Blake Metcalf-Holt
THAT does it.
Seventeen rounds have come and gone in the East Gippsland Football Netball League, and it’s now time to shrink the competition from eight sides to its best four.
There was some surprise late season dramatics, but the clear contenders for the flag will be represented this final series in 2024.
Boisdale-Briagolong and Stratford are both finals bound, and will be joined by Lucknow and Wy Yung in the race for the premiership.
BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG wrapped up the regular season with the minor premiership.
The Bombers made light work of bottom-placed Lindenow, winning 20.15 (135) to 6.5 (41).
It wasn’t what was suspected out of the gate, the Cats holding firm making Boisdale-Briagalong work for every possession which resulted in a miniscule lead of one-point by quarter time at Boisdale.
The Bombers reasserted their dominance upon that sluggish start, returning to the football that has them as the outright favourite for the premiership simply on the most recent form alone.
Boisdale-Briagalong entered the main break ahead 6.8 (44) to 2.4 (16).
A win was all that was required from the Bombers to hold top spot over Lucknow, but they continued to impress like that of their second quarter brilliance and added a further eight goals to Lindenow’s two, leaving the result in hand without question.
Thomas Jolly was best afield for the winners with five goals, along with heavy support from Daniel Johnson, Jackson Glenane, Matthew Wilkinson (five goals), Shaquille Coridas and Billy Marshall.
The Cats fought hard to the final siren, showing that they deserved a higher spot on the ladder come season’s end on effort alone.
Lindenow had great play from Lucas Lakay, Lewis Roberts, Alexander Stanton, Noah Rutherford, Justin Gould and David Donchi.
STRATFORD abused Paynesville ever so badly on the eve of finals.
The Swans combatted their recent, yet short slump to earn a finals placement after walloping Paynesville 38.19 (247) to 3.3 (21).
Stratford had to win and rely on Orbost Snowy Rovers losing to play finals.
Up by 47 points and then 112 points at halftime made it all but clear where the game was headed for the Swans.
Jack Bacon booted 14 goals in the seismic win for Stratford, while Ryan Thatcher kicked five.
LUCKNOW spoiled Orbost’s party.
The Magpies came home 17.6 (108) to 9.10 (64) winners, knocking the Blues out of finals contention.
OSR understood what was needed, and jumped the gun, going into quarter time ahead 4.5 (29) to 1.0 (6).
The Blues were still in front at the main break, but only just, by three points.
Lucknow then held OSR to one goal upon the third quarter, and booted 4.3 (27) to place themselves 15 points ahead.
The Blues simply ran out of gas by the time the fourth quarter arrived, exerting all their best tricks in the first half and ultimately only managed two goals in the second half which was their downfall.
Andrew Nelson earned the best-on-ground honours for the Magpies, followed by Ryan Halford, Brenden Flinn (three goals), Jesse Glassbrow, Jackson Smith (four goals) and Glen Perkins.
Orbost, who in the last four weeks alone reignited their season upon some significant victories, were unable to maintain their recent run and were outdone by a much superior team with high aspirations.
WY YUNG can do it.
Given how the East Gippsland finals are shaping, it isn’t a massive statement to say a side sitting outside the top two and without a double chance cushion can go all the way.
To be fair, the last time this occurred in the league was back in 2015 when Lindenow made the run into the big dance, only to be downed by Wy Yung.
It still is more than possible, especially given how close the top three sides of Boisdale-Briagalong, Lucknow and Wy Yung have been all season, trading places left right and centre.
The Tigers dealt one final major blow, laying the smackdown on Lakes Entrance, 28.10 (178) to 3.6 (24).
Wy Yung kicked 15 goals in the second half, statistically performing better than in their earlier start, with only a one-goal blemish the other end of the ground.
Jack Betts was best man on deck for the Tigers with 13 goals, followed by Harry Kellow, Nathan Dennison, Norman Betts, Bradley Daniel and Thomas Stephenson.
