Bairnsdale ran into a rampant reigning premier in Leongatha during a difficult Gippsland League road trip last Saturday, going down to the Parrots by 111 points.
The undermanned Redlegs, missing key targets Oscar Morrison and Brayden McCarrey in attack, had no answer for a Leongatha side keen to bounce back after losing to Moe a week earlier.
The Parrots had effectively put the game to bed by quarter time, with only inaccuracy preventing a margin greater than the 38 points that stood at the first break. Leongatha unleashed a 14-scoring-shot blitz in the opening term but managed just 6.8, while the Redlegs could only muster a single score — a long set-shot goal courtesy of Jonah Walker.
The hosts steadily extended their lead every quarter, executing a 61-point advantage at half time and an 86-point cushion at three quarter time, before holding Bairnsdale goalless in the final term.
The structural dominance was clear in the data: the home side generated 57 inside-50s for 43 scoring shots, while the Redlegs could only produce 29 entries. Leongatha also dominated the air, hauling in 34 marks inside 50 compared to Bairnsdale’s six.
While Bairnsdale battled hard at the clearances, it was simply no match for the slick Leongatha outfit on the outside.
Cooper Harvey (48 disposals), Lachlan Byrne-Jones (40) and Tyran Rees (31) were again ball magnets for the Redlegs. Rees was particularly outstanding in what was his 50th senior game. However, a number of the younger Redlegs found it difficult to impact the contest against such formidable, established opposition. Leongatha finished with more than 100 more possessions than the visitors, with 15 Bairnsdale players held to 12 disposals or fewer.
Jamie Dore, Walker, Oscar Baylis and Ethan East provided solid contributions throughout the afternoon, while youngsters Walker, Dore, Max Neate, Max East and Kael Frith were the lone goalscorers.
Maffra’s upset victory over ladder leader Moe means Bairnsdale’s chances of chasing an elusive finals spot have become more difficult.
However, the Redlegs face a critical home clash following the league-wide bye when they welcome Morwell to City Oval on July 11, with both sides currently locked on three wins apiece.
