If you want to match it against the best, you need four quarters of consistent football.
Unfortunately, Tongala could manage just three against Murray Football League powerhouse Nathalia on Good Friday.
The Blues were within just 22 points at the final change, but their petrol tickets had run out as the purple machine kicked seven goals to two in the final term.
In the end, it was a bridge too far for the younger Tongala brigade.
‘‘Their experience became crucial in the end,’’ Blues coach Jordan Souter said.
‘‘Nathalia got control of the game and we couldn’t wrestle the momentum back.
‘‘On the day they had 22 even contributors across the ground.
‘‘That’s where we are aiming to be.’’
While the purple machine ran away with the result, there was plenty of positives for the home side.
In the lead up to the game, Souter demanded improvement after a poor effort against Numurkah.
His players gave him exactly that.
‘‘There was definitely a 100 percent improvement,’’ Souter said.
‘‘It was needed because last week isn’t what we are about.
‘‘Those are the levels we need to bring every week.’’
While several players toiled hard throughout the afternoon, Brayden Nevett and Ryley Cowley led the way.
Nevett was excellent in limiting the influence of Nathalia’s small forwards, while Cowley provided plenty of dash through the middle.
‘‘Those boys did everything they could to get us back in the game,’’ Souter said.
‘‘Without Brayden down back the scoreboard could have been a lot uglier.
‘‘And Ryley played his best game of the year against quality opposition.’’
Another tough challenge awaits Tongala on Saturday afternoon when they travel to take on Echuca United.
Stopping Josh Mellington, who has 15 goals from his past two games, will go a long way to helping the Blues pick up the four points.
‘‘It’s going to be difficult to stop him in a one-on-one situation,’’ Souter said.
‘‘The pressure is going to be on our midfield to ensure the supply is something he can feast on.
‘‘If we can limit our turnovers, that will mean he won’t get as many easier opportunities.’’