Straight From The Sauce – Round 7 League & Reserves

In some wild conditions on Saturday against South Adelaide, the first half was 6 goals to 1 with the breeze, and 6 goals to 1 into it before we were able to put together a really strong second half and get control back of the game. I said to the boys after the game that it was a mature second half and I think it shows the growth that we have had across the last 12 months. We ran out winners by 35 points on the back of a 7 goal to 2 second half.

I think we know what we are getting from our experienced players, but I have been really happy with the next wave of players coming through. Lukas Cooke, Zane Williams, Max Beattie, Bailey Hann, Jordan Moore, Jordan Lukac to name a few, and even Jake Andrews on debut showed that he will be a good player for us for a long time.

We were again led well by our leaders, James Rowe was exceptional with 23 and 3 goals, Riley Knight stood up all game but more importantly in the 2^nd when we were challenged. While not a big statistical day, his impact was high with 19, 3 tackles and 5 clearances. Kobe Mutch against his former team continued his outstanding season with 26 and 7 tackles, and while it was Jack’s 100^th, Nick was outstanding and played just a professional game. He had 13 with 10 score involvements and 4 goals (it was incorrect on the day).

Big congratulations to our fan favourite Jack Hayes on his 100^th game. Unfortunately he got injured early in the last and we hope he isn’t out too long, but he has been an example of what this Club is about over his whole career and we love seeing him back in our colours. It was also good having his parents down at the game and in the rooms.

We turn our attention to North Adelaide this week in another good challenge at Prospect.

Look forward to seeing plenty of support.

Sauce

Sam Jacobs – Eagles Senior Coach

It is always good to be playing back on your home deck no matter what the conditions are. We felt we have a really good week on the track and were ready for the pressure that would come from South Adelaide.

As I say every week we wanted to start fast and defend hard. For the most part we felt we were able to control the game for the first three quarters and have it on our own terms. Unfortunately South kicked the first 2 goals in quick succession at the start of the last quarter and continued to run with the momentum. They proceeded to kick the next 4 goals and put the game to bed. This is something that we will continue to train and get better with to stop when opposition get some momentum going.

Was really happy with how young Tate Delmenico played, he seems to be going from strength to strength each week which is pretty exciting. Blake Hansen and Will Neumann also were solid contributors throughout the game and led from the front.

A lot of positives to still come out of the game, but also a lot of learnings which as a coach you take on board and look to turn these also into positives as well.

This week we head to Prospect Oval where we will face another big challenge in North which we will be ready and up for the fight from the opening bounce.

Go Eagles!!!

Shane Hancock – Eagles Development Coach