Lakes Entrance took it right up to unbeaten Stratford in round five of the East Gippsland Football Netball League, only beaten in the final 15 minutes at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday.
The effort impressed the coaching staff, led by head coach Darren Martin, as the Seagulls were left to rue a poor start against a quality opponent.
The Seagulls could only muster a solitary behind in the first quarter with the wind, as the confident Swans kicked three unanswered first term majors.
“The first quarter was frustrating, we constantly attacked from the wrong side and blew our chances. We worked hard in the second term not to be blown away,” Martin said.
Giant ruckman Floyd Fulton was on top in the ruck early for Stratford with players like coach Nathan Pollard, reigning competition best and fairest winner Lachy Channing and 2024 Omeo Benambra premiership player 2024 Jordan Robertson getting plenty of the football.
Angus McKenzie was working hard for the Seagulls on the dangerous Channing and although he still got plenty of the ball, McKenzie did quell his dangerous run and carry from the stoppages.
After playing forward for much of the first half, veteran Lakes ruckman Sam Nickless put himself on the ball late in the second term, lifting his side and stopping the dominance of Fulton.
A late goal to the Seagulls, their first for
the match, saw them go in 39 points down at half time.
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Some adjustments by Martin and his team at half time saw the Seagulls correct the first quarter wrongs, playing with considerable more direction and purpose as they challenged the hard-running Swans.
The third quarter belonged to the home side as they kicked three goals to one narrowing the lead to just 24 points at the final change.
The task was still huge with the second-ranked team going home with a significant breeze at its back.
What happened next not only heartened supporters, but brought a smile to Martin’s face as he saw what his side is capable of when everything clicks.
With Fraser Dostine in everything playing as an onballer, Liam Carroll (two goals) and Ben Rotheram (three) pivotal up forward, the Seagulls kicked the opening four goals of the final term, the scores level when Harry Reed kicked truly midway through the term.
Unfortunately this kicked the Swans into action, regaining their mojo, finishing the last part of the game full of running with two match-winning goals from the final six
scoring shots.
Pollard was outstanding for Stratford, well supported by Channing, Fulton, Robertson, Jack Bacon, Jack Rietschel and Russell White who is adapting to life as a defender at Stratford after a stellar career at Lindenow South.
Rodney O’Keefe led the goal scorers with three, while Ryan Thatcher bobbed up with a couple.
Nickless and Mitch Banner playing off half back were vital for the Seagulls, well supported by Brendan Bassett, Seb Etheridge, McKenzie, the ever-improving Sean Smith and assistant coach Rotheram.
Smith suffered a corkie in the pre-season match against Monbulk and is beginning to hit his straps, now fit and with his mobility back. Etheridge had a great battle with Bacon.
Lakes Entrance will host Wy Yung this Saturday, another tough assignment after the Tigers ran over the top of reigning premier Boisdale Briagolong in a high-standard match
at Wy Yung.
Martin is well aware of the task at hand, but can see his side getting better with each hit out.
“We are improving with each match, two more training sessions before Wy Yung and will see significant more improvement. I’m expecting another good performance against a quality team,” Martin said.
Bryce Collings will return this week, with Martin reporting Liam Allen (wrist) is now in full training and close to a return and the club is buoyed by the return of Josh Piper to the fold after coaching Omeo Benambra to a premiership last season in the Omeo and District Football Netball League.
Gun forward Tom Hudson is still around a month away from resuming.
