Barwon Heads had two players sent off in the opening quarter of its Bellarine Football League round one clash against Drysdale.
It was a bitter blow for the Seagulls, who were forced to play 16 on 18 for the majority of the game.
Drysdale hung on to win by 13 points in a spirited performance.
Kyle Polley and Michael Philp were given their marching orders as Drysdale took full advantage to lead at quarter time by 32 points.
The Hawks led by 25 points at half time and 38 at the last break before Barwon Heads launched a comeback, booting six goals in the final term, but Drysdale did enough to get the win.
Matthew Gunn was best afield with three goals while Billy Beardsell was busy.
Oliver Wiltshire battled hard for the Seagulls while Nathan Brown booted six goals and Sammy Baker four.
Portarlington showed enough to suggest it will improve this season, but still went down to Geelong Amateur.
Ammos proved too good by 94 points with Sam Darley best on ground.
Port managed to kick five goals, which suggests that although finals are still a long way off, it will be far more competitive than recent seasons.
Queenscliff defeated a dogged Newcomb by 27 points.
A seven-goal third term was enough to put a handy gap between the two sides as the Coutas took a six-goal lead into the last quarter.
Jayden Durran kicked five for the winners.
Modewarre signalled that it will be a major player this season with an 83-point win against Anglesea.
Anglesea could muster one one goal to half time as the Warriors took a 49-point lead into the break.
Anglesea outscored Modewarre in the third term, but a seven-goal last quarter put the finishing touches on an impressive Modda win.
Tom Horney and Jeremy Ollis were superb for the Warriors.
As reported earlier, Torquay gave Ocean Grove something to think about with a 39-point win.
James Darke probably earned himself three of what is sure to be many votes with a stunning display.
