Gippsland Times |
MAFFRA made a powerful statement in its 112-point disposal of Traralgon.
The Eagles were slow out of a blocks at home, conceding the first three goals within five minutes, but responded with a powerful comeback to win 28.9 (177) to 9.11 (65).
The win lifted the Eagles back into third place on the Gippsland League football ladder ahead of the interleague break.
Darren Sheen kicked eight goals, Daniel Bedggood seven and Brad Caldwell four in a dominant display, exposing the Maroons' weaknesses in defence. The Eagles forwards made the most of the ideal conditions, marking almost everything the midfield provided, particularly Kel Porter.
Straight kicking for goal was also a feature in attack.
With Brent Connelly out of the side, Owen Booth carried the ruck duties with aplomb.
Joel Lambourn and Sam Walker provided plenty in defence.
It was a total team effort from the Eagles as they returned to the winners' list following a loss at Morwell.
Trailing by 18 points after five minutes, the Eagles booted 11 unanswered goals to head into the quarter-time break leading by 49 points.
The comeback was swift and far from subtle. It was as if someone flicked a switch and the Eagles were unstoppable.
The Eagles' 11.2 (68) was the highest first quarter score ever kicked against Traralgon in this league. Only two other times have the Maroons conceded at least 10 goals in the first term, by Sale in 1982 and 1978.
The Eagles continued the run in the second term, booting seven goals to two. The half-time lead was 76 points.
The Maroons' cause was not helped by having one less player on the bench because of injury.
The visitors had the better of the early stages of the third quarter, but were unable to make the most of their opportunities in attack, failing to kick a goal for the term.
It took 15 minutes for Caldwell to kick the first goal of the quarter before Bedggood kicked two to give the Eagles a 95-point lead at the final change.
With the aim of a triple-figure victory, the Eagles kicked seven of the first nine goals of the final term, taking their lead to 123 during time-on before the Maroons kicked two late majors.
On a day when they had few stand-outs, midfielder Josh Jennings was the Maroons' best player, while Jackson Hall kicked four goals.
