All four West Coast teams took to the field for the first time this season and it was four from four over the weekend.
The seniors were coming off a disappointing loss in round one and were looking forward to taking on last years runners-up in the St George Crows on their home ground. There were five changes due to injury and unavailability and two losses to start the season would put the side behind the eight ball. What was required was a four-quarter display of effort and greater skill level? What would the new look Eagles deliver?
It was a display which every player can take an enormous amount from and it lead to a 33-point victory. The victory came on the back of sustained effort, great teamwork and an improved standard of skill level. The Eagles showed they can be competitive if they work hard for each other and can sustain the skill level shown on Sunday.
The final scoreboard read: East Coast 14.17 (101) to St George 10.8 (68).
The Eagles trailed by 13 points at half-time and coach Garner asked all players for an extra effort and that was exactly what he got. They worked hard against the wind in the third term and levelled the scores at three-quarter-time, setting up an exciting last term. The Eagles however dominated the quarter and kicked six goals to one. You would take a 33-point win every time you travel to Olds Park where the Crows always prove hard to beat.
Shane Ryan had his best game for the club in only his sixth Eagles match and he was ably supported by Luke Stanford and young Anthony Stubbs who rucked the whole day bar a short rest in the last quarter. Ben Rogers showed his class by kicking five goals after starting on the bench. Mark Maher in his first game for the club was fantastic down back and Glenn Garner was very productive through out the whole game. Hopefully this is the catalyst for more belief in each other and more wins to come.
The Reserves started their chase for a hat-trick of premierships in style with a hard fought 17-point victory over St George. In a game which was shortened due to a lightning strike, the Eagles put their bodies on the line and showed better skills in the wet than the opposition. The Eagles ran out winners 8.10 (58) to 6.5 (41).
Ash Moeller was outstanding and kicked five goals, well supported by Richard Gioutsos, Damian Gatte and Steve O’Connor.
Both under 18s sides started their season in style with two victories. Three wins against the Crows on their home ground was a great way to kick things off. Both sides also showed that they have enough talent to improve greatly on the efforts from 2007.
The Premier Cup team won by three points: 10.13 (73) to 11.4 (70). Josh Shephard continued on from where he left off last season with another best on ground performance. Matthew Power and Trent Stubbs were also very solid performers.
The Challenge Cup team was also very impressive in kick starting the weekend off by beating Mac Uni by 24 points. The score was the Eagles 13.8 (86) to Mac Uni 9.8 (62). It was a great start and should give the side much confidence for the rest of the season. Sam Lewis and Matthew Mack were great contributors over all four quarters.
Next week’s games:
Eagles v Sydney Uni at Sydney Uni
Seniors at 2.30pm
Reserves at 11.30am
Under 18
Premier Cup
Eagles v NS Bears at Gore Hill at 8.15 am
Challenge Cup
Eagles v Penrith at Charles McLaughlin at 10.00am
