The Mallee Eagles leapfrogged their way into fourth on the ladder with a hard fought 48-point win over Balranald at a windswept Lalbert on Saturday afternoon.
A six goal to one third term set up the win for the home side, with the Eagles eventually running away with a 12.12.84 to 5.6.36 victory.
Despite the difficult conditions it was a competitive opening to the game, with neither side giving an inch for the first sixty minutes. It wasn’t until after the main break that the contest was blown open, with the Eagles getting on top around the stoppages to give their team first use of the ball.
Andrew McDonald was one of the main beneficiaries as he finished with six goals for the afternoon. McDonald was by far the most dangerous forward on the ground for either side as he continued his good form since the season restart.
Jacob Wade was fantastic in defence once again for the Eagles, with his run and dash out of the back line a constant feature throughout the afternoon. Wade also had the job of quelling Balranald young gun Drew Lloyd and kept the Roo’s forward goal less for the first time this season.
The Eagles pressure was once again a feature of their game, as it has been over the last few weeks. As a result, Balranald struggled to maintain possession under the relentless heat the Mallee team applied, with the visitor’s skills at times only able to be described as deplorable.
Darcy McGregor and Toby Sheahan were once again among the Eagles better players, as was Tom McGregor. Beau Bennett’s return to form was a welcome sight for the Lalbert faithful following his serious hamstring injury earlier this season.
Jordan Wilkins won the ruck battle for the visitors, but it was to no avail as Dean Helmers men had all the answers around the contest and as such dominated the clearances. Jack and Tom Salau once again won plenty of the footy, as did the ageless Ben Jones, who just keeps racking up possessions for fun down back for Balranald.
Despite winning their second game in a row, there won’t be much time for the Eagles to celebrate with their attention quickly turning to their clash with Swan Hill, in a game that may well go a long way to deciding both team’s chances of a final’s appearance. Balranald on the other hand will be hoping to return to the winners list when they host the rejuvenated Tyntynder next weekend.
VOTES
3 – Jacob Wade (Mallee Eagles)
2 – Andrew McDonald (Mallee Eagles)
1 – Darcy McGregor (Mallee Eagles)
