A disappointing nine-point loss to Lucknow in round 12 East Gippsland Football Netball League action at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve has thrown Lakes Entrance’s quest for a 2026 finals berth into grave doubt.
The Seagulls struggled with accuracy in front of goal and were completely outplayed in the third quarter, succumbing to the much-improved Magpies in a hard-fought contest.
Following the round’s results, fifth-placed Lakes Entrance now finds itself two games and a massive 23 per cent behind fourth-placed Orbost Snowy Rovers with just four rounds to play.
Effectively, if the Blues win two of their final four matches — against Lindenow (away), Wy Yung (home), Lakes Entrance (away) and Lucknow (home) — they are guaranteed to secure a finals spot.
In contrast, the Seagulls face a slightly more favourable run home, but are giving up a major head start after proving inconsistent and unpredictable at times throughout 2026.
Lakes Entrance will take on Paynesville (home), Stratford (away), Orbost Snowy Rovers (home), and Wy Yung (away).
If the Seagulls can win their next three fixtures, a plausible scenario would see them needing to upset Wy Yung in the final round to sneak into fourth spot. Ultimately, however, the setback against the Magpies has made their finals equation difficult.
In a lacklustre first half that offered little visual spectacle, Lucknow kicked three goals to two as both sides butchered easy opportunities in front of the uprights.
Holding a narrow five-point advantage at the main break, Lucknow lifted its intensity in the third term, slamming home three unanswered goals to build a 22-point lead that infuriated Lakes Entrance coach Darren Martin.
The Seagulls were forced to play a player short for the first eight minutes of the third quarter following a yellow card issued to Liam Carroll just before half time, though confusion reigned over whether a player from both sides had been sent off or just Carroll.
With their season on the line, Lakes Entrance mounted a brave last-quarter revival, booting four goals to trim the margin to just three points before Link McKenna slotted his second major to seal a memorable nine-point victory for the home team.
Martin was less than impressed with his side’s overall performance.
“We had numerous inside 50s in the first half and didn’t capitalise,” Martin said.
“I can’t believe with our season on the line we dished up that effort in the third quarter.
“In saying that, we still had our chances in the final term and missed a couple of gettable shots. Full credit to them, though.”
Martin was particularly impressed by the Magpies’ defensive accountability and relentless tackling pressure.
“They won off the back of high pressure and they held their ground until they won the football,” Martin said.
Ricky Tatnell was clearly the best player on the ground for Lucknow, playing an unfashionable role in the ruck against a rotation of Charlie Graham, James Beha and Angus Stevens throughout the afternoon.
Beha was unstoppable early at centre half back, but was eventually forced into the ruck to try and negate Tatnell’s influence, though he struggled to match the fleet-footed Magpie around the ground.
Stevens, who enjoyed a great duel with Nick Mooney (four goals) across the first three quarters, moved into the ruck for the final stanza, winning hit-outs and inspiring the Seagulls’ late surge.
Tom Hudson kicked both of his goals in the final term, while Sam Brown also finished with two for the visitors.
Other strong performers for the winning Magpies were the creative McKenna, Stephen Bertino, Mooney and impressive youngsters Logan Croucher and Bradley Saulle.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls were well served across the day by Sean Smith, Mitch Banner, Angus McKenzie, Brown, Stevens and Will Cantrill.
Lakes Entrance will return home this Saturday to host Paynesville at Lakeside Oval.
