As the finals loom closer by the week, the Eagles are refining their game plan each match to ensure they are in peak form for what is to follow. As a result of their victory against St George, and Western Suburbs’ loss to the Bulldogs, East Coast are now guaranteed top spot on the ladder and a week’s rest in the first round of the playoffs.

There was significant interest in the Olds Park match against the Dragons. Firstly the Eagles had to win to keep them on top of the ladder and secondly leading full-forward Gus Seebeck would continue his march towards the magical 100 goals in a season. Both objectives were adequately achieved with the Eagles winning by a dominating 98 points and Seebeck kicking another eight to take his tally to 93, with just two minor round matches remaining. Big Gus has now kicked 402 career goals for East Coast.

Shane Ryan returned to his best with an outstanding midfield display, being judged by his peers as their Players’ Player. Formerly from Subiaco in the WAFL, Ryan is fired up for the upcoming finals and will be a key player if the Eagles are to have success in September. Rowan Bilkey (pictured) is having a wonderfully consistent year at fullback, rising to a new challenge each week as he comes up against the opposition’s key goal kicker.

Ben Rogers, with five goals, once again showed why he is the best small forward in the competition and he will relish the wide open spaces of the new AFL stadium at Blacktown Olympic Park, whilst “Mouse” Johnston, now recovered from glandular fever, was another welcome returnee in the midfield. 

The match was pretty well over after the second term, but as with last week, the Eagles really turned up the heat after half time and it was only late in the game that St George managed to kick their next goal. This aggressive second half pattern has become a key component of the East Coast defensive program.      

Next Saturday, August 15, East Coast return to Bruce Purser Reserve when the UNSW- Eastern Suburbs come to visit. The Bulldogs will be keen to avenge the 100 point defeat in round nine as they seek to consolidate their own position in the final five.  The Premier Division game starts at 2.30pm and with free admission, all are welcome to come and watch Gus Seebeck attempt to get his seven goals at home.

Scores
St George 3.0 4.1 4.3  7.5 (47)
East Coast 5.2 12.4 18.9 22.13 (145)

East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Gus Seebeck 8, Ben Rogers 5, Mark Skuse 2, Ben Physick, Ben Ure, Glenn Garner, Michael Johnston, Mark Sankey, Shane Ryan, Jack Dimery
Best Players: Shane Ryan, Gus Seebeck, Michael Johnston, Ben Rogers, Luke Stanford, Steve Merkel

DIVISION ONE

The second quarter spectacle provided by the Eagles was impressive. Following a good first term with the breeze, East Coast cut loose and their tactics revolved around keeping it short and low into the wind with impeccable delivery skills. The result was eight goals in a hurry to put the visitors 82 points up at the long break.   

Returning from a shoulder injury, Mark Mendola was immediately back in form with three goals and a ‘best on’ performance which will no doubt attract the attention of the selectors. Josh Shephard, James Ford and James Mann were dynamic with their centre clearances, being given an armchair ride by ruckman Steve O’Connor. 10 goal kickers provides ample strength of the depth of this side and they look forward to next week’s clash with UNSW-ES which should determine who gets the double chance.

Scores
St George 1.2  1.2  1.5  2.5 (17)
East Coast 6.2 14.6 19.9 23.16 (43)

East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Ash Moeller 5, Darren Chapman 3, Andrew Polkinghorne 3, Tim Kear 3, Mark Mendola 3, Jared Patira 2, Jared Madden, James Ford, James Mann, Josh Shephard
Best Players: Mark Mendola, Josh Shephard, James Mann, James Ford, Matt Williams, Ash Moeller

DIVISION TWO

The season’s first visit to the Eagles old stamping ground at Macquarie Uni proved to be a disappointing one for the Division 2 lads. The Warriors senior side were way too strong as they went about their preparation for the Div 2 second semi final in three weeks time.   

James Denton put in his best performance for the year, whilst Matty Scholz took his second consecutive best on ground award.

Scores
Macquarie Uni  5.4 9.11 13.15 18.21 (129) 
East Coast  2.l0 3.0  4.0  4.0 (24)

East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Liam Patira, Chris Moore, Carl Doering, Steve Roberts
Best Players: James Denton, Matt Scholz, Alex Wynne, Brent Trewin, Ross Donaldson, Anthony Ellison

UNDER 18 PREMIER CUP

A draw is better than a loss of course, but when the contest is between two sides fighting for the same piece of turf within the final five, the loss of two premiership points hurts big time. In the case of Peter Steer’s 18’s, fortunately they retain second spot, but still have it all to do to ensure the double chance. 

Steer was very vocal with the team after the siren locked the two sides together, citing their personal on field discipline and accountability as the major reasons for their inability to take the win. An excellent five goal first term set the scene, but poor second and third quarters eroded any advantage the Eagles had.

The last quarter was a thriller with the Dragons kicking four to jump into the lead with the breeze. The Eagles showed plenty of ticker however when they bounced back to be within a goal with five minutes to go. At this point the St George body language demonstrated that they thought they were gone. The equalising goal was an easy one and for the last minute a titanic struggle endured.

Eugene Kruger was the outstanding player on the field providing tremendous run and drive from the wing.              

Scores
St George 2.2 5.3 7.4 11.4 (70)
East Coast 5.0 7.1 8.2 11.4 (70)

East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Jacob Craig 2, Martin Karafilis 2, Tate Dimech 2, Alex Foxall, Damon Steer, Tom McNamara, Trent Monaghan, Eugene Kruger
Best Players: Eugene Kruger, Martin Karafilis, Justin Steer, Dean Costello, James Dwyer, Alex Foxall

UNDER 18 CHALLENGE CUP

The perseverance has paid off with the boys getting their 4th victory for the season. Going into the match, Mac Uni and the Eagles had won three a piece, so the pressure was on for bragging rights. Tibben, Healy and Cunninghamme were the principal goalkickers whilst Thomas, Serdar and Hutt were in the selectors’ eyes as best players.   

Next week sees the local derby v Pennant Hills and no doubt further bragging rights will be squarely on the line. 
 
Scores
Macquarie Uni  1.2 2.3 4.4 6.7 (43)
East Coast Eagles 2.1 3.4 5.7 9.12 (66)

East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Stuart Tibben 3, Kyle Healy 2, Thomas Cunninghamme 2, Adam Hutt, Joshua Bancroft
Best Players: William Thomas, Jaren Serdar, Adam Hutt, Ben Carey, Kyle Healy, Sean Mayo

EXTRAVAGANZA RESULTS

Premier Division
Best: Gus Seebeck owned by Glenn Garner $250.00
1st free: Shane Ryan owned by Trevor Hangan synd. $55.00
Players’ Player: Shane Ryan

Division 1
Best: Mark Mendola owned by Maree Gawley       $125.00
1st free: Tim Physick owned by Laima and Maree  $55.00
Players’ Player: Mark Mendola

Division 2
Best: Matt Scholz owned by Karen Madden  $40.00 

JOKER DRAW

Number to be advised....

Congratulations to Daniel Spiteri who “aced the Joker” last Thursday night. This week the pool goes back to zero plus 50% of ticket sales to be added in.

NEXT MATCHES

The East Coast Eagles return to Bruce Purser Reserve for round 17 for four out five matches. The Division Two lads are at Trumper Park.  

Saturday, August 15 at Bruce Purser Reserve
8.30am: U/18 Challenge Cup v Pennant Hills
10.30am: U/18 Premier Cup v UNSW-ES
12.30pm: Division One v UNSW-ES
2.30pm: Premier Division v UNSW-ES

Saturday, August 15 at Trumper Park
12.30pm: Division Two v UTS