Werribee Centrals know they still have a way to go to match the top teams in the Geelong and District Football League after losing to Bell Post Hill at the weekend.
In their first real test of the season, Centrals were left to rue a poor second term at Myers Reserve when they conceded six goals.
In the end those six goals were the difference between winning and losing. The Panthers won 13.9 (87) to 7.10 (62).
At times, Centrals were their own worst enemy, with poor discipline and disposal in front of goal.
While the Centrals fought back in the second half through Shaun McGuiness and Matthew Walson, the Panthers were too strong.
Brad McNicol and Jason Giaini kicked two goals each for Centrals, whose reserves team also lost to the Panthers. In that game, the Panthers kicked the only two goals of the second half, winning 6.10 (46) to 4.8 (32).
This weekend Centrals face Winchelsea at Galvin Park.
