The Eagles went into Saturday’s game undefeated to face South Morang in a spectacular second versus third clash.
For both teams it was a milestone round, having last met 11 years ago in Round 16, 2013. While it was a one sided affair back then in a premiership season for Whittlesea, this time the teams were more evenly matched and it showed on the scoreboard.
Once again, the Eagles were quick off the mark with a goal in the first 90 seconds of the game, and the Lions responded quickly with a behind and then a goal. However, the Eagles kept on coming with two majors and two behinds to hold the lead midway through the first quarter.
The first break saw the Eagles comfortably ahead 3.5 (23) to South Morang’s 2.2 (14).
The second term really highlighted the pressure of the game with minor scores dominating the scoreboard.
Inaccurate kicking by the Lions saw them boot five behinds before putting a major on the board. Accurate scoring for both sides did not come until the 18 minute mark when the Lions slotted two majors to the Eagles one.
The main break saw the scores a lot tighter with only two points separating the sides – Whittlesea 5.9 (39) to South Morang 5.7 (37).
The third term did not see any slackening of pressure with both sides trading goal for goal. But it was an Eagles goal in the closing minutes of the quarter that gave the side a comfortable lead going into the third term break – Whittlesea 8.10 (58) to South Morang 6.8 (44).
Pressure continued right through the final quarter with minor scores dominating the efforts of both sides.
Although the Lions dominated shots for goals, accuracy ultimately costed them the game with the final tally showcasing the Eagles as the victors with a result of 9.12 (66) to 8.11 (59).
Max Dyson was the main contributor for the Eagles with three majors. Lachlan Shin-Mahoney, Jack Morely, Harry Beatie, Khaled El-Leissy, Riley Powell, and Xavier Dimasi contributed one each.
The Eagles now sit comfortably in second place on the ladder below Diamond Creek – also undefeated after round 7. This will see an exciting game next week when the two undefeated sides face off at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
The Reserves were not so lucky in their outing against South Morang, going down 7.9 (51) to the Lions 10.6 (66).
