There’s just something about this team that makes you love ‘em! For years now they have been able to flick the switch and turn themselves on, almost at will. Jason Duss outlined his game plan pre-match, and post-match he delightedly complimented every player on following it to perfection.
Whilst the First Grade Eagles were having a well earned week off awaiting the second semi-final next Saturday at Bruce Purser Reserve, they were all out at Blacktown Olympic Park to support their Division 1 team mates, who are in the contest to get their fourth successive premiership.
The first hurdle for them was Manly-Warringah whom they hadn’t beaten all season. Both Manly, and their next opponent UTS field their First Grade teams in this competition, thus success at this level for the Eagles in 2009 will be very meritorious indeed.
Although the scores were level at quarter-time, East Coast already appeared to have the upper hand around the ground with Andrew Polkinghorne (pictured) dominating possession up front, down back and in the midfield. His was simply an awesome display of classy football. Tim Physick was assigned the task of keeping ex Swans veteran Daryn Cresswell quiet. Cresswell, who had kicked 26 goals in his last three matches, posed a formidable threat to any Eagles’ success. Physick’s efforts at full back were instrumental in the victory.
Brad Whale was one of three late inclusions, along with Tim Kear and Tim Coakley, when eligibility rules prevented other selections. All three covered themselves in glory when given the last minute break to help their club to victory. It’s fair to say that there wasn’t one passenger on this train – just 22 stout hearted blokes steering it in the right direction.
Next week sees another stern test against UTS, with a win taking them straight into the grand final.
Scores
East Coast Eagles 3.1 7.5 9.8 10.12 (72)
Manly-Warringah 3.1 5.3 7.5 10.9 (69)
Goal kickers: Andrew Polkinghorne 2, Jared Patira 2, Peter Vlatko 2, Ash Moeller, Tim Kear, Damian Gatte, Josh Shephard
Best players: Andrew Polkinghorne, Tim Physick, Brad Whale, Peter Bleus, Cory Durie, Josh Shephard
UNDER 18 PREMIER CUP
St George were good, but the Eagles simply weren’t on their game. Was it finals nerves, or were they overawed by the new Blacktown Olympic Park AFL complex? What ever the reason, East Coast lost their way in the last quarter to lose by 23 points.
Eugene Kruger was outstanding with some memorable tackles - one in particular will stay with those who saw it forever. Damon Steer kicked three but was generally well held all day. Sam Pinchen and Deano Siljanoski worked hard out on their wings but were unable to provide the spark the whole side was looking for.
Fortunately they now have one last chance to remain in contention with a crunch game next Sunday against the elimination final winner, Wollongong.
Scores
George 2.2 4.3 6.6 9.12 (66)
East Coast Eagles 212 314 616 6.7 (43)
Goal kickers: Damon Steer 3, Josh Patira, Tom McNamara, Nathan Campbell.
Best players: Eugene Kruger, Sam Pinchen, Dean Siljanoski, Tom McNamara, Martin Karafilis, Tom Roberts
NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES
Saturday, September 5 at Purser Reserve
Next week sees the Eagles First Grade Premier Division side return to action having had the week’s break, after clinching top spot at the end of the minor round.
They will meet Western Suburbs in the second semi-final at Bruce Purser Reserve on Saturday, September 5 at 2.15pm. The Magpies won their right to play the Eagles after convincingly defeating the UNSW-ES Bulldogs in last Saturday’s qualifying final by 114 points. The winner of the semi semi will go straight into the grand final while the loser has one further chance in the preliminary final.
At 12pm, the Eagles Division One side will play the undefeated UTS boys in the second semi-final. Once again the winner takes safe passage through to the grand final.
Sunday, September 6 at Blacktown Olympic Park
By virtue of their defeat in the qualifying final the Under 18 Premier Cup lads have one last chance to stay in the finals race when they meet Wollongong, who defeated Pennant Hills last Sunday. This match commences at 10am.
