Straight From The Sauce – Round 10 League & Reserves

In tough conditions again this weekend at Alberton Oval we went down to Port Adelaide by 15 points. With the wind and rain playing a part in the game, we kicked into the breeze first. I thought we started a bit slow and allowed Port to score some easier goals by not getting our fundamentals right. The second we executed well, played the game in our forward line, and got the margin back to 3 points at the half. In the 3^rd for the first 15 minutes we were able to get field position and we tried hard to get a goal on the board but it didn’t eventuate and when you miss your chances, Port went down the other end and scored some important late goals. A goal to Ballenden in the final few minutes left us 14 behind heading into the last. Unfortunately we didn’t do enough, and Port scored goals at the right time which left us with too much to do. The boys fought it out until the end of the game, with 15 being the final margin.

Better players on the day were Connor Ballenden, who since returning has competed very strongly aerially and also converted his chances, finishing with 4 goals. Jordan Moore down back on some AFL listed forwards did a great job, taking 6 marks from opposition kicks which was important. Kobe Mutch was again very good in the midfield, relishing in the wet conditions, having 28, 12 tackles and a goal. I also thought James Rowe battled hard despite getting tagged, he had 26 and 4 tackles.

Congratulations to Liam Puncher who played his first League game with the Club, and was great to have his parents down from Sydney.

We have a bye now, so a chance for our State players to have a break and for some guys to get there niggles right.

Looking forward to returning next week against Sturt at Unley.

Sauce

Sam Jacobs – Eagles Senior Coach

Unfortunately, when you don’t defend your always going to be up against it.

From the start of the game Centrals were able to cut through us in the middle of the ground and continuously get inside 50 and more often than not produce scores on the board. Our offence was good going forward being able to score when we were able to get it in our half, however our defensive side of our game which is something we have prided ourselves on was lacking.

With injuries comes opportunities and we have now played everyone on our list which has provided us the ability to watch these young men in action. Dave Brinker Ritchie has continued his good form in the ruck and was one of our better players on the day.

We still have a lot to work, but one positive is that we are seeing some of these young men show League attributes which is a real positive as it is only going to increase our depth.

The bye has certainly come at a good time to regroup and get ready for another tough challenge in 2 weeks time against Sturt. Back on the track this week before everyone has a couple extra days off to come back and hit the ground running next week.

Go Eagles!!!

Shane Hancock – Eagles Development Coach