But there was no bigger winner than Nagambie, with the ladder-leading Lakers making short work of Longwood, earning a mammoth 147-point victory – their fifth win by more than 100 points from six games – to continue what has been a dominant start to the season.
It looked an intriguing clash on paper, with the Redlegs having gone 4-1 through their first five games as they look to take the next step in 2026, while the Lakers’ first month and a half looked reminiscent of the form that has seen them earn so much success in recent times.
In reality, though, it was a bloodbath.
If the Los Angeles Lakers’ high-scoring, flashy play in the NBA earned them the moniker ‘the Lake Show’, then Nagambie can surely adopt the same nickname, as the Lakers booted a whopping 31.11 (197) to Longwood’s 7.8 (50), ensuring they keep their commanding grasp on top spot with a ridiculous percentage of 431.28.
Travelling to Longwood Recreation Reserve, the Lakers made a statement in the opening term by putting an accurate 7.1 (43) on the board, while keeping the Redlegs to 2.1 (13) to lead by five straight kicks at the first break.
It was an ominous beginning, and as it turned out, it would be the visitors’ worst return in a quarter for the contest, as they put their foot on the throat – and kept it there.
A stunning 10-goal quarter from Nagambie in the second term put the result beyond doubt at half time, with the Lakers boasting an incredible 17.2 (104) at the main break, while their defensive end held up their end of the bargain too, restricting the home side to two behinds in the second quarter to lead by 89 points heading into the rooms.
The formidable Lakers attack continued in the third and fourth quarters as well, adding seven goals in each, as well as a handful of behinds, and while Longwood finally found some fluency with five goals in the second half, it was a consolation prize, with the damage well and truly done by then.
Unsurprisingly, with 31 goals kicked there were plenty of Lakers that filled their boots, and league-leading goalkicker Tom Barnes didn’t miss out, booting an equal team-high six majors alongside both Will Dalton, named among the most influential, and Lucas McKinnon, who was given the best on ground nod.
Luke Duffy continued to prove a valuable addition, slotting five in his third game since joining the club in the off-season, while also earning a third mention in the best, while Kobi Maynard, another off-season recruit, rounded out the multiple goalkickers with three to also be named in the best.
Jack Threlfall and David Comi rounded out the best players, while Liam Hockley, Tayte Lewis, Thomas Mason, Blake McKinnon and Luke Poustie all added a goal.
Skipper Jye Formosa led the way for Longwood as his side’s best, also slotting a goal in the tough defeat.
Elsewhere, reigning premier Murchison-Toolamba bounced back after a loss in the grand final rematch in round six to defeat Violet Town in style, triumphing by 90 points in the 17.15 (117) to 3.9 (27) victory at Murchison Recreation Reserve, with the Hoppers now occupying third spot on the ladder.
Rushworth also found itself among the winners once again with a big 88-point victory over Undera at Undera Recreation Reserve, the 21.14 (140) to 7.10 (52) win just the Tigers’ second of the season following a preliminary final appearance in 2025.
Avenel has kept in touch with the chasing pack behind Nagambie and Lancaster following a 66-point win over Stanhope, earning the 20.15 (135) to 9.15 (69) victory at Avenel Recreation Reserve, while Girgarre notched a second win of its campaign at Merrigum Recreation Reserve with a 18.13 (121) to 6.5 (41) win over the Bulldogs.
