Buln Buln comfortably accounts for Ellinbank
BULN BULN scored another workmanlike victory to comfortably account for Ellinbank and remain clear in the battle to secure the double chance.
Heading into the contest, the Lyrebirds had conceded on average just 39 points per game and it would again be a miserly defence that was key as the visitor won 8-8 (56) to 3-6 (24).
The match between third and fifth showed promise of a thriller early before the Lyrebirds took control in the second term.
Heading into the match looking to hold their place in the top five, Ellinbank made the perfect start as Tom Johnson snapped truly for the first goal of the game.
Cam McPhan responded with a classy kick from his left foot as the Lyrebirds headed into the first change with a narrow six-point lead.
However the response from newly appointed AFL Gippsland region general manager McPhan would begin a run of five of the next six goals as the Lyrebirds took control over the second and third terms. Daniel Hayes scored for Ellinbank early in the second term to keep the home side in touch, only for multiples to Hayden Baker and one to Matt Gray as the Lyrebirds began to create a buffer.
Matt Stevens marked and goaled from 40 metres and then kicked truly from a snap across his body soon after as the Lyrebirds headed into half time leading by 25 points.
The defensive trio of Jake Herbel, Brandon Allen and Shaun Beecroft proved instrumental in restricting the Eagles as scoring slowed in the second half.
Ellinbank made moves as Ben Wragg and Jake Dean swapped time between midfield and forward, but nothing would come to fruition in the face of the Lyrebird defence.
A long shot from James Fowler broke the deadlock as Buln Buln moved five goals clear.
Missing connection kicking forward had let the Eagles down, but they finally broke through to set up some opportunities late.
Kyah Karavasilis sent Ellinbank forward with Zach Holton winning a free kick for a hold and converting from point blank range.
Daniel Risol marked on the siren, but any charge home would be denied when his shot was deemed to have shaved the post.
A free kick to Buln Bulb coach Bob McCallum 25 metres from goal put the result beyond doubt, his shot proving the final goal of the contest in a dour final term.
Any concerns around Trent Baker leaving the field with a leg injury were eased when he returned to finish among the better players alongside his brother Jake.
Liam Anderson, Gaige White, Johnson, Bryce Joyce, Risol and Thomas Bingham were named among the best for the Eagles.
The result saw Ellinbank momentarily surrender their position in the top five, Lang Lang now having the slightest percentage advantage, although the Eagles have a slightly more favourable run home.