A QUICK look at the Loddon Valley football ladder shows Inglewood in second last place with three losses in three games.
But if ever there was a case of lies, damned lies, and statistics, this is it.
The Woodies have faced three of last season’s top four sides, and lost by seven points, 10 points and seven points.
The latest narrow loss to Bridgewater came after being five goals down in the first quarter of the Anzac round match.
It’s a matter of a team that can’t quite learn how to win.
In round one against three-time premiers Marong, Inglewood led at the final change but was run down by the powerful Panthers unit.
On Saturday, the Woodies had to chase all day after their poor start and couldn’t bridge the gap, with a goal after the final siren bringing them as close to the Mean Machine as they had been since early in the first quarter.
The pre-game Anzac commemoration was observed with great respect from officials, players and spectators, with Inglewood’s special jumper a striking addition to the occasion.
In the first quarter, Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp and fellow forward Ollie Watt were dominant with two goals each.
Sharp’s evasive skills were a wonder to see as he weaved his way through a clutch of Inglewood players for one of his majors, while boom recruit Luke Ellings continually showed his class.
The Woodies came out firing in the second term and five goals saw them cut the margin to 16 points at half-time, with a brilliant snap from young gun Gabe Nevins a highlight. 
It was a fierce contest, and Inglewood consistently chipped away at the lead only for the Mean Machine to draw deep in response.
Bridgewater had a 19-point gap at the last change but with the big crowd roaring them on, the Woodies dominated the clearances and had the ball almost constantly in their forward line.
Inglewood got within eight points in that last quarter, but Bridgewater’s single goal through Harry McKinley was enough to seal a thrilling win, with the Woodies goal after the siren scant consolation.
Ellings won the Eddie Harrison Medal for the day’s most courageous player, and he would likely be leading the competition’s best-and-fairest at this early stage.
Joe Mayes was strong in defence for the winners, with consistent midfielder Jack Neylon also among the best along with Xavier Walsh and Alex Powell.
Ruckman Tom Kennedy was best for Inglewood, with Bregon Cotchett, Luke Matheson and Liam Marciano also prominent.
Bridgewater hosts Marong this week in a massive match, while Inglewood will be after its first four points against cellar-dweller Newbridge.