The difference between first and last in the Gippsland League was on show over the weekend as Drouin were overwhelmed by a rampaging Leongatha.
The Hawks have worn their hearts on their sleeves this season – and have won many admirers while they've done so – but spirit can only get a team so far against the reigning premiers.
The 7.7 (49) to 23.10 (148) loss was Drouin's largest of the year thus far as the gulf in class between the two sides became apparent.
Leongatha are the reigning premiers of the competition, a well-oiled and well-drilled machine on every line. They have immense trust in one another, whether that be to hit a target, nail a tackle or create space.
There's a reason they were, until their loss to Moe two weeks ago, on a 34-game winning streak.
Drouin, by comparison, are a team still in the early stages of a rebui