Veterans take centre stage

Bairnsdale has continued its rise in Gippsland League reserves football, with some fresh but familiar faces helping the Redlegs to a 22-point victory over Morwell at Bairnsdale City Oval last Saturday.
Bryan Froud, Nato Desio and Adam Rees – all prominent figures on the East Gippsland football landscape over the past two decades – donned the navy blue and red as the home side edged further clear at every change to record its eighth win to sit 12 points clear in fourth position. A finals spot is almost assured.
Youngsters Bryce Lind, Liam Bleyswyk, Max Neate and Ryan Cullinan were outstanding across four quarters, but it was the performances of Desio and Froud which stood out.
Desio was the star in attack with three goals, showing his forward craft which used to be on display at Wy Yung, while Logan Dunkley added two.
Froud was his poised best across half back, the veteran showing he has lost no touch since hanging up his yellow and black jumper.
Bairnsdale’s thirds kept their slim finals hopes alive with a hard-working 84-point thumping of Morwell.
The game was all but over at half time with the Redlegs drilling 10 goals to one, leading by 55 points, before the Tigers showed more fight in the second half restricting Bairnsdale to seven goals while adding three of their own.
In an even attacking performance the Redlegs had nine individual goalkickers, led by Matt Hamilton and Max Neate who kicked four each, and Oliver Emmett who booted two.
Cullinan, who played well in the reserves, was best afield in the under 18s, ably supported by Charlie Cook, Neate and Fabian Russo.
Bairnsdale’s under 16s opened up a three-game gap over Sale following their convincing 63-point win over Morwell.
Sale’s loss to Wonthaggi means Bairnsdale has plenty of breathing space in fifth spot.
Similar to the under 18s, the Redlegs under 16s dominated the first half to lead by 56 points at the main break. The home side was restricted to just three second half goals, however the Tigers’ hopes were already dashed.
Wil Malady returned to the side for the first time since round seven to kick seven goals, while Doug Ashby, Jack Cullinan and Xavier Cook all impressed.