Winning a match at Glen Willow is hard enough as it is, but the degree of difficulty increases dramatically when a starter is sent off after just five minutes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's what Willie Heta's two blues had to endure on Saturday as Jared Brodrick was given his marching orders for giving the referee a spray, the instance leaving Hawks undermanned in what was eventually a 36-24 loss.
Five-eighth Toby Westcott was proud of the way his troops battled on, despite the early adversity.
"I thought it was a huge effort from the lads," he said.
"It was pleasing to see the boys' attitude when things weren't going our way. I thought we dug in all the way to the end."
You won't be surprised to read this, but Westcott's dual standouts were a couple of middle men.
"Ethan McKellar and Pottsy [Nathan Potts] both had blinders as well," he said.
"They're the most consistent forwards in Group 10 in my opinion."
Hawks remain in fourth spot on the table.