Lakes Entrance returned to the winners’ list in round 13 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League last Saturday, securing a commanding 113-point victory over bottom-placed Paynesville at Lakeside Oval.
Following recent setbacks against Lucknow and Lindenow, the Seagulls banked a vital four points in their pursuit of a 2026 finals berth. The lopsided result boosted the Seagulls’ percentage from 98 to 111, bringing them within six percentage points of fourth-placed Orbost Snowy Rovers as the final month of the home-and-away season begins.
A victory against Stratford at Boyd Reserve this weekend could see Lakes Entrance break into the top four, provided Wy Yung defeats Orbost Snowy Rovers at Lochiel Park.
Heeding the pre-match instructions of coach Darren Martin, the Seagulls made a fast start, kicking eight goals to one in an explosive opening term to establish a 44-point lead by quarter time.
Paynesville responded in the second term, utilising a strong breeze to outscore the hosts four goals to one. While the surge cut the deficit to 38 points at the main break, it offered only brief respite for Gulls coach Michael Boothey.
Lakes Entrance reasserted control after half time with a ruthless display, slamming home 12 goals to one to seal the victory. Martin expressed particular satisfaction with his side’s execution in the final quarter, where the Seagulls moved the ball fluently into the wind to kick eight goals to one.
Xavier Woodland led the goalscoring with six majors, while Charlie Graham and Liam Carroll added four apiece. Tom Hudson booted three, with Josh Piper and Sean Smith chipping in with two goals each as the home side dominated inside-50 entries.
Woodland, Graham, Carroll, Max Stevens and George Ioakim were among the best on ground for Lakes Entrance, alongside bottom-age thirds player Leroy Hayes, who impressed on senior debut with his defensive pressure and work inside the forward arc.
Midfield star Mitch Banner accumulated possession at will, collecting 18 touches in the opening quarter alone before pushing past 50 disposals by the final siren.
Martin praised the impact of the club’s emerging talent, noting that young players such as Hayes, Graham, Max and Angus Stevens, Harper and Tully Davis, and Ioakim represent the future of the senior group.
Lachie Willmott was the sole multiple goalscorer for Paynesville with two majors, while Mitchell Willmott, Ben McKinnon, Alex Saunders, Judah May, Harry Gibbs and Henry Wirken fought hard for the visitors on a tough afternoon.
Paynesville faces another massive task this Saturday when it welcomes ladder-leader Boisdale-Briagolong to AJ Freeman Reserve.
