SWAN Hill secured their first points of 2023 with a 13-point victory over the Mallee Eagles in a nail-biting affair at Lalbert at the weekend.
The game was a classic tale of two halves, with both teams evenly matched and determined to bounce back from disappointing losses the previous week.
A dominant third term from Swan Hill ultimately proved the difference, with the visitors slamming home eight goals to three, before eventually going on to win 15.11 (101) to 13.10 (88).
The Eagles started strong, with five separate players scoring a goal in the first term.
The Swans’ Zach Mihocek kicked the game’s first two majors, but he was unable to maintain his accuracy throughout the rest of the quarter, with the home team heading into the first break 10 points ahead.
Swan Hill clawed their way back in the second term, but struggled to find targets up front.
By half time, however, they were starting to build momentum and had reduced the deficit to just three points in what proved to be a very competitive first half.
The third quarter was the turning point, with the Swans turning their three-point deficit into a commanding 28-point lead at the final break.
Swan Hill coach Cal Beasy told The Guardian post-match that his team started to settle in the third quarter.
“It was the team effort that got us through,” he said.
The Eagles were not deterred however, and put up a valiant effort in the final term, with Brent Macleod instrumental in his team’s comeback attempt, kicking two goals right out of the gate to give the home fans hope.
They got to within eight points, but they struggled to overcome Matthew Wade, who dominated the game across half back in the final term.
Jared Halligan and Mihocek each stepped up for the Swans with a goal, securing the win.
Mallee Eagles coach Brent Sheahan said his team struggled with skill issues and execution in the second half.
“We probably cost ourselves the game,” he said
“We just gave ourselves too much work to do in the third quarter.”
Macleod and Ethan Pinchen were excellent for the Eagles, kicking four and three goals respectively, while Brett Thomas, Harry Allen, Clinton Cummins and new recruit Shaun Harrison were strong contributors for the home side.
Mihocek led the way up forward for the Swans with four goals, but it was Luke Phelan who held the key to the Swans’ success.
Jose Miliado and Wade also delivered strong performances for the visitors, along with ruckman Toby Thoolen.
FINAL SIREN
| MALLEE EAGLES | 5.1 | 6.4 | 9.6 | 13.10 | 88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWAN HILL | 3.3 | 5.7 | 13.10 | 15.11 | 101 |
VOTES
3 – Luke Phelan (Swan Hill)
2 – Matthew Wade (Swan Hill)
1 – Ethan Pinchen (Mallee Eagles)
