Rel’s Review – Round 1

Round 1 was in our sights as soon as we completed our season in 2024. A big off-season/pre-season has been ticked off and the playing list as a whole look fit and ready to play.

It was tough conditions at our home away from home at Eastern Parade Reserve and the weather Gods were not kind with the heat and doubled down with dusty windy conditions that were in full swing from half time of the League game.

We burst out of the blocks and kicked 4 unanswered goals with our forwards causing havoc around the big sticks created on the back of full ground pressure. We let Sturt get two quick goals into the wind but held an 11 point lead at the first break. Sturt wouldn’t score another major for the remainder of the match kicking 1 point in each of the remaining 3 quarters showing our ability to limit opposition scoring.

Each line performed their roles well and the team stats weighed in our favour in all the right areas including clearance, disposals and tackles.  Pleasingly we were able to score with and against the breeze. We have 7 different goal scorers and won the match with a solid 35 point victory. This is a first ever round 1 win for the Eagles SANFLW program. There were strong performances all over the ground and our two debutants in Ruby Lynch and Maia Freemantle performed well at the level.

We now recover and reset for the second game of our 3 home game miniseries at Eastern Parade Reserve. We will take on the Bays Saturday 22^ndMarch at 1.30pm and would love to see our Eagles supporters flood this great suburban ground and bring the noise to support the players. At this stage the weather looks to be milder and we look forward to this challenge – hope to see you there.

Narelle Smith – SANFLW Senior Coach