Lakes Entrance have made it consecutive victories, comfortably accounting for Paynesville by 65 points at Freeman Reserve in Paynesville in round six East Gippsland Football Netball League action.
The Seagulls now sit fifth, a game adrift of reigning premier Wy Yung, who are fourth, and level on points with Orbost Snowy Rovers (second) and Lindenow (third).
Paynesville started strongly and kept Lakes busy in the first term, with the home side leading by four points at the first change.
However, Lakes dominated the next three quarters, kicking 14 goals to four to run out convincing winners as their superior fitness took effect late in the game.
Paynesville never gave in and remains capable of jagging a second win for the season in the coming weeks if they can gain momentum.
Xavier Woodland was back to his best, booting eight goals in an impressive performance at half-forward, pleasing coach Darren Martin.
“It’s great to see Xavier hitting the scoreboard, and even more pleasing that we have had Liam Carroll and Tom Hudson also kick bags of goals in recent weeks,” Martin said.
Lakes had numerous strong contributors, but none better than Mitch Banner, the former AFL player, who dominated around the contest and gathered possessions at will.
Martin was also impressed with how well Lakes Entrance moved the ball, something he believes will stand them in good stead in the weeks ahead.
In an interesting tactical move, James Beha and Logan Brown shared ruck duties for the Seagulls, with Josh Wykes playing as a ruck rover and rotating on-ball with Liam Carroll, both of whom were named in the best players.
Sean Smith and George Ioakim continue to impress Martin in high half-forward roles.
“It’s an area we have identified, and those guys have been putting plenty of tackle pressure on. Smith had his 20 possessions and six tackles, just as we asked,” Martin said.
Angus McKenzie was outstanding across half-back after starting in the middle, effectively nullifying the influence of key Gulls playmaker Alex Saunders.
Among the best for the gallant Gulls were Jai Nelson, Harry Gibbs, Ben McKinnon, Arthur Wright and Boris Bryant.
Unavailability will see Wykes and Dylan Nikolajew miss this week’s home game against Stratford, with their spots likely to be taken by Tarkyn Nicol and Tom Hudson.
Martin is expecting a tough contest against the Swans.
“They will be hard to beat. They challenged Wy Yung last week. Hopefully, we can get another win on the board before the bye weekend,” Martin said.
