TOOLEYBUC-Manangatang coach Dean Helmers admitted his team was a “fair way off the other sides at this stage” after going down to the Mallee Eagles on Saturday.
The Saints were jumped from the outset, with the Eagles kicking five goals to nil in the first term to set up a 49-point win in a clash between two teams languishing near the bottom of the ladder.
The scoreboard could have been a lot worse but for a spirited last quarter performance by the Saints, who kicked four of their six goals for the match, as they embraced Helmers’ message to take more risks.
But the damage was already done, with final score ending with a comfortable 15.5 (95) to 6.10 (46) win to the home team.
Helmers said his team lacked speed, but as always, showed a lot of heart.
“We’re a fair way off the other sides at this stage,” Helmers said.
“The effort’s there, they clawed their way back in and finished the game off well.”
Tooleybuc-Manangatang threatened to get back into the game in the second term, when they lifted their pressure through the midfield.
But their haste in front of the sticks cost them valuable opportunities, kicking just one goal for the quarter to the Eagles’ two.
The Eagles then cashed in after the break, with the third quarter a virtual replay of the first, as they home side put the result beyond doubt with five goals to one.
Joe Halloran marked his return from a hamstring injury with a standout performance, while Zac O’Meara also played a key role in the win for the Eagles.
Up forward, Brent Macleod proved unstoppable, breaking the game open with an eight-goal haul, while Andrew McDonald added another five as the Eagles key forwards monstered the Saints defence.
Josh Williams was a silver lining for Tooleybuc-Manangatang, with the former AFL playerr kicking three goals in his return following a concussion layoff.
Mallee Eagles coach Brent Sheahan was pleased with his team’s performance, highlighting Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s inability to match his team’s run and carry game and strong backline.
“We played a really, really good round of footy from start to finish,” Sheahan said.
FINAL SIREN
| Mallee Eagles | 5.3 | 7.3 | 12.5 | 15.5 | 95 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tooleybuc Managatang | 0.1 | 1.4 | 2.5 | 6.10 | 46 |
VOTES
3 – Joe Halloran (Mallee Eagles)
2 – Brent Macleod (Mallee Eagles)
1 – Zac O’Meara (Mallee Eagles)
