The top of the AFL Sydney ladder had become very congested in recent weeks following some upset results and considerable improvement in many teams. East Coast’s round seven match against the North Shore Bombers loomed as the most crucial game of the season to date for the Eagles. A loss would see the reigning premiers drop right out of the final five, whilst a win had the potential to take them to the top of the ladder.
The Eagles needed to travel to Gore Hill to sort out their future with North Shore. The Bombers had been the benchmarks for the season so far with just the one loss and were primed to take on East Coast who they beat in this same game last year. Bomber coach Rowan Graham would have wanted nothing more than to defeat his old club where he had coached for three years.
Overnight and early morning rain had made conditions heavy, but both sides handled the ball well and a very fast and free flowing game resulted. North Shore had their first goal on the board after just 19 seconds and things looked ominous for the visitors. But it wasn’t to be too long before the middle Vlatko took control down forward. It had been a proud moment just minutes earlier when the three Vlatko brothers ran out to play in their first ever senior game together. Oldest and the Captain Jon playing his 87th, youngest Peter making his debut and Jamie playing his 7th, and already warming to early favouritism for Club Champion honours.
Contrary to last week, the Eagles were deadly accurate in front of goals, which in turn applied the scoreboard pressure to wear down the opposition. Apart from that first Bomber goal, East Coast weren’t headed all day. Michael Beardsley and co. made sure it stayed that way as together with the old “Ryan & Fitton” combination, they controlled the midfield to give the Eagles considerable drive into the forward 50.
Special mention must be given to Peter Vlatko in his debut. As nervous as one could be, Pete fluffed a few touches early, but when he settled and adjusted to the pace of the game, his contribution to the victory was immense.
The nine-point winning margin took the Eagles to top spot, but it was only to be just for Saturday night, as the round wasn’t to be completed until Sunday. Arch rivals and near neighbours, Pennant Hills then did the right thing in convincingly defeating Western Suburbs and making the equation complete for East Coast to sit on top of the ladder, clear of North Shore on percentage.
The scene is now set for a block buster day & night next Saturday, May 29 in the traditional “Back to Baulko” clash between East Coast and Pennant Hills at Rouse Hill. Now firmly established on the calendar as the must-see match for supporters of both clubs, the Premier Division game gets underway beneath the magnificent Bruce Purser lights at 6.10pm.
A huge crowd is expected, so be there early for your favourite seats.
North Shore 2.2 7.4 11.8 12.10 (82)
East Coast Eagles 5.1 9.4 12.5 14.7 (91)
Goal kickers: Jamie Vlatko 5, Damien Bowles 2, Ben Rogers, Peter Dugmore, Mike Beardsley, Glenn Garner, Daniel Spiteri, Ryan Fitton, Trent Baker
Best players: Mike Beardsley, Shane Ryan, Peter Vlatko, Jamie Vlatko, Eugene Kruger, Damien Bowles
OTHER SCORES
Division One
North Shore 5.3 8.4 14.5 15.7 (97)
East Coast Eagles 1.2 2.4 3.5 5.6 (36)
Goal kickers: Josh Patira, Sean Albert, James Dwyer, Jared Patira, Tim Jenson
Best players: Dean Eggleton, Etiosa Okunbor, Scott Pierce, Luke McLeod, Jason Duss, Ross Donaldson
Division Three
Match postponed
Under 18 Premier Cup
North Shore 2.3 2.5 4.11 8.12 (60)
East Coast Eagles 2.2 4.2 7.4 8.5 (53)
Goal kickers: Matt Lyons 3, Ethan Barclay 2, Nathan Campbell, Michael Nance, Jonathon Spencer
Best players: Aaron Savage, Campbell Ford, Alex Foxall, Michael Nance, Lewis Butler, Dean Costello
Under 18 Challenge Cup
Manly Warringah 10.7 (67)
East Coast Eagles 3.7 (25)
NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES
Saturday, May 29 sees the biggest day of the season at Bruce Purser Reserve when arch rivals Pennant Hills visit the Eagles for the traditional “Back to Baulko” clash.
Now firmly established on the calendar as the must-see match for supporters of both clubs, the Premier Division game gets underway under lights at 6.10pm. A huge crowd is expected, so be early for your favourite seats.
The Eagles also meet the Demons in three of the four earlier games:
10.00am - U/18 Challenge Cup v Penrith
Midday - U/18 Premier Cup v Pennant Hills
2.00pm - Division Three v Pennant Hills
4.00pm - Division One v Pennant Hills
6.10pm - Premier Division v Pennant Hills
EXTRAVAGANZA
First Grade
Best: Mike Beardsley owned by Maree Gawley - $210.00
First free: Ben Physick owned by Laima Physick - $45.00
Division One
Best: Etiosa Okunbor owned by the Oaks syndicate - $105.00
First free: Scott Pierce owned by Laima Physick - $45.00
Division Three
Game postponed
