It has been a long time coming for Lakes Entrance Football Netball Club, however it now gets an opportunity to end a long-standing senior football premiership drought.
The Seagulls advanced to their first East Gippsland football grand final in 15 years with a comfortable 28-point victory over Wy Yung at Bairnsdale City Oval on Saturday.
Lakes will take on minor premiers, Stratford, in this Saturday’s grand final at City Oval and it will be a big day for the club.
Six out of a possible 10 football and netball teams are playing on Saturday, with the under 18 and under 16 footballers joining the seniors, while “B”, and “D” grade and the 15 and under netballers will also be in action.
Club president, Danny Moorhouse, said it has been a remarkable year for the Seagulls and he is confident the club has one last big effort to give.
“It’s been a huge effort from a lot of people – coaches, players, volunteers, etc – to make things work and it is a reward for all the hard work that has been put in,” Moorhouse said.
“James (Gibbs) has done a wonderful job with the senior group and he has been well supported by our reserves coaches Ryan Hooper and Kane Thomson, who have been critical in making sure things continue to tick.
“Matt Garbutt and Anthony Woodland have been terrific leaders for our under 18s and under 16s. Not only have they been great coaches, but have steered these young men on the right path and they are all good people.
“The netball coaches have also been fantastic. Jae-Lee Greaves puts in a mountain of work with the “B” graders, Nicole Gibbs likewise with “D” grade and Kelly Svetlik and Kelly Smart have ensured our future is in good hands with the 15 and under girls.
“All grades of football and netball put in great seasons, the reserves and “C” grade netball weren’t far away from playing in grand finals either.
“The effort has been outstanding and I know this week will be tough, but every single one wearing maroon and white believes we can bring home the silverware.”
That belief stretches through the town, which Moorhouse said he expects to get stronger as the week goes on.
“Shop windows have Lakes jumpers, maroon and white colours – it’s great to see so many people around the town behind us,” he said.
“It’s a great thing for the club to be part of grand final day, but also the town, and hopefully we see a massive group wearing maroon and white on Saturday, cheering us on.”
PICTURED: Lakes Entrance senior football coach, James Gibbs, has steered the Seagulls to the East Gippsland football grand final this Saturday where they will face Stratford.
