Bairnsdale’s Gippsland League season is hanging by a thread, in fact it could be over.
The Redlegs went down to Wonthaggi by 79 points last Saturday – their worst performance of the season – the Power jumping above them to fifth on the ladder while pushing Bairnsdale to seventh.
The Redlegs took a percentage hit and now sit four points outside the top four with two rounds remaining, where they face Leongatha and Sale.
It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Bairnsdale could play finals, but last Saturday’s loss effectively means there is no room for error and its fate is out of its hands.
If the Power or Sale are able to beat Drouin and Morwell in round 17 respectively, it’s basically all over for Bairnsdale.
The Redlegs just had no answer for the run and date of Wonthaggi, restricted to just 1.6 by three quarter time as the Power surged to a 10-goal lead.
Despite a better final quarter from Bairnsdale which yielded three goals, the Power didn’t take the foot off the gas and added six more goals.
Brayden McCarrey was the only multiple goal kicker for the Redlegs with two, while coach Logan Austin and Matt Corbett kicked one each.
Hugh Longbottom was outstanding for Bairnsdale collecting 31 disposals, while fellow recruits Tom Blenheim and Cooper Harvey gathered 28 each with Lachlan Byrne-Jones gathering 26.
Typical ball winner Will Mitchell was held to 18 disposals and six clearances.
Youngster Lachlan Cloak showed his ability once again, Tyran Rees’ consistent season continued with 23 touches while Ethan East had 38 hit outs and 17 possessions as he again showed he is one of the competition’s premier big men.
However Bairnsdale had nine players with single digits possessions, the Power boasting just three.
The teams shared 33 clearances apiece, however Wonthaggi dominated inside 50s with 49 to 32, while its disposal efficiency was 62.7 per cent compared to the Redlegs’ 52.6.
The competition enjoys a bye this weekend before an important final fortnight for many clubs.
