Reigning premier, Omeo Benambra, moved to third on the Omeo District Football Netball League ladder with a comfortable 67-point win over Lindenow South at the Omeo Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
After seven rounds, the Alpine Ranges, who are chasing a three-peat, have recorded two wins and four losses, alongside a bye.
Although they appear to be a fair way off 2026 boom sides Bruthen and Swifts Creek, it was certainly the victory they needed to gain some valuable momentum, with some significant player inclusions expected in the coming weeks.
The Ranges were up and about pre-match and keen to make an early statement, which is exactly what they did, blowing away the Swampies in a six-goal-to-one first term to open up a 28-point buffer.
Lindenow South took the game to the home side in the second and third quarters as the sides traded goals, but they were unable to make any significant leeway on the scoreboard, with the margin sitting at 35 points at the final change.
Although trailing, the Swampies would have given themselves some hope given the Alpine Ranges’ poor second-half record this season, where they have struggled to run out four quarters.
But not on this occasion, with the defending premiers making a positive statement by kicking seven goals in the final term to finish impressive winners in clearly their best performance of the year.
Dean Jobling and the pacy Jordan Robertson, both in just their second appearance for the season, kicked four goals each, while Benjamin Jobling booted three.
Local product Seth Smith, who just weeks ago kicked 10 goals in a Gippsland League match against Morwell, kicked five for the Swampies, with the Maffra Eagles having a bye.
The better players for the Alpine Ranges were ruckman Campbell Ahsam, Robertson, speedster Hudson Collins, Rupert Sternson, and consistent contributors Jacob Tomkins and Brandon Betts.
The visitors received good four-quarter service from Bryce Dunn, Curtis Hood, Samual Howden, William O’Keefe, Jayke Kuhnell and Seth Smith.
Dunn is a former Thorpdale player and Saturday was his fourth appearance for the campaign.
