The battle for the final spot on the East Gippsland Football Netball League ladder has come down to the last round.
Orbost Snowy Rovers and Stratford’s fate will be decided late this Saturday afternoon.
The Blues can at the very least replicate their 2023 effort of finishing fourth with victory over Lucknow at Lochiel Park this Saturday, which is a highly difficult task.
However, a win doesn’t guarantee Orbost Snowy a finals berth.
Despite sitting fourth, the Blues have Stratford nipping at their heels.
The Swans may have lost their previous two matches, including one against Orbost Snowy, but face a waining Paynesville this Saturday with a large victory, which is almost a certainty given the Gulls recent poor form.
Both the Blues and Swans are locked on 40 points with just 5.36 per cent separating them.
If both teams win or both teams lose the finals spot will be decided by percentage.
If Orbost Snowy wins and Stratford loses, the Blues play finals, and vice versa.
If in the scenario both teams win this weekend, which isn’t outside the realm of possibility, Stratford is likely going to have to beat Paynesville by more than 80 points – an achievable outcome.
The contest between the Blues and Magpies is expected to be close.
Last time they met Lucknow scrapped home by a solitary point.
The Magpies are in fine form and have won their past two outings against Lakes Entrance and Paynesville by a combined 306 points.
Likewise the Blues recently defeated finals contender Stratford by 17 points and easily dispatched the Seagulls last Saturday.
Evidence suggests any team which can hold the Magpies to 12 goals or less will win, however that was the exact figure Lucknow produced in their one-point thriller in round nine.
The Blues have the weaponry to hold the Magpies to 12 goals and kick more themselves.
Hamish Nettleton is second on the league goalkicking list with 41, speedy small forward Lachlan Fenner is coming off a seven-goal haul, while the midfield group has consistently hit the scoreboard.
Blues fans will be eagerly supporting their team and watching the Stratford result closely.
In other matches Boisdale Briagolong will easily account for Lindenow, Paynesville is at home to Stratford, and Wy Yung will welcome Lakes Entrance.
No one is expecting an upset in any of those matches, with the all eyes on what happens at Lochiel Park.
