Bairnsdale was successful in both the under 18 and 16 matches in round seven of the Gippsland League against arch rival Sale at the Sale Oval last Saturday.
The Redlegs moved into the top five in the under 16s with 41-point win over the Magpies.
After an even first term and a late goal to Bairnsdale gave it a six-point lead, the Redlegs asserted their authority on the match in the second term with five unanswered majors.
Thirty five points down at half time, the Magpies played a more attacking brand in the second half, particularly in the final term where they outscored the Redlegs, but the damage was done in the second stanza.
Oscar Baylis and Luca Djokic both kicked three goals for Bairnsdale, with the hard-running Oscar Crawley and the clever Zane Holley contributing two each. Among the better players were Lakes Entrance product Harley Young, Djokic, Crawley, Holley, Daniel Martin and Oscar Baylis.
Bairnsdale moved up to third place on the ladder after outlasting a persistent Magpies side in the under 18s.
After a strong defensive effort in the first half, where they kicked four goals to one, the Redlegs were challenged strongly in the second half.
Despite just kicking two goals in a competitive match, they hung on gamely to win by two points.
Brayden Fenner impressed in his return to the Redlegs from Orbost Snowy Rovers where he has played senior football most of the season, kicking three goals while the consistent Oliver Emmett finished with two.
Rex Hargreaves, Max Neate, Harry McGuinn, Tarkyn Scott, Douglas Ashby and Saxon Buckley all impressed for the Redlegs.
Bairnsdale was runners-up in the reserves grand final in 2024, but their chances look forlorn in 2025, currently languishing in seventh place, three game adrift of fifth-placed Wonthaggi after going down to Sale by 48 points.
Competitive for a half, the Redlegs were no match for the Magpies in the second half as they kicked eight goals to one.
Gus Russell, Harry McGuinn, Hywel Nicholls, Max Neate and Riley Taylor werethe pick of bunch for Bairnsdale.
The Redlegs will face Traralgon this Saturday in what promises to be a huge day, highlighted by the Big Freeze MND action.
