Slower and stickier than the newer pitches that many other clubs play and train on, it can be difficult to adapt, especially when taking on a side that has more representative players than any other club.

Altona goalkeeper Andy Beck, transferred from Greensborough at the start of 2010, was keen to do well against his old club, so conceding two early goals was not the ideal start.

The 2-0 deficit seemed to spark Altona into action.

Veteran Victorian representative Mathew Higgins took control of the midfield, combining well with skipper Matt Guest to build up some more meaningful attack.

Young strikers Mick Gallo and Pat Phillips looked dangerous, while Matt Briscoe, usually a defender, provided some extra run at centre-forward.

With star defender Steve Campbell, already out with injury, the depleted Altona side had a monumental task made even tougher.

The Seagulls pegged a goal back from Greg Drake.

As always, Altona had a large contingent of supporters who travel with the side, and they were immediately pumped up and became more vocal in an attempt to lift their young side.

However, Greensborough scored again, in the final minutes of the half, to take a 3-1 lead into the main break.

Greensborough came out firing in the second half, putting the game beyond doubt with another early goal.

Altona didn't lie down, with Higgins clinically converting a penalty corner to give the visitors a sniff. Beck had been superb all game, and was supported by Jake MacVean, who has had a stellar season, but Altona couldn't hold off the countless waves of Greensborough attacks, and eventually the dam broke, with the Burra getting their sixth goal. A late-consolation goal from Tyson Priddle, his first for the season, helped reduce the damage to Altona's goal difference, but the result was never in question, with Greensborough running out winners 6-3.

Seagulls coach Darren Duff said: "I was impressed with the work rate and effort shown by the team, particularly being undermanned missing Campbell, and then losing Jesse Gatt so early in the match. But we have a lot of improvement to do".

Altona takes on cellar-dwellar Melbourne University at home on Saturday.