Blake Metcalf-Holt
THE East Gippsland football finals opened at the weekend, and to no surprise, the best teams playing against each other produce the best games.
Lucknow advanced to the grand final after defeating Boisdale-Briagalong 14.9 (93) to 13.13 (91) at Bairnsdale City Oval on Saturday.
A gusty wind was present through a majority of the headlining match-up meaning whoever had it to their benefit had an extraordinary advantage in terms of gaining territory.
The Magpies got on top early with the Bombers inaccurate to begin proceedings, ending in a 3.3 (21) to 1.4 (10) first quarter.
As minor premier and prolonged contender in East Gippsland, Boisdale-Briagalong fought back with an added power, piling on plenty in the second term, making Lucknow defenders work tirelessly while limiting the Magpies’ opportunities at the other end.
The Magpies were still efficient, adding three straight goals for the term, but Bosidale-Briagalong worked itself back into the game with no mercy tying the game up by half-time 39-all.
Entering the second half, it was hard to separate either.
Both kicked accurately with Lucknow nailing the extra major to give them a five-point lead heading into the final term.
The Bombers weren’t to give in, however, and hit the front during the last stretch with both teams in danger of falling into a tough matchup the week following against Wy Yung.
Lucknow found it in the end with some impressive performances, the Magpies look towards their first senior premiership since 2012.
Jake Richards collected the best-on-ground for the winners followed by Jackson Smith with four goals, Joel Mcnamara, Connor McAuliffe, Ryan Halford and Ashley Smith.
Billy Marshall, Tom Jolly (two goals), Jackson Glenane, Kelvin Porter, Callan Egan (four) and Will Brunt (two) were recognised in defeat.
STRATFORD’S season came to end on Sunday, with Wy Yung winning comfortably, 13.10 (88) to 10.5 (65), again at Bairnsdale City Oval.
After just clinging to finals in the concluding round of the home-and-away season, the Swans understood it was do-or-die and had to stick it early.
They did so, capitalising on the opportunities that presented their way while the Tigers struggled to convert. The first quarter ended Stratford 3.2 (20) to Wy Yung 2.6 (18).
The reigning premiers then flipped the switch as they were equally aware that this could be the final game of their 2025 season and efficiently sent six goals through for the quarter with only one minor score and holding the Swans to a single goal.
Leading by 28 points, the game was in their hands and with the experience and poise the Tigers unit possessed, they were not going to let it slip.
Stratford narrowly outscored Wy Yung in the second half but couldn’t put together enough of a run to form a comeback thus ending its season.
Lachlan Channing was judged best afield for the winners followed by Jack Bacon with six goals, Lewis Bolton, Harry Langford, Cooper Dixon and Jackson Cottrell.
Bradley Daniel, Joel Waters, Norman Betts, Harry Kelllow (four goals), Nathan Dennison and Jack Overend were acknowledged for the Swans.
Bosidale-Briagolong now play Wy Yung – a rematch of last year’s grand final – in the preliminary final this Saturday at Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
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