The rotation policy of Western Sydney Wanderers' coach Tony Popovic might be under increasing fire but defender Dean Heffernan insists the players are behind it.

The Wanderers left a trio of stars - key striker Tomi Juric, marquee Shinji Ono and winger Youssouf Hersi - on the bench for the clash with Melbourne Victory, one which could have stretched the gap between the clubs to nine points if the visitors had won.

Tough: Defender Dean Heffernan. Credit:Vince Caligiuri

Instead, the 3-1 loss has shrunk the gulf to just three points, giving Victory hope of snaring a top-two position.

But while Popovic's insistence on changing players each week has drawn criticism in some quarters, Heffernan says the players understand. ''It's all part of the plan 'Popa' has for the team and we fully support him,'' Heffernan said. ''With the amount of games we have coming up, factoring in the Asian Champions League and the travel, you need to move things around.