THE Mallee Eagles advanced to this week’s second semi-final against Kerang after defeating a very gallant Nyah-Nyah West United by four points on Saturday at the Lake Boga Recreation Reserve in front of a massive crowd.
A Brent Macleod goal in the dying moments broke the red and blue army’s hearts in the 10.8 (68) to 10.4 (64) result.
The match was played in blustery conditions, with a three-goal breeze blowing to the Kerang end of the ground, but despite these conditions, the game was everything wanted and expected by those in attendance and worthy of opening one of the most highly anticipated Central Murray finals series in recent memory.
Spectators witnessed intense contested pack situations, strong high marks and several brilliant snap goals throughout the afternoon from both clubs, with their players throwing everything at the contest.
The Mallee Eagles went into the match without their in-form forward Darcy Hourigan and key defender Jayden Post, who were both omitted with soft-tissue leg strains.
The Demons, on the other hand, were strengthened by the return of reigning best-and-fairest Joel Walsh, along with underrated defender Cam Everitt and livewire winger Ben Shadbolt.
NNW United won the toss and kicked with the aid of the strong breeze.
Demons forward Brandyn Grenfell started the game in the ruck, giving them the early ascendancy in midfield contests.
NNW United speedster Charlie Boulton kicked the opening goal when Grenfell taped beautifully to him, enabling Boulton to run into the open goal, leaving the Eagles defenders flatfooted in his wake.
The Mallee Eagles soon hit back when co-coach Brent Macleod combined with Jacob O’Meara to spot up Shaun Harrison in the forward pocket who kicked truly into the stiff breeze.
The match in the first term was a scrambly affair as players from both sides adjusted to the conditions, with the Demons having ball winners across half-back in Corey Daniels, Walsh and Lucas Iudica, while at the other end, Matthew Despott was having a great battle against Nick O’Neill, while Harry McGregor, Clinton Cummins and Paul Davis were providing great run off half-back.
The Demons failed to take full advantage of the breeze in the opening term and their disposal by both hand and foot left much to be desired, with goals to Zac O’Meara and Andrew Mead-Harding giving the Eagles a 10-point lead before a goal from Liam White saw the margin cut to four points at the first change.
In the second term the Eagles dominated proceedings, with midfielders Harry Allen and Darcy McGregor taking control of contested situations.
NNW United continually turned the ball over with monotonous regularity and they looked lethargic in contrast, although Walsh continued to work hard across half-back and was getting good support from Jaydyn Stirling and Ethan Saville, who was trying hard to lift his teammates by sacrificing his body.
The Demons co-coaches gave their charges a good old-fashioned bake at half-time, which seemed to work as their team were a different side after the long break as they began to hunt in numbers and a momentum shift was on the cards.
Dom Gallo was sensational, booting two goals in the opening minutes of this third term, with his run from the centre of the ground having to be seen to be believed.
Walsh went up another level and both Brayden Bigham and Jordan Iudica began to pick up possessions, with the Demons using the ball better as their players lowered their eyes.
The Eagles were now under much more pressure but Davis, Despott and Harry McGregor worked overtime, repelling the Demons’ advances to keep the margin to three points at the last change.
The last quarter was hotly contested, with the lead changing seven times.
Charlie Boulton flew high in the goal square to mark and goal to a huge roar from the Dees faithful with seven minutes left on the clock, giving his team the lead.
Players of both sides threw everything at the contest with game now in the balance.
Walsh left the field with hamstring tightness late in this final term, which robbed them of his brilliant attacking skills.
A late mark on the half-forward flank by Troy Anderson led to a clever handpass back to Macleod, who took responsibility for winning the game with a running goal from 40 metres with just two minutes to play.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Nyah-Nyah West United | 2.2 | 2.3 | 7.4 | 10.4 | 64 |
| Mallee Eagles | 3.0 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 10.8 | 68 |
