COMING off a 114-point loss to North Wangaratta, it's fair to say no one rated Bright any chance to knock off reigning premier Moyhu on Saturday.
The Mountain Men were winless after four rounds, sitting 13th on the ladder, while the Hoppers were in second spot, undefeated with a percentage of 260.
But on Saturday it was as if a complete reversal had taken place suddenly it was the Mountain Men who were playing like premiers while the Hoppers struggled to get the basics right.
As usual, Ryan Kent and Steve Nightingale were setting an example for their younger teammates in the middle, while the likes of Sean McGregor, Tom McDonagh, Dylan Cudmore and Nick Howden were all firing.
After winning the first two quarters, Bright went into the main break with a surprising, but by no means match-winning, 17-point lead.
While most thought the Hoppers would work their way back into the contest after the break, the match went the other way.
Bright broke the game open, dominating across half back and working the ball through the middle of the ground with precision.
With McDonagh (three goals) and Ricky Weimer (three goals) proving reliable targets, the Mountain Men attacked with confidence and flair, piling on six goals to Moyhu's two in the third term.
Leading by 44 points at the final change, it was as good as game over.
Of course the Hoppers didn't believe that premiership sides don't just roll over.
The Hoppers did their utmost to try to claw their way back from oblivion, with the Wilson brothers leading the charge.
The pair combined for all six of Moyhu's final quarter goals, but it wasn't enough to deny the Mountain Men, who won the match 14.10 (94) to 12.9 (81).
Bright coach Ryan Kent said the win was a result of finally stringing together four quarters of football.
"We've been playing some really good football in patches, but we haven't done it with any consistency," Kent said.
"This was the first time that we have put it all together and made a consistent effort over four quarters, and it goes to show what can be achieved.
"There is a great feeling around the club at the moment a feeling that we are really building towards something.
"To get our first win on the board, especially against one of the top sides, is huge.
"The whole side is feeling pretty good about themselves at the moment."
Kent credited a man-on-man game plan as being the catalyst for shutting down the Hoppers and allowing Bright to play to its strengths.
"Coming off half back previously we've had a lot of run, but we haven't been hitting targets," he said.
"Playing a zone tends to clog things up, so we went one-on-one this week to open up a bit more space.
"It meant everyone had to be accountable for their player.
"For the guys coming out of junior footy it is quite a different thing, realising you don't need to have 25 touches or kick five goals to be best on ground it's all about playing the team game."
Bright has now played the top five sides on the ladder, and while Kent expects to start winning more games, he knows there will be hiccups along the way.
"We are a young side, so there will be times we win games we're not expected to, and times when we lose games we should win," he said.
"But I think this will help us to grow more consistent.
"It may not be what we would have chosen, but playing the top five first is probably a good way to do it for a fledgling side like us.
"We've got some good experience under our belt, and we don't want to just be remembered as the side that knocked off Moyhu.
"We want this to be a stepping stone to bigger things."
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
BUILDING: Bright coach Ryan Kent hopes Saturday's win over Moyhu just the start.
Last Modified on 08/05/2012 10:00