Lavington became the first team in almost 20 years to kick 19 goals and lose, falling by five majors to Wangaratta.

Ironically, it was the Pies on the receiving end in round 11, 2000, kicking 19.19 (133) to Corowa-Rutherglen's 24.13 (157).

The 42 goals in the match was the first since round 10, 2017, when Yarrawonga blasted 35 against Corowa.

And, quite remarkably, the longest goal drought in the match was a seven-minute period to finish the first quarter.

DANGEROUS DEPTH

Three goals to Wangaratta players highlighted their depth.

Pacy Jessie Smith and the mercurial James McClounan were relatively quiet, but Smith produced a blinding piece of play when he picked up the ball one hand and snapped from a tight angle just metres from goal, while McClounan kicked two trademark clever goals.

As an opposition, you focus on Michael Newton, Josh Porter and Ben Speight, and then two players produce the near impossible.

BRILLIANT BRENNAN

It's not often a player in a five-goal loss is a best on ground candidate, but Lavington's Marty Brennan was outstanding.

He racked up 26 possessions, second behind coach Simon Curtis (34), and landed a belter in the third quarter against the breeze.

"He can play off half-back, he's a bull in the midfield and would average a goal a game I'd imagine and he's just really clean with the ball," Curtis said.

Brennan is your 'get out of jail' card player, the type who will just fix a problem.

WELL DONE

You have to hand it to North Albury for its effort in falling by only 18 points against Wangaratta Rovers.

It's average losing margin in the first five games was 116.

But the Hoppers' injury curse flared again when debutant Mitch Thomas was stretchered off with a knee injury late in the first quarter, with initial fears it was serious.

The former Rand-Walbundrie-Walla player had made an enormous impression, snaring eight disposals in 10 minutes.

Thomas was presented with his jumper by his father Alan, who played with the Hoppers in 1987 and wore 23, his grandfather's number in North's 1955 premiership against Wangaratta.

The Hoppers had a brutal start with injuries, losing three players with broken bones in the first two rounds, including Tristan Mann (broken arm).

AND WHAT OF ROVERS

While North deserves praise, you have to ask are the Hawks a genuine top five team?

The answer's simple, if GWS Academy's Nick Murray joins VFL players Tom McCaffrey and Charlie Thompson in the team, the answer's yes.

If not, no chance.

Rovers were winless last year and under the points system, albeit the club was allocated six extra, it's almost impossible to go from the wooden spoon to the top five without your guns.

The Hawks will be praying the trio is available to face Wodonga Raiders.