While it often over inflates a team’s progress following a cushy draw, it can also sell short a side who is knocking on the door.

Holbrook is one such case.

The young Brookers are sitting on the bottom of the Hume league ladder after 10 rounds but four of their eight losses have been by eight or less points.

They are possibly the best bottom-placed team the competition has seen.

Holbrook fell four points short against Howlong on Saturday and have previously lost to Henty (eight points), Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock (three points) and Lockhart (two points).

Sydney Swans assistant-coach and former Brooker Henry Playfair spoke to a big contingent of players and supporters at Holbrook on Tuesday night with his message being simple – stay patient and learn.

Coach Adrian Whitehead said it was a work in progress.

“We are improving,” Whitehead said.

“Our effort was a bit inconsistent early in the season but it was good against Brock and Howlong with our tackle pressure where it needed to be.

“We have been a bit stiff but the opposition has capitalised and we have failed at the critical times.

“Nonetheless, the improvement is there.”

Holbrook’s oldest player is 28-year-old Nick Pugh while the Brookers have given senior opportunities to seven players 18 and under this season.

They have had six player points at different stages.

Brad and Luke Carman, Josh Jones, Will Heriot, Andrew Mackinlay and Dylan Fairall have been leading the way in a side predominantly aged between 18 and 22.

Playfair played under-14 and 17s for Holbrook in the Tallangatta and District league and reserves in the Hume league when home from school holidays.

His one and only senior appearance for the Brookers was the 2000 preliminary final when he was called into the line-up by coach Brian Kelly on the morning of the match due to an injury.

Playfair kicked one of Holbrook’s two goals in its big loss to Osborne.

“It's hard to get back to Holbrook during the footy season with matches clashing with Sydney’s but it worked out on this occasion and it was great to see some familiar faces and a lot of new young players as well,” Playfair said.

“My old man keeps me informed on how Holbrook is travelling.”

Playfair is Sydney’s backline coach this season after spending the previous four years in charge of the forward-line.

Holbrook take on Murray Magpies at Urana Road Oval on Saturday.