by Nicholas Duck
105 weeks. 735 days. That was how long it had been since Drouin had tasted victory on their home ground as they began their match against Bairnsdale on Saturday, no doubt leaving their waiting fans restless.
Well they don't have to wait any more.
After 10 straight losses to begin the year the Hawks are officially on the board in season 2023 after dismantling the Redlegs 10.20 (80) to 8.5 (53).
The final 27-point margin really didn't do justice for the home side, whose inaccuracy in front of goal was really the only downside in a match they controlled after quarter time.
Cheered on by a raucous crowd of Drouin junior players who more than got around their senior group, the Hawks had their most even showing for the year, avoiding the damaging lapses that have brought them undone on more than one occasion.

Bailey Stephens put in his best performance yet in maroon and gold as