The East Coast Eagles endured all four seasons on Saturday afternoon when they played Wollongong in round nine of the AFL Sydney competition. After a week of heavy rain, most football was postponed, however all five Premier Division games went ahead at various venues. The Eagles made the trip south and found the North Dalton Park oval in superb condition.
The weather appeared to be on side as well with fine and sunny conditions greeting the visitors as they arrived in the Steel City. Michael Clinch, up from the 18s, was making his debut in the senior side which once again resembled little of the 2009 premiership side. Conditions deteriorated however as spectators awaited the action to start and as the ball was bounced, the rain began and a stiff southerly prevailed to the end the Lions were kicking.
East Coast were superb in the first quarter, battling into the strong breeze with a plan and a purpose. Nine scoring shots to three at quarter-time spelled disaster for the home side as it was the Eagles who now had use of the wind (storm??) in the second quarter. Eight goals was the result and at half-time the match was as good as over and the players were keen to escape the rain in the shelter of the changerooms. The Vlatko brothers and Kristian Pearson compared notes to see who was going to kick the most, while Trent Baker sought assurance from others that his two long raking goals did actually travel 80 metres.
Surprisingly the weather began to clear through half-time and the second half was played in much calmer conditions, which didn’t really favour either end. The Eagles went on with the job, displaying exceptional skills to take a 104-point victory over a side which had defeated them in the same game last year. Jamie Vlatko kicked eight and took the best player honours, while once again Rowan Bilkey was the players’ player for the third time this season as he roamed almost at will throughout the backline.
East Coast remain on top of the ladder at the half way mark of the season. A significant percentage advantage will hold them in good stead as Glenn Garner reviews his strategies and plans for the remaining nine minor round games. The side gets the long weekend off now with the next match against UNSW-ES at the Village Green on Saturday, June 19 at 2.10pm.
Wollongong 1.2 2.3 5.5 6.8 (44)
East Coast 3.6 11.9 16.13 22.16 (148)
Goal kickers: Jamie Vlatko 8, Kristian Pearson 4, Peter Vlatko 3, Trent Baker 2, Ryan Silvester, Ben Rogers, Damien Bowles, Michael Clinch, Steve O’Connor.
Best players: Jamie Vlatko, Rowan Bilkey, Mike Beardsley, Shane Ryan, Trent Baker, Justin Steer.
NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES
A general bye was originally scheduled into the competition for the June long weekend; however the recent wet weather has caused postponed games to be played next week.
Please keep an eye on the website for all details of dates and times.
EXTRAVAGANZA
Best: Jamie Vlatko owned by the BGP syndicate $210.00
First free: Ben Physick owned by Laima Physick $45.00
