MALLEE Eagles have destroyed Swan Hill last Saturday as the Eagles prove early on this season that they are a force to be reckoned with.
In a match full of quality and fast ball movement from Lalbert, the Swans were ultimately no match against the potential candidate for finals.
The Swan Hill heat was in effect on Saturday, which proved to be a physically demanding contest for all players involved.
The first quarter of the contest, Mallee Eagles fired off quickly by kicking nine goals and four behinds with the score being 14 to 58.
In the final few minutes of the first quarter, Mallee Eagles’ full forward and club leading goal kicker Darcy Hourigan walked off the field with what looked like a cramping issue.
Hourigan had already kick two goals in the first term and he looked like scoring more.
But with the cramping becoming more and more of a problem, he went down to the change rooms at the end of the first quarter and didn’t return.
Mallee Eagles co-coach Harry Allen was asked on his condition after the match.
“Yeah just a cork issue unfortunately, he was looking strong early on today,” Allen said.
“But he should be alright to come back after the Easter break. We’ll keep a close eye on it.”
In the second quarter, Mallee Eagles continued their demolition job, as they went on to kick three more goals to their tally and keep the Swans at bay with the score being 15 to 80 when the half-time siren went.
Once the third quarter started, Swan Hill managed to slow the Eagles’ momentum a little bit with the Swans using slow ball movement and keeping possession of the footy to their advantage.
But the Eagles still managed to kick three goals against them, with their constant pressure towards their opposition playing a key factor.
The score was 22 to 101 at the end of the third term.
The final quarter proved to be a replication of the third, with Swan Hill slowly pushing forward and kicking two goals to their tally.
But the fast and silky moving Eagles were still able to push forward and find goals, the final scored being 36 to 130.
Mallee Eagles’ forward line players Andrew Mead-Harding and Jacob O’Meara were involved heavily in the scoring, both snagging four goals each.
Swan Hill’s Harry Scott was top scorer for the Swans, kicking two goals, a solid showing from the young gun.
Once the contest was over, Harry Allen was asked on his thoughts about the match.
“Yeah, overall pretty happy with the performance, still a couple of things to work on like our press of the backline,” Allen said.
“We want to really suffocate the opposition so we can have plenty of repeat entries in the forward line.
“It’s something to work on but yeah I’m happy with the game today, and Swan Hill despite what the scoreboard shows, they really made us work.
“I thought they had a strong showing on all four quarters so it was a constant slog especially in this heat.”
Allen was asked on what it was like having to play in the physically demanding heat.
“Yeah, it was demanding that’s for sure. I mean I prefer that then having cold and miserable weather!” Allen exclaimed.
“But yeah it was a shock to the system as we are used to playing in the cold, and having this kind of heat while at a ground like Swan Hill’s, it was a struggle.
“It was back and forth for most of the contest, it was physically challenging to make up ground from losing the footy.
“I wouldn’t recommend playing in this heat all of the time but I’ll enjoy it while I can until the miserable weather shows up!”
Next week will be a bye round for the whole league as it will be Easter weekend, so all of the players and coaching staff will be able to enjoy the break with their families.
But the week after, it will be back to work on Anzac Day round. The Mallee Eagles will be hosting the red hot form side of Koondrook-Barham, who themselves had a great win against NNW United.
Allen was asked on how the Eagles will prepare for the contest, which will no doubt be a thrilling match for all footy enjoyers to watch.
“Like every other team, we will play the way we want against the River Raiders,” Allen said.
“Brent will be doing all of the reviewing, by watching our game, where we can work on and also check on how Koondrook-Barham play.
“We have two weeks to analyse their playing styles, but at the end of the day, we are focused on improving our system.
“Obviously the River-Raiders have recruited well, and they are looking strong, but with our home ground advantage, I’m confident we can get a result.”
VOTES
3 – Andrew Mead-Harding (Mallee Eagles)
2 – Jacob O’Meara (Mallee Eagles)
1 – Ethan Pinchen (Mallee Eagles)
