Lakes Entrance returned to the winners’ list in round 13 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League on Saturday, securing a commanding 113-point victory over bottom-placed Paynesville at home.
Following recent setbacks against Lucknow and Lindenow, the Seagulls banked a vital four points in their pursuit of a 2026 finals berth. The victory provides the ideal start to a crucial final month of home-and-away football, as Lakes Entrance seeks to displace arch-rival Orbost Snowy Rovers from fourth spot on the ladder.
Beyond the four points, the lopsided result boosted the Seagulls’ percentage from 98 to 111, bringing them within six percentage points of the fourth-placed Blues. A major win against Stratford at Boyd Reserve this weekend could see Lakes Entrance break back into the top four, provided Wy Yung defeats Orbost Snowy Rovers at Lochiel Park.
Heeding the pre-match instructions of coach Darren Martin, the Seagulls made a fast start, kicking eight goals to one in an explosive opening term to establish a 44-point lead by quarter time.
Paynesville responded in the second quarter, making use of a strong breeze to outscore the hosts four goals to one. While the late surge cut the deficit to 38 points at the main
break, it offered only brief respite for Gulls coach Michael Boothey following a challenging stretch of matches.
Lakes Entrance reasserted control in the second half with a ruthless display, slamming home 12 goals to one to seal the victory. Martin expressed particular satisfaction with his side’s execution in the final quarter, where they moved the ball fluently into the wind to kick eight goals to one.
Xavier Woodland led the goalscoring with six majors, while Charlie Graham and Liam Carroll added four apiece. Tom Hudson booted three, with Josh Piper and Sean Smith chipping in with two goals each as the home side dominated inside-50 entries.
Woodland, Graham, Carroll, Max Stevens and George Ioakim were among the best on ground for Lakes Entrance, alongside bottom-age thirds player Leroy Hayes, who impressed on debut with his work as a small forward inside the 50-metre arc.
Martin praised the impact of the club’s emerging talent, noting that young players such as Hayes, Graham, Max and Angus Stevens, Harper and Tully Davis, and Ioakim represent the future of the team and continue to develop rapidly.
Lachie Willmott was the sole multiple goalscorer for Paynesville, kicking two majors. Mitchell Willmott, Ben McKinnon, Alex Saunders, Judah May, Harry Gibbs and Henry Wirken fought hard for the visitors on a tough day.
