Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic has revealed his team's pulsating 3-2 win over Perth Glory came on the back of a week when illness swept through the bulk of the squad.
Ben Folami's 96th-minute winner against 10-man Glory on Saturday night lifted Victory back to the top of the table.
Victory were made to work hard for the win, despite Glory going down to 10 men when Bruce Kamau was sent off 15 seconds into the second half with scores locked at 1-1.
After the match, Popovic revealed the obstacles his team had faced in the lead up to the game.
"We had a lot of adversity this week. We've had a lot of players that have been sick throughout the whole week," Popovic said.
"It's gone through everyone throughout the whole week and it's probably the last trip you want, coming to Perth when players are down throughout the whole week.
"But look, we didn't mention it through the week.
"I can mention it now after the game but through the week, the players were just looking after every player that we had to and making sure that they just got through the week without doing too much."
Defender Connor Chapman was also in doubt for the trip after his partner gave birth to their first child.
"It was difficult this week in terms of sleeping, and whether he was going to come or not was touch and go," Popovic said.
"I thought he had a great game."
Chris Ikonomidis came into the starting XI to replace red-hot striker Bruno Fornaroli, who is away on Socceroos Asian Cup duties.
Frenchman Zinedine Machach was another to stand tall in Fornaroli's absence.
"We scored three goals. We won. We're happy," Popovic said when asked how he felt the team covered Fornaroli's absence.
"I know there's a lot of focus and I understand the questions about Bruno.
"But at any moment a player can get injured or suspended and you're without a player.
"I'd rather talk more about the players that came in.
"Young Eli (Adams) scored a wonderful goal. Benny scored, Nishan (Velupillay) had opportunities.
"Jordi Valadon comes back after three months out with an injury.
"The focus shouldn't be on Bruno. We're happy with the win, and the players who have played should get the credit."
Victory will be back in action on Saturday when they take on defending champions Central Coast at Allianz Stadium.
