But few of those have been harder to handle than Cobram’s start to this season.

The traditional Murray league heavyweight has lost all four matches by a staggering average margin of 146.5 points.

But Lucas, who will play game 150 for his home club on Saturday, is refusing to throw in the towel.

“You’ve got to stay positive, regardless of the scoreboard,” Lucas said.

“Obviously there’s been some unchartered waters this year, like the game we didn’t score, but the worst thing you can do is drop your head.

“It’s been a big learning curve.”

Lucas, who also played more than 100 games at Yarrawonga, said he was rapt to achieve 150 games at his home club.

The two-time best and fairest winner returned to the Tigers in 2010.

He played in the Pigeons’ 2006 premiership.

“It’s been a few years in the making,” Lucas said.

“I had seven years at Yarra but decided (in 2010) it was time to come back. The timing just felt right.

“I always wanted to win a senior flag here but haven’t been able to quite do it.

“We got pretty close.”

Cobram made the grand final in 2011 but fell short against Deniliquin Rams.

The Tigers are a vastly different side now.

“We had a big exodus from last year, which has meant most of the guys playing this year have only played a couple of senior games,” Lucas said.

“I’m just trying to pass on as much as I can.”

Cobram hosts premiership fancy Finley this weekend.

In other games, a resurgent Barooga faces an acid test at Deniliquin.

The Rams have won just once this season but can consider themselves extremely unlucky with the results.

Elsewhere, Mulwala travels to Moama to tackle the Pies in another crucial encounter.

Nathalia hosts Echuca United, Numurkah has Congupna and Rumbalara travels to Tongala.