Bairnsdale has scored its biggest win under new coach, Kane Ashwood, knocking off a resurgent Warragul by 17 points in round four of the Gippsland League at Western Park last Saturday.
The Gulls went into the clash with two wins from three matches, including two sensational victories on the road against Wonthaggi and Sale.
The victory has propelled the Redlegs into fifth position on the ladder, trailing Morwell on percentage and Moe, Wonthaggi, and Leongatha by four points.
In a close competition, where surprising results are happening on a weekly basis, all wins are going to be crucial if the Redlegs are to finally play finals in 2025.
The Redlegs included Kael Frith for his first game, coming in with Matt Hamilton and ruckman Jack White to replace Brayden McCarrey (general soreness), Max Neate (omitted) and Jonah Walker (young guns game).
Tyran Rees (35 touches) and Will Mitchell (40) were outstanding for the Redlegs who had almost 100 more possessions than the Gulls and were more efficient at the clearances despite Warragul man mountain Sam Whibley dominating the hitouts.
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Mitchell knows how to shark the ball and his awareness brought hard-working runners such as Tom Blenheim (27), Cooper Harvey (30), Tate Clay (26), Jesse Bills and Lachlan Cloak into the game.
Off the back of the hard work at the clearance and a dominant midfield unit, the Redlegs kicked six goals to two in the opening term to open up a 25-point advantage at quarter time, four of those goals coming in time on, including a brilliant three effort goal from Rees at a stoppage, which pleased the coach.
“We worked hard at getting the ball inside 50 and even harder at keeping it in, which is something we have been focusing on,” Ashwood said.
From then on the Redlegs were able to keep the Gulls at a two to three-goal advantage for most of the match, which delighted Ashwood.
“They challenged us hard but we stood up and were too good. It’s tough place to win, the smaller ground isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but we came away with a valuable four points,” Ashwood said.
Rees and Jamie Dore both kicked three goals for Bairnsdale, while Bills slotted two.
Dore finished with 23 disposals, his ability to work up and down the ground standing him in good steed early in season 2025.
With the forward pressure relentless, the backs were able to slide up and help keep the ball in the Redlegs’ attacking 50.
Maffra will head east this Saturday to take on the Redlegs at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
The Eagles will make the trek high on confidence after defeating last year’s premier Traralgon last Saturday at the Maffra Recreation Reserve.
The Redlegs won’t be taking the Eagles likely, who have a young developing list, who are capable of almost anything on their day, when the ball bounces their way.
Facing Maffra, Morwell, Sale and Traralgon over the next month, the Redlegs will be keen to bank three wins from the bracket, mindful that 10 wins from 18 matches was the minimum requirement to make finals in 2024, which is greater than their current 50 per cent strike rate.
Ashwood is keen to see his side continue its good recent form this week, delighted with the two wins and losses to the two sides he believes are the competition’s best, Moe and Leongatha.
