No, it wasn't an AFL team and no, they didn't win. In fact, they were soundly beaten by more than 200 points by the team I support.

I watched them from the warmth of my car, parked outside the boundary fence, with heater and wipers working hard. I cheered for them, even though my team was on the way to a percentage-boosting victory.

I'm talking about Smythesdale, a team in the Central Highlands Football League.

Every player in the side gave his all for his club, knowing there was no chance of beating their opponents or perhaps even scoring a goal.

The weather was fierce, with great gusts of wind, driving rain and gloomy skies. Buninyong is high on the ladder and it was their home ground.

Most matches for Smythesdale had ended with a severe defeat, yet wherever possible, every mark was contested, every opponent covered, every kick delivered valiantly, with full intention of driving that ball towards goal.

Not a dummy was spat, not a fist was raised, nor a ball thrown to the ground in anger.

At the end of the game, with grace and good manners, every player congratulated their opposition and walked off the ground with heads held high. Smythesdale would have every right to loudly complain to the Victorian Country Football League board at the folding of the Lexton Plains league and their consequent inclusion in the CHFL.

Instead, they have persevered, got on with the job and given their supporters their very best.

Congratulations and thank you.