The Mallee Eagles handed Woorinen their first loss of season 2021 with a sensational 13-point win at Lalbert on Saturday.
After the disappointment of the previous weekend, where the Eagles were over run after leading Kerang for almost the entire match; there would be no such repeat this time around, as Dean Helmers men stood firm in the face of a tense final quarter, to eventually run out 9.9.63 to 7.8.50 winners.
The home side had countless opportunities to seal the game throughout a tense final term, but wasted their chances in front of goal with five behinds for the quarter.
In the end it mattered little though, as the previously undefeated Tigers were unable to take advantage, scoring only one solitary goal for the final thirty minutes themselves.
The Mallee Eagles back six, led once again by Ayden Tessari, was superb after quarter time; allowing Woorinen to score just three goals after the first break.
In order to keep the Tigers on their toes, Helmers threw his team around at various times throughout the afternoon.
Toby Sheahan and Jack Shannahan both moved to half back, which provided the Eagles with run and drive from their defensive half of the ground, while Tom McGregor was shifted from his customary role at full back to play deep forward.
Although McGregor failed to get on the scoreboard, his ability to compete and provide an option, especially in the absence of Rex Hickman, was instrumental in setting up the win for his team.
The other big move was that of youngster Luke Doolan into the ruck, which then freed up Zac O’Meara to play both up forward and as part of the midfield rotation.
Doolan had a good battle against Arnold Kirby in the ruck, and although Kirby was again one of the Tigers most influential players on the day, Doolan at least competed hard and provided a contest.
The hall mark of the Eagles last two games has been their attack on the footy and their tackling pressure, which on the weekend was through the roof.
The home side were more composed with ball in hand than their opponents and as a result were able to maintain possession on a more consistent basis.
Ben Booth was instrumental down back for Woorinen, as was Doug Beames, while Jye Barry worked tirelessly through the midfield all afternoon.
Josh Stone played mostly forward, where he was an ever-present danger, before being shifted into the midfield when the Tigers needed a spark.
The day however belonged the Mallee Eagles, having claimed the big scalp that was needed to kick start their season.
The Eagles will now have the belief that they can once again match it with the best in the competition; especially with winnable games against Balranald, Swan Hill and Koondrook-Barham in the coming weeks.
VOTES
3 – Toby Sheahan (Mallee Eagles)
2 – Ben Booth (Woorinen)
1 – Ayden Tessari (Mallee Eagles)
