For the second time in four weeks, Paynesville has failed to kick a goal at senior East Gippsland Football Netball League level.
The Gulls managed just two behinds in their 145-point loss to Lucknow in round 15 action at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The season’s end can’t come soon enough for Paynesville, who have struggled in the second half of the season after a promising start, including a win over Stratford.
In contrast, the Magpies, who lost a number of players before the season started, have been an improver in the back half of the season.
In recent weeks they defeated Lakes Entrance, been competitive against Lindenow and taken the game right up to premiership favourite Boisdale Briagolong.
On Saturday, with skipper Jesse Glassborow (two goals) playing his 100th senior game and thirds player, Justin Palconit on debut, they had 13 shots at goal in the opening term and despite some way ward kicking, led by 33 points at the first break.
The Gulls kicked both their behinds in the second term, as the Magpies opened the lead up to 58 points at the main break.
Things got ugly in the second half, with Lucknow’s goal kicking improving, as they accumulated 13 goals in a busy second half, highlighted by eight in the final term.
Their best two forwards this season, Nick Mooney (eight) and Damian Hodder (five) were the major beneficiaries of an absurd number of inside 50’s, as last year’s runner-up recorded its sixth win for the campaign.
The clever Mooney leads the competition goal kicking by four goals heading into the final round, from Lindenow star Peter Harrison and Boisdale Briagolong skipper, Jim Reeves.
It’s no surprise that the Magpies’ resurgence over the past month has coincided with key playmaker, Link McKenna back fit and on the park.
When he’s up and running, he’s a splendid sight, kicking long to players like Mooney with his long left slipper.
Not far behind McKenna over the past month and last Saturday was the emerging bull, Logan Croucher who was again in the thick of the action and the best players.
Others to impress included Harvey Abraham and Glassborow, who rarely puts in a bad game.
The Magpies went into the game without utility Ricky Tatnell, who suffered a knee injury last week, with the news indicating that he has medial ligament damage, which is a lot better news than expected.
Zac Tepper, Ben McKinnon, Judah May, the consistent Harry Gibbs, veteran Craig Taylor, and Jeremy Nunn all tried hard for the Gulls, who were no match for the rampant Magpies.
Paynesville’s season will end this Saturday with a home fixture against Lindenow, who will be keen to finish the season on a high note and round off their finals preparation.
The Magpies won’t play finals in 2026 but they could well decide who does, when they head to Orbost to take on the Blues, who need to win and hope Lakes go down to Wy Yung to sneak into next week’s elimination final.
Lucknow got the points in round one at Orbost, before the Blues returned the favour in round nine at Lucknow.
