Yarrawonga is chasing a record-equalling 14 straight finals campaigns, joining Wangaratta Rovers (1969-1982), but it suffered a 37-point loss to Wodonga Raiders, who were coming off a three-figure loss to Wangaratta.

And Albury had racked up 21 straight wins, but Lavington toyed with it like no club has since the rapid rise of the Tigers in 2009, grabbing a 71-point hiding.

Look, both clubs could argue, 'hang on, we've had a tough day, give us a break' and that's a fair response.

Albury was as flat as it's ever been in that decade of dominance and new mentor Peter German, who boasts assistant experience in the AFL, will be working overtime to make sure there's no repeat of the inept performance.

As is so often the case, it's not so much the loss, but its nature which hurts.

Albury lacked desire and couldn't match Lavington's defensive intenstity.

And it's not the first heavy loss we've seen when the pressure has been intense.

Wodonga destroyed the Tigers by 40 points in 2017, with at least one player suggesting privately he'd never seen pressure like it.

In the next three weeks, Albury smashed Corowa-Rutherglen, North Albury and Wangaratta by a combined 418 points.

Guess who Albury play in the next three weeks?

Wodonga, North Albury and Corowa-Rutherglen, the three winless teams.

Don't ever poke the bear.

We will know more about Albury when it hosts Wangaratta on May 11, but it would be unfair to write off the club on one bad display.

Most tipsters had Yarrawonga somewhere between three and five, so it was a shock to see Wodonga Raiders snare the win.

The home team kept dangerous Yarrawonga forward Jess Koopman goalless after he kicked seven of 10 the previous week, while claiming another win in the midfield.

The Pigeons will be sweating on Mark Whiley recovering quickly from his hamstring complaint.

It's only early, but it could be a battle between Yarrawonga and Raiders for a top five finish and history.