And when a prop dragged out of a club competition from 1000km north ends up being the side's top try-scorer by some distance.
But those are unfortunately the plain and simple facts - Otago, in 2010, has recorded a season of utter and complete woe.
It has been ugly. Actually, worse than ugly.
It has been downright hideous.
If Otago went on the Extreme Makeover television programme, the plastic surgeon would probably say, "Sorry, I'm not a miracle worker. It is beyond hope."
The final chapter will be written today, against Manawatu at Carisbrook, and for most Otago supporters - and the team - it is one book which they can not wait to throw in the rubbish bin.
Or, as infamously said by All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen, flush it down the dunny and move on.
The optimism, the genuine belief the side could make the top seven of the ITM Cup, which existed at the start of the season, has long since faded and Otago now finds itself having to win its final game to avoid finishing last in the competition.
One would hope the players can get up for this match and put Manawatu away.
Motivation should not be lacking today but then it has not been lacking all season.
The players could not be faulted for trying hard. It is just the fact they have not been good enough.
Too many mistakes, by too many players, far too many times in a game has added up to a sorry season.
The side has not been able to build pressure throughout games as it simply makes mistakes which turns the ball over. And if it does not have the ball it cannot score points.
Today Otago needs to start well and then keep the foot on the throat against a Manawatu side which is also low on confidence.
Otago can also look to home advantage and the fact the visitors have not won a game away from Palmerston North all season.
The key to the game appears to be discarded All Black first five-eighth Aaron Cruden.
Cruden is the key man for the Manawatu team, and has the ability to open the game up.
He may struggle at the next level but in a provincial clash his running game and ability to snake through gaps will have to be shut down by Otago.
Otago must simply cut out the errors, hang on to the ball, and take chances when they come along.
It welcomes back fullback Ben Smith, and his ability to get into the game may well dictate if Otago wins.
Lock Hayden Triggs will play his last game in the blue and gold jersey today and he may not be the only one.
With hints of new signings to come, many players may find this will be their last run on Carisbrook for Otago.
For Otago supporters' sake, let's hope they go out with a bang.
Otago v Manawatu
Carisbrook, today, 5.30pm
Otago: Ben Smith, Joe Hill, Paula Kinikinilau, Josh Tatapu, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Chris Noakes, Sean Romans, Paul Grant, Alando Soakai (captain), Brad Cameron, Hayden Triggs, Hoani Matenga, Sam Hibbard, Peter Mirrielees, Halani Aulika. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Scott Manson, Josh Townsend, Charlie O'Connell, Johnny Legg, Glenn Dickson, Chris Small.
Manawatu: Craig Clare, Shannon Paku, Hadleigh Parkes, Johnny Leota, Casey Stone, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, James Oliver, Callum Gibbins, Doug Tietjens, Fraser Stone, Michael Fitzgerald, Ma'afu Fia, Rob Foreman, Grant Polson (captain). Reserves: Bryn Templeman, Donal McNamara, Reece Robinson, Bertus Mulder, Karl Bryson, Isaac Thompson, Lewis Marshall.
Referee: Shane McDermott (Southland).
TAB odds: Otago $1.70, Manawatu $2.05.
