CKS Swifts have suffered a disheartening loss at the hands of a bigger and stronger Kalkee, in the Horsham District Football League.
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CKS Swifts had some height and size concerns going into the match as they replaced backman Aaron Chavasse and forward Tim Friend with two junior players.
While the junior players were not out of place, height and experience were lacking and it wasn't too long before Swifts were exposed.
In the opening quarter Swifts were able to win the ball and had as much of the play as Kalkee, but were unable to take advantage of their opportunities.
Kalkee did use their inside fifties and managed to kick away to a four goal lead at the first break.
Coach Paul Hanns was disappointed with the final result, but never felt like the score reflected the game.
"We never felt down by that much," Hanns said.
"The game was a lot tougher than the score reflected, but we have to wear it. They just had big bodies that wore us down."
Swifts had few winners on the ground, but Sean Mantell, Scott Carey and Damien Joiner all tried to urge their team on.
Mantell was tagged from the first bounce and was able to break the shackles to get plenty of touches while Joiner was tagging Steve Schultz after an impressive opening term.
After half time Joiner held Schultz to one goal and limited his possession around the ground.
"Joiner had a real crack," Hanns said.
"He is stepping up with a few others having left the club and being able to train with the boys is helping his football. He keeps putting his body on the line and that is what we need from our senior players."
Swifts finished their game to the best of their ability, but Kalkee continued to play the game on their terms and limited Swifts attack.
Swifts managed just one goal in the second half as Kalkee kicked nine.
"We never got our running game going and we don't play our best football unless we run," Hanns said.
"We are not getting down on the result because Kalkee are a good team and they will be up there again this season. I would like to think we could challenge them on our home ground."
The Kalkee conditions are difficult to play in and Swifts were unable to adapt to the wind.
Swifts will now have a rest with a bye this weekend giving some players with niggling injuries time to recover.
The first five rounds have been tough on Swifts, but they will look to come back with a win against league newcomer Japarit Rainbow.
Kalkee won 22.20.152 to Swifts 5.8.38.
