After a week of reflection, Lakes Entrance returns to Lakeside Oval this Saturday to face Boisdale Briagolong in round three of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
The Seagulls are looking to respond after a 29-point loss to Orbost Snowy Rovers in round two, where they surrendered a three-goal half-time lead in a disappointing second-half fadeout that drew the frustration of coach Darren Martin. That followed a competitive round one loss to reigning premier Wy Yung, which had initially fuelled expectations of a strong rise in 2026.
Boisdale Briagolong arrives in ominous form after a 105-point win over Wy Yung, albeit against a weakened Tigers outfit. The result has quickly elevated the Bombers into premiership favouritism.
Lakes Entrance will regain ruck duo Josh Wykes and James Beha, while Dylan Nikolajew is unavailable due to work commitments. The Bombers also have several omissions, including Tom Jolly (marriage), Kel Porter, co-coach Kade Renooy and Tim Dessent, though Ben Wilkinson and Nick Marshall are expected to bolster their line-up.
Martin is seeking a four-quarter response.
“We need to deliver a consistent four-quarter performance. If we get that right, we have the ability to be competitive against anyone,” he said.
Bomber coach Sam Bedggood said his side was looking forward to the challenge.
“The big grounds suit our game. We’re in good form and our new recruits have fitted in really well,” Bedggood said.
Elsewhere, Orbost Snowy Rovers host Paynesville, who have shown steady improvement and will aim to replicate their stronger second-half form from round two. Paynesville will also look to capitalise on their growing cohesion after a flat round one performance.
Stratford is chasing its first win when it hosts unbeaten Orbost Snowy Rovers. The Swans will look to exploit their height advantage and feed key playmakers Nathan Pollard and Lachlan Channing in search of an upset.
The round’s feature clash is at Bullumwaal Road, where Wy Yung hosts in-form Lindenow. The Tigers regain several players but remain undermanned, while Lindenow has made its best start in years under coach Justin Gould, with strong contributions from recruits Logan Dunkley, Cameron McPhan and the Richards brothers.
A win for Lindenow would cement its credentials as a genuine contender behind Boisdale Briagolong, while Wy Yung will be keen to reassert itself despite early-season challenges.
