The result at the final siren in Saturday’s pivotal top-of-the-table clash was not what Nagambie coach Tyrone Muir and most spectators expected ahead of when they arrived at the ground.
What transpired in the previous two hours of action was a bloodbath.
Nagambie issued an ominous warning to its Kyabram District League rivals with a ruthless 90-point win over Shepparton East and, in doing so, has leapfrogged the Eagles into first spot on the ladder.
Against a depleted Eagles outfit ― one missing the likes of Tom Campbell, Tyson Sidebottom, Jai Utiger, Dwain Vidler and Zac Groombridge ― Nagambie flexed its muscles with a dominant 11-goal first half.
Key forward Patrick Rattray continued his impressive run of form with another five-goal haul, to take his tally to 15 from three games, while winger Brayden Biggs was a standout and contributed with three majors.
The pace of Nagambie’s ball-use, spearheaded by speedsters Trent and Blake Laverie and Blake Fothergill, was on full display, while dangerous forwards Tom Barnes and Will Dalton booted two goals each.
The 18.14 (122) to 4.8 (32) triumph has Nagambie shift into top spot and the Eagles drop out of the double-chance zone in fourth spot after 13 rounds.
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Winding up: Nagambie's Tom Barnes. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 10
Quick hands: Shepparton East's Tom McCluskey. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 10
Nagambie's Blake Laverie. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 10
Rising high: Nagambie's Jono Moore in the ruck. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 10
Party time: Nagambie's David Comi celebrates a goal. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 10
In the zone: Nagambie's Patrick Rattray. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 10
Eyes on the ball: Shepparton East's Adem Barolli. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 8 of 10
Nagambie's Trent Laverie. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 9 of 10
Caught: Nagambie's Jono Moore brings down East's Sam Woodward. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 10 of 10
On all fours: Shepparton East's Jedd Johnston. Photo by Aydin Payne“If you had of said that at the start of the day I would have definitely taken it. It was such a good win,” Muir said post-match.
“We spoke about it all week about how important the game was, we didn’t want to let games like today slip. Our aim is to finish top two.
“Our starts have been average, but we’ve picked that up the past few weeks ... we set the tone straight away.
“I thought our work-rate and intensity was really good. We’ve got three more weeks to go and we want to give ourselves the best opportunity (to finish top two).”
Although the Lakers’ attacking prowess caught the eye, it was their resolute defence that Nagambie’s playing coach enjoyed the most.
Muir was impressed with his defence, led by Mark Nolan, as it held Shepparton East to four goals and 12 scoring shots for the match.
“Barney (Mark Nolan) was really good across half-back. We’re always aiming to limit opposition to 10 to 15 scoring opportunities a game, three or four a quarter, that’s our aim and to achieve that again was really pleasing,” Muir said.
“Brayden was really good on the wing and kicked three goals, he ran hard all day,
“Trent (Laverie) on the other wing worked really hard and did his role well. Nathan and Blake (Fothergill) were strong through the midfield.
“Patty was good, especially early, and it was good to see him kick five or six.
“He gives us that focal point up forward and takes another match-up and allows Jono to get a bit further up the ground and takes some pressure off Will as well, so he’s massive for us.”
In other contests, Dookie United has all but secured a spot in the top six with a surprise win on the road over Stanhope.
Undera prevailed by 11 points over Violet Town and Lancaster cruised past Tallygaroopna by 85 points.
Lastly, Murchison-Toolamba’s Aidan Lloyd enjoyed a day out with 10 majors in his side’s 157-point thrashing of Merrigum.