Stratford made a serious statement against Boisdale-Briagolong in Round 8 of East Gippsland football.

The reigning premier defeated the Bombers 17.16 (118) to 9.9 (63).

The day couldn’t have gone much better for the Swans, who were hosting the Battle of the Avon clash.

Not only did the home side flog their local rival, they also catapulted to second on the ladder, trading places with Boisdale-Briagolong.

The Swans put on a show in front of a huge crowd gathered to see Chris Dixon complete an incredible charity run that started at the MCG three days before, and saw him complete a lap of the Stratford oval before the senior match.

Spectators and players from both sides formed a guard of honour as Dixon crossed the finish line.

Dixon was running to raise money for Lifeline Gippsland. The organisation’s chief executive, Michelle Possingham was there on the day, along with kids from Stratford and Boisdale-Briaglong’s Auskick program.

While the day was about much more than football, there was still a game to be played.

The Swans burst out of the blocks with 10 scoring shots to four in the opening term, to lead by 16 points at the first break.

If the wheels were wobbling then for the Bombers, they well and truly fell off in the second.

Stratford added four goals to one to take a 36-point lead into the sheds.

The visitors responded with four goals to two in the third, to still be in with a puncher’s chance at three quarter time – trailing by 26 points.

While five goals in a quarter is certainly gettable in modern football, it was the Swans who proved that to be the case as teams broke from the huddle.

Stratford kicked seven goals in the final term, to run away and win by 55 points.

The Swans walked off to applause from members from the club’s 2003 premiership who were there for their 20 year reunion.

As we said, it couldn’t have gone much better for Stratty.

Zane Perkins was best afield, followed by Jack Bacon (three goals), Lachlan Channing, Lewis Bolton, Jack Rietschel and Regan Tait.

Tait has started to hit his straps after a delayed start to the season, while Haydn Erfurth kicked four goals in his second game of the year.

Better players for the Bombers were Tom Jolly, Tom Bradshaw, Caleb Calwyn (three goals), Andrew Quirk, Shaymus Wain and Brandon Rimington.

While the result might not have been a complete shock, the margin almost certainly was.

The shoe was on the other foot just two months ago when Boisdale-Briagolong defeated Stratford by 42 points.

A near-100 point turnaround is likely to shellshock the Bombers, while the Swans might have just sent a message to the rest of the competition that said ‘there is no premiership hangover here boys’.

IF Stratford is to go back-to-back however, they will likely need to get past Wy Yung at some stage.

The Tigers remained unbeaten after taking care of Lucknow by 58 points in a top-four clash.

In other games, Lindenow got their first win on the board, defeating Paynesville, while Orbost Snowy Rovers went into the top-four after a big win over Lakes Entrance.

*Regular East Gippsland correspondent Paul Nichols was part of the support crew during Chris Dixon’s run, and was still recovering when this story was due. A full report on the run will appear in Friday’s issue.