a few back from injury after the bye.
“I know it sounds weird after losing by 13, but we want to continue, as we’ve been starting to improve and build before the bye.”
Plant said he had some individual notable mentions from last week’s game.
“Players’ player was James Weir. He has been playing up front and keeper for us but got put at centre-back, worked hard and had an amazing game.
“A personal highlight for me was that of Ben Currie to get 90 minutes in. He has been dealing with injuries and form, so getting a full game was great.”
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