Lakes Entrance looks set for a prosperous 2026 East Gippsland Football Netball League campaign after pushing reigning premier Wy Yung in the opening round at Bullumwaal Road last Saturday.
The Seagulls threw out a serious challenge to the Tigers in the final quarter. After trailing by 20 points at three-quarter time, they drew within five points before Wy Yung scored a late goal to secure a hard-fought 12-point victory.
Lakes Entrance will rue several missed opportunities in the final term. A number of shots finished on the wrong side of the post just as they were mounting a serious challenge for the win.
Both sides featured dominant half-back lines, which was where most attacking moves eventuated — often the result of strong defence following costly turnovers.
Sean Smith, Liam Carroll, and Angus McKenzie were lively in the midfield for the Seagulls, feasting on the hard work of Josh Wykes and James Beha. Beha did not reappear after half time with the club
opting for a cautious approach to his leg soreness.
Jet Murphy was Wy Yung’s best midfielder, carrying on the great form he displayed in 2025 during his first year with the Tigers.
The Tigers led by 22 points at halftime, largely due to outstanding forward work by Nathan Dennison. Dennison relished playing close to goal in the absence of Jack Betts, kicking three early goals before leaving the field with an injury well before the long break.
Lakes Entrance outscored the premiers five goals to three in the second half, proving they will be a genuine improver in 2026. This performance was particularly impressive given the Tigers are set to welcome back Luke Elia, Jock Overend, Tim Daniel, Jack Betts, and Norm Betts in the coming weeks.
Lakes Entrance coach Darren Martin was pleased with his
team’s effort but remained realistic. While his side took the fight to the champions, they ultimately failed to secure the points.
“Our forwards and midfielders will need to gel better if we are to
get across the line in matches like that,” Martin said.
Sam Brown and Mitch Banner
both kicked two goals for the Seagulls. Their best players included Smith, Carroll, McKenzie, Angus Stevens, Caleb O’Donnell, Wil Cantrill, and Wykes.
Harry Kellow kicked two goals for Wy Yung. The victors were best served by Ridge Peters, Jack Halabut, Jett Murphy, Nate Somerville, Tom Betts, and Mitchell Toms; Murphy was notably the only member of that list who did not play in the back six.
