It’s been a solid start to the season for the Mountain Men, who have dispatched Tarrawingee, Whorouly and King Valley, all while building a healthy percentage.

Justifiably, Alexander said he was happy with the way Bright had started the year as it headed into Saturday’s clash against Benalla All Blacks.

“We’re playing consistent team footy,” he said.

“But we know there is still know work to do if we want to compete against those top teams in the competition.

“Until we can start competing against Milawa and Glenrowan we can’t be judged as one of the top teams.

“It’s where we want to get to, but we’re yet to prove it.”

Alexander said Bright had been a “work in progress” for the past couple of years.

But now those young players are starting to notch up the games, and the Mountain Men have recruited well, enticing former locals Jake Mounsey, Daniel Sgambelloni, Grant Harris and assistant coach Jason Gentile to bring in more experience.

The All Blacks, by contrast, are yet to post a win.

“You still play exactly the same as if playing one of those top teams,” Alexander said.

“You play to your game plans and play team footy and work on your game style.”

Alexander said that style had been about an even contribution across the ground each week, with an unbeaten reserves team providing plenty of depth.

“Whether or not we have the ability to push those top teams only time will tell,” he said.

“But we’re not getting ahead of ourselves — we know where we’re at and where we want to be.”