THE Mallee Eagles secured their first points of the year in style, producing a commanding 48-point upset win over Tooleybuc-Manangatang.
A dominant opening half by the visitors set up the win, the Eagles making full use of a two-to-three-goal wind in the first quarter, then keeping their opposition goalless in the second.
It gave them a 34-point half-time lead, which they extended on their way to a 13.9 (87) to 5.9 (39) victory.
While the result gave the Eagles a much-needed shot of confidence, the same cannot be said for Tooleybuc-Manangatang, whose plans of playing finals football this season appear delicately poised.
The Saints have just one win from their first three matches and face a season-defining encounter with a similarly-desperate NNW United this Saturday.
Mallee Eagles coach Brent Sheahan was delighted with his side’s performance, with the injured leader confident there’s more good football still to come from his team.
“Internally we know how capable we are of playing good footy, but it’s just a matter of stringing four quarters together, which we certainly did,” Sheahan said.
“We had a really good feeling going into the game, against Swan Hill we were competitive and showed glimpses of what we can do in patches.
“To put it all together was a bit of a relief, but by the same token, we knew we were capable of it.
“After the first three games, our big focus was effort in general, from a team perspective.
“I felt we beat them at the contest and every possession they got, we put them under pressure, then on the flip side we were able to execute our game plan going forward and hit the scoreboard, everything went as planed in that regard.”
While Brent Macleod owned the opening term, kicking two goals and having a hand in two others for the Eagles, it was their impressive second quarter that proved to be the difference, denying the Saints the opportunity to get back into the contest.
Ayden Tessari was played loose behind the ball in the second, the experienced defender helping the back six hold up, despite the constant surge forward from the Saints.
At the other end of the ground, Darcy and Harry McGregor were everywhere, forcing Tooleybuc-Manangatang into errors with their intense pressure up forward and through the midfield.
Ruckmen Tim Auckland and Angus McKenzie had a tough battle against each other for the afternoon, while Harry Allen in the midfield, Matthew Despott in defence and Zac O’Meara across half-back were also influential.
The Saints were still well served through the midfield by Blake Grant, who had the ball on a string at times, Jack Mazzarella, Mitchell Grant and Auckland, while the ever-reliable John Wardle was again among his team’s better players in defence.
While Tooleybuc-Manangatang will prepare for their must-win game against the Demons this Saturday, the Eagles will rest up with the bye.
It comes at an opportune time for new recruit Shaun Harrison who injured a groin in the only negative in an otherwise perfect day for the blue and gold.
FINAL SIREN
| TOOLEYBUC-MANANG | 1.3 | 1.5 | 2.7 | 5.9 | 39 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALLEE EAGLES | 6.2 | 7.3 | 11.7 | 13.9 | 87 |
VOTES
3 – Darcy McGregor (Mallee Eagles)
2 – Matthew Despott (Mallee Eagles)
1 – Blake Grant (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
