Fielding its strongest line-up of the season, Buchan made light work of Lindenow South in round six of the Omeo and District Football Netball League at Buchan Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
Boosted by the return of local youngster Harry McGuinn from Bairnsdale, Tim Weller for his first senior appearance of the season and Redlegs thirds player Ned Stansfield, the Cavemen were primed for a big performance — and delivered emphatically.
Buchan now sits third on the ladder, four points clear of Omeo-Benambra in fourth and Lindenow South in fifth.
The Cavemen won every quarter on the way to a dominant 112-point victory, highlighted by a blistering 10-goal second term.
McGuinn and Jock Coates continually drove the ball forward, creating numerous opportunities for skipper Tyson Siddle and John Gooch.
Siddle produced a best-on-ground performance, booting 11 goals, while Gooch added six in a devastating display from the Buchan attack.
Coates also hit the scoreboard with four goals, while Weller chimed in with three.
The inclusion of McGuinn allowed Buchan the flexibility to play Gooch deeper in attack, with the pair combining effectively in a forward structure that proved too strong for the Swampies.
Siddle continues to lead strongly from the front this season and now tops the league goal-kicking with 25 goals from five matches.
McGuinn, Coates, Weller, Stansfield and tough midfielder James Woodgate were also among Buchan’s best players.
For Lindenow South, Aaron Edwards, Kalen Fry, Jayke Kuhnell, Lochie Kennedy, Nick Nicklen and Blake Bartlett worked hard throughout the contest.
This week, Lindenow South faces a crucial clash with Alpine Ranges, with fourth position on the ladder up for grabs.
The Swampies will take confidence into the match after winning the earlier meeting between the sides at home.
Buchan, meanwhile, hosts an in-form Swifts Creek outfit coming off the bye.
The Demons have steadily improved in recent weeks and will provide a strong test of where the Cavemen sit in the 2026 premiership race.
