The East Coast Eagles have suffered two defeats in a row after losing to North Shore on Saturday night at Henson Park.

It was the first return to the ground where the Eagles lost the grand final last year, but is not the mental scars that are hurting the Eagles. It is the mounting injury toll that is not helping the cause for the Eagles. The Eagles went into the game without four Sydney AFL representative players and after five minutes when Captain Jon Vlatco limped off that was increased to five and when Jason Coulloupas limped off just before half-time it was six. However there are no excuses because the young North Shore team out enthused and out played the Eagles in three of the four quarters.

In fact it was the very sluggish start to the game that indeed hurt the Eagles the most. The Bombers came out on a mission to take on the Eagles and out run and put pressure on at all times. It worked a treat and at quarter time the Bombers lead by 37 points. The final margin was only 39. The only time the Eagles looked remotely in the game was in the third term when they kicked four goals to two but when the Bombers kicked two early goals in the last quarter the game was over. The final score read North Shore 13 6 84 East Coast 6 9 45.

It is a test of depth and character to see if the Eagles can bounce back. It may even test the selectors' patience with a couple of players whose form has slipped away over the last few weeks. It may also prove to be helpful that the injuries have come at this time of year and not later in the year. There are certainly questions being asked of the Eagles that they will hope to answer in the upcoming weeks.

Gus Seebeck was one of few that could say that he worked hard in all four quarters. Luke Stanford tried hard all night along with Kristian Pearson. The one positive to come of the game was the pleasing second half of first gamer Ash Moeller and young Anthony Stubbs. When things looked very grim for the Eagles they both put their hand up and fought the game out.

The Reserve grade side continues to take all before them and once again showed why they are the premiership favourites. In a workman like performance against a determined North Shore the Eagles ran out winners to the tune of 32 points. It was a test of depth for the team and it shows that the reserves can even with a few changes. Stephen O’Connor again showed the good form he is in at the moment with another fine performance. He was ably supported by James Mann, Brad Ure and Mick Lillyman. Tim Physick just continues to lead by example week in week out. The scoreboard at the end of the night read East Coast 9 6 60 North Shore 3 10 28.

The Under 18’s teams had a weekend they would rather forget. The Premier cup team went in favourites against North Shore but never looked switched on at any stage. They were out played by a bigger and more committed North Shore team and the end result was a seven goal defeat. The Challenge cup team travelled to beautiful Manly and unfortunately came up against a much stronger outfit in the Wolves. The result was a big loss to the young Eagles team. The boys continue to work hard and their willingness to work at their game will make sure they bounce back next week.

Next Sunday the Eagles travel to Wagener Oval to take on Western Suburbs. The Under 18’s start the day at 10.00am then the reserves follow at midday and the seniors finish the day at 2.00pm. The Challenge Cup boys take on Pennant Hills at 12.45pm on Sunday at Charles McLaughlin Oval.