The game of the round between two unbeaten teams turned out to be a tough, hard-fought “dog-fight”, in which neither team was willing to allow the opposition any space for free-flowing football.
Constant pressure by the Mallee Eagles produced many turnovers, leaving both sides scrambling for the football. They continued to stay within striking distance of the Blues, who threatened to burst open the game at any moment.
As the game wore on, the Mallee Eagles could only hold off Kerang’s elite for so long.
With Troy Davis dominating in the ruck and Troy Coates playing his usual tough, hard-running style, supported by Jarryd Pertzel, Brad Pay, Mark Lloyd and Travis Matheson, Kerang was able to win every quarter and at the final siren came away comfortable 42-point victors.
Both teams came into the game understrength.
Kerang lost Riley Hird, Josh Nitschke and David Nicholls while the Eagles had Bo Alexander, Sam Shepard and David Comben — who failed to pass a fitness test during warm-up — sitting on the sidelines.
After the Anzac ceremony, the Mallee Eagles kicked towards the river end, supported by a two-goal wind.
It was three minutes in before Mallee Eagles’ Patrick Batten bagged a major through a tough exchange down the wing.
Kerang immediately responded through a goal to Coates.
Both teams were going in hard, and against the play, Matheson goaled for Kerang.
Further goals by Cotchett and Matheson looked ominous for the Eagles, but to their credit they fought back with two goals and only trailed at the break by 17 points.
The second quarter saw Kerang start quickly, but the Mallee Eagles’ defence was working overtime, defending and repelling constant thrusts by Kerang’s on-ballers.
Kerang finally goaled at the seven-minute mark, but Mallee Eagles soon replied through Beau Bennett.
Kerang had plenty of the ball, but were constantly frustrated by the Eagles’ fierce determination.
A goal by Brandon Hayes was a reward for Kerang’s pressure, but a down-field penalty goal for the Mallee Eagles kept them ‘nipping’ at Kerang’s heels.
A late goal saw Kerang’s lead extend at the long break to 26 points.
Davis, Pertzel, Matheson, Ryan Gillingham and Lloyd were among Kerang’s best while Mitchell Bosward, Andrew Knight, Brady Fordham, Dylan McCutcheon and Dave Sheehan kept working hard for the Lalbert-based club.
The final quarter saw the brilliance, class and leadership of Coates as he led his troops from the front in a tireless effort.
With Davis controlling the ruck and centre, Pay, Pertzel, Lloyd and Mitchell Booth were now free to run, allowing Kerang to pile on three quick goals and finally put an end to the Mallee Eagles challenge.
