The Lakes Entrance footballers headed to Boisdale last Saturday for the first of their two practice matches leading into the season proper.
The Thirds side started proceedings and, despite being undermanned, picked up where they left off Grand Final day last year. With a number of new players coming into the side along with a few of the experienced premiership players from 2012, the new look outfit started well putting a number of goals on the board early.
As the match went on, the Seagulls opened up a strong lead over the Boisdale lads and ran out big winners.
Promising signs for coach Nathan Pegler included the form of Kyle 'K-Mac' McKenzie in the forward half, Ash Bennett in the ruck and Gary Kramme around the ground. Youngsters Jordan Bottom and Tyler Zammit were also impressive in their first match in the Thirds.
Unfortunately young gun Kaleb Day broke his leg in the match and will miss six to eight weeks while he recovers.
The Senior game was a 'six quarter' affair with both sides having good numbers on the day.
The Seagulls had a number of new and returning players who were keen to put on a good display for onlooking coaches Rod Bills and Anthony Woodland.
Playing Assistant Coach Jarrod Matthews, returning to the maroon and white after two seasons at Bairnsdale in the Gippsland League, played at both ends of the ground and put in a dominating performance in the air taking a number of strong marks both in attack and defence. He took on Boisdale's boom recruit and best big man, John Gooch, and won that battle handsomely before going forward and kicking a number of goals himself.
Also putting in a solid performance in his return to the Club was Brad Cook who has recently been appointed as the reserves coach for 2013. Cook was solid in defence using his exquisite foot skills to bring the ball out of the back line time and time again throughout the day.
Macy Hambrook showed he's more than just a small forward with a strong display on the ball while team veterans Nathan Pegler and Adam Lowcock were also impressive.
The Beha brothers, James and Jesse, showed good form in the air and around the ground with Jesse finishing with a number of goals on the day.
The Seagulls ran out winners on the scoreboard, however the coaches were more impressed with the effort, fitness and skill level of the playing group in their first hit out of the season.
Despite the success on the field, the Club is still in need of more volunteers to assist with off field duties. Roles including trainers (strapping, rub downs and first aid), time keepers, umpire escorts and canteen workers among many others are vital for the ongoing success of every club and the Seagulls are no different. If you are interested in being involved, please contact the Club or head to training on a Tuesday or Thursday night from 5:45pm.
The Club is desperate for trainers on both training nights and match days. Please contact a Club representative if you would be interested in becoming involved in this area of the Club. Remuneration for this role can be discussed.
The Seagulls will host Gormandale this Saturday at Lakes Entrance with a Thirds match, a 'six quarter' Senior match as well as three games of netball on display. Games start at midday for anyone who is interested in coming down for a sneak peak before the season proper kicks off at Lindenow on April 6th.
Last Modified on 17/03/2013 18:01