Reigning premier Wy Yung’s push for back-to-back flags is gaining momentum following a comprehensive 71-point thrashing of the Orbost Snowy Rovers in round seven of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at Bullumwaal Road.
It was the Tigers’ best performance of the season. With plenty of quality players still to return to the lineup in the coming weeks, they are building towards their peak, having always targeted the second half of the season.
The result marked Wy Yung’s fourth consecutive victory, this time coming against an opponent who entered the clash full of confidence after comfortably eclipsing fellow contender Lindenow seven days earlier.
Premiership coach Brodie Anderson was delighted with the win, reporting in from Bali where he is enjoying a mid-season break.
“It was a great effort. We are heading in the right direction, dominated the game for the second week in a row and got a better reward for effort on the scoreboard this week,” Anderson said.
It was a lacklustre performance from the Blues, whose dismal record at Bullumwaal Road continues, with the hoodoo now nearing 20 years without a victory at the venue.
The Tigers made an early statement, kicking four goals to one in the opening term.
The 22-point lead flattered the Blues, who struggled to get their hands on the football.
Things did not get any easier in the second term as the home side used its speed and exquisite kicking skills to great effect, lengthening the advantage to 43 points at half time.
Wy Yung was not quite as sharp in the second half, taking its foot off the gas, but the Tigers were still too slick and fit for the Blues. They dominated across half back and through the middle, ultimately doubling their opponent’s inside 50 count for the day.
Brad Daniel finished with four goals for the winners, while Nathan Dennison, Bayden Ashwood and Harry Kellow slotted two each. At the other end, Blues veteran Tommy Smith played a lone hand for his side, finishing with four majors.
For the second consecutive week, hard-running winger Jovi Kellow was best afield, with Tim Daniel, Jai Nicholls, Jake Anderson, Bradley Daniel and Mitchell Toms not far behind.
Tim Daniel worked hard at centre half forward, with his brother Brad playing closer to goal.
Jake Anderson played as a high half forward, Toms easily won his wing and Nicholls impressed while rotating through both attack and defence.
Curtley Nettleton was again to the fore in defence for the Blues with his ability to read the play and take intercept marks clearly evident.
Lachlan Osborn toiled manfully in the ruck, while Jackson de Prinse played his best game since joining from Melbourne club Norwood.
Zach Webb, Max Herbert and Thomas Smith all battled hard on a tough day for the Blues.
The win sees the Tigers move to third on the ladder, four points ahead of Orbost, who drop from second to fourth as Wy Yung aims to lock down a vital double-chance finals spot.
Both sides face tough assignments after this weekend’s King’s Birthday long weekend bye.
The Tigers will welcome league pacesetter Boisdale Briagolong to Bullumwaal Road, while the Blues host arch-rival Lakes Entrance at Lochiel Park with a vital four points up for grabs.
