Lakes Entrance recorded its second-biggest victory of the East Gippsland Football Netball League season with a final-round win over Wy Yung at Bullumwaal Road, but remarkably missed out on finals action.
The Seagulls began the day holding fourth spot, sitting just under six per cent ahead of arch-rival Orbost Snowy Rovers with both clubs tied on eight wins.
Lakes Entrance produced four consistent quarters to overcome reigning premier Wy Yung by seven points in a tight, physical encounter. However, Orbost’s 74-point win over Lucknow saw the Blues snatch fourth spot by a margin of 0.43 percent.
Outgoing Lakes Entrance coach Darren Martin was disappointed to miss out, but praised his side’s effort and development.
“Look, you could break it down and find some reason or blame for us missing out, but sometimes that’s just how the cookie crumbles,” Martin said.
“We have shown outstanding maturity over the last month with plenty of pressure on, with our experienced players leading the way and our youngsters growing on the job. We have made real progress over the last two seasons, we are back in the hunt.
“Our two best wins were against Boisdale Briagolong and Wy Yung. We aren’t far away and I’m looking forward to seeing the continued progress under Mitch in 2027.”
Star midfielder Mitch Banner will take over from Martin as head coach next season.
Lakes Entrance got off to a strong start, taking an eight-point lead into the quarter-time break. Neither side managed a goal in an intense, defence-dominated second term, with the Seagulls extending their advantage to 10 points.
The Seagulls gained complete control in the third quarter, kicking two goals to one to take a 17-point buffer into the final term.
After three low-scoring quarters, the match opened up in the final period as both teams combined for eight goals. Grand final hero Norm Betts sparked a late Wy Yung revival after being moved into the midfield, continuously forcing the ball forward as the Tigers kicked five goals to three.
Wy Yung closed within sight of victory before Tom Hudson’s fourth goal of the afternoon sealed the seven-point win for the Seagulls.
Jack Betts kicked three goals for Wy Yung, while Luke Elia slotted two.
James Beha was outstanding across half back for Lakes Entrance, joined in the best by Angus McKenzie, Jordy Cullen, Hudson and brothers Angus and Max Stevens. Angus dominated in the ruck, while Max excelled in a quarter-back role across half back. Cullen performed a strong shutdown job on Tigers star Jett Murphy.
Norm Betts led Wy Yung’s best players alongside Bayden Ashwood, Jobe Somerville, Elia, Jock Overend and Jai Nicholls.
Lakes Entrance will now shift its focus to finals campaigns in the reserves and thirds at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve this Saturday. The reserves face undefeated Boisdale Briagolong, while the thirds take on Lindenow.
