Dening's last season in the Red Sox organisation would come in AA with the Portland Sea Dogs in the Eastern League where he hit a paltry .220/.303/ .352/.656.

In 2012, after a season batting .280 back in his home country, Dening signed for the Washington Wild Things of the independent Frontier League.

[4] In November at the end of the year, Dening played with the Canberra Cavalry in the 2013 Asia Series hitting 5 in the final to lead the team to the title.

Due to long-term injuries to Wladimir Balentien and Lastings Milledge it was hoped that Dening could fill a hole in the line-up based on his independent league form.

[7] Dening made his debut on the same day as his presentation to the media playing as a pinch hitter against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters at Meiji Jingu Stadium.

[13] In the opening season, Dening helped the Pirates to victory pulling the team along with an impressive .389 batting average with 2 homeruns and 23 RBIs.

[16] He finished the season with a league high .340 batting average, and tied with Aaron Whitefield for total bases with 77.