Garfield got a taste of what it takes to play against the best in a crushing loss to reigning premiers Inverloch-Kongwak.
The Stars were no match for their vaunted opposition, managing just one goal in the 1.3 (9) to 21.22 (148) thrashing.
Concerningly for the green and gold the margin probably could have been even worse if not for some early inaccuracy from the Sea Eagles, who at one stage had 5.13 on the board.
Garfield's lone goal came early in the second term from Zac Soutar but outside of that the home crowd had not many reasons to cheer.
Inverloch-Kongwak's powerful midfield was simply too overwhelming for the Stars, while their defence rebounded any inside 50s Garfield created as quickly as they came in.
Nicholas Baltas and Oscar Toussaint (five goals each) were able to cash in as the Sea Eagles enjoyed having 11 individual goalkickers.
Inverloch-Kongwak recruit Paul Pattison continued with his brilliant start to the season, Pattison having now featured in the best in all four of his team's matches this year.
Toussaint, Ethan Park, Luke Johnson and Jordan Tomas rounded out their best.
Garfield co-coach Lachlan Schreurs said his side "didn't play to (their) standard."
"We had a plan going into the game and we didn't execute it unfortunately," he said. "We were just lazy at times. I'm still very confident in our list but they showed us what we have to do to get there.
"We're still two and one, we're not in a bad position but now it's about bouncing back from this."
Garfield's better players were Jack Barnes, Jesse Wouters, Zac Soutar and Callum Tyler.
The Stars will face another tough challenge next week in 2023 finalist Tooradin-Dalmore.