The Lions boast the lowest average player points total in the Warrnambool and District league, using just 28 of their allowed 45 points a week, according to Sports TG stats – five less than the next lowest in Kolora-Noorat, Old Collegians and Allansford.

“We’re really proud of having a low points tally, but we obviously understand that to go a bit higher up the ladder in future, we will probably have to go outside the club (and recruit experienced players),” Matheson said.

He said the club had been eager to get former under 17.5 Lions Jack Hancocks, Declan Attrill, Jake Morton and Josh Bell back to the club, given their low points cost as home-grown talent.

Nirranda averages the highest average player points in 2017, nudging the cap with 42 points. The Blues fielded a team worth the maximum 45 points in Saturday’s win over Timboon Demons.

Russells Creek is second highest with 41 points on average, while East Warrnambool and Merrivale are equal third, fielding teams worth 38 points on overage.