THE New Norfolk Eagles took a road trip down the Huon Hwy last Saturday to take on the reigning premier, the Huonville Lions. For a few moments in the final term an upset loomed as scores were 72 points apiece at the 12-minute mark. The Eagles had trailed by 28 points at half- time but staged a good comeback in the third quarter to throw a scare in the Lions’ den but the home team steadied to run out 36-point victors in an entertaining match of Aussie Rules Football.
Ruckman Tyron Triffett returned to the side to bolster the Eagles’ big man stocks for talented winger Tyler Benson, who was unavailable. Eagle youngster Bobby Nossiter came in for the injured Nathan Eiszele. The Eagles suffered a major blow before the contest got under way with tough onballer Jake Foster suffering a calf injury in the warm up. Rugged defender Tobias Bradford came into the side as a replacement after playing four quarters in the Reserves.
Huonville ex-defender and now key forward Daniel Golding started in the ruck against Eagle Caleb Mayne. In-form ball magnet Jake Bearman was at the centre bounce against Lions captain Jack Preshaw. Defender Jordan Eiszele picked up tall Lion Nathan Vincent and Eagle centreman Ryan Wakefield lined up on Lion captain Edward Burrows-Cheng.
The Lions held a slight edge in general field play in the first term finding the loose man out wide to grab an 11-point lead at quarter time. Lion big man Daniel Golding moved to full forward after opening in the ruck and looked dangerous taking a few big marks in attack. Veteran Josh Clifford was the only Eagle to score a six pointer with a clever snap and the message at quarter time from coach Josh Farrow was to man-up and run with your direct opponent and put some body and physicality into Lion running machine Jack Preshaw who was dominating around the ground. Quarter-time scores: Huonville 3.2 (20) to New Norfolk 1.3 (9).
The Lions now had experienced ruckman Rhys Ward at centre bounce against Caleb Mayne to start the second term as the Lions got their running game going and created many opportunities with their clever handball which resulted in a five-goal term. Goals for the Eagles came from strong marking forward Blake Mayne and speed machine Jye Bearman as the Eagles trailed by 28 points at the main break: Huonville 8.5 (53) to New Norfolk 3.7 (25).
Eagles coach Josh Farrow told his players that skill errors were the only difference between the two sides, but they were still well in the contest. The Eagles bagged two goals in the first minute to start the third term with Brayden Butler kicking a great goal on the run followed by another from Jye Bearman. The Eagles lifted their intensity around the contest and found Bearman once again who steered the Sherrin through the big sticks. The Eagles were also defending well led by Rowan Thomason who was giving his side some great rebound, driving the Eagles into attack. Eagle coach Josh Farrow booted the next two goals, and the Eagles were back in business to trail by only one point. The Lions bounced back and found Golding in front of goal which gave the Lions a seven-point buffer at three quarter time: Huonville 9.12 (66) to New Norfolk 8.11 (59).
Big Eagle Ryan Bartels worked his way through a pack and shot out a great handball to Brayden Butler who passed to Farrow who kicked truly. The Eagles charged forward once again with Jye Bearman marking and taking a set shot at goal for his fourth for the Eagles and a six-point lead. The Eagles had all the momentum and looked
like they had more run in their legs than the Lions. But the Lions were not about to throw in the towel as big Lion forward Daniel Golding marked moments later and kicked truly to even the scores at 10.12 (72) apiece at the 12-minute mark. The Lions hit back and found key forward Austin Heald who kicked two quick goals and from that point on the Lions found another gear to go on and score another five goals and record a 36-point victory.
It was a good overall effort from the Eagles as they challenged good quality opposition for a good majority of the contest but were not able to finish off in the latter stages. Best for the Eagles was Jake Bearman who had a great one on one contest with Jack Preshaw. Caleb Mayne played another great game in the ruck. Rowan Thomason was classy and dominant in the back half and Brayden Butler was slick on the wing and had some important touches throughout the game. Tyron Bailey continues to show good form and Jordan Eiszele was solid in defence.
The Eagles will now renew acquaintances with Sorell on their home deck at Boyer Oval this Saturday, May 16. The Eagles were around the mark for three quarters in their last encounter, can they turn the tables second time around?
Final Scores
New Norfolk 11.13 (79)
Huonville 17.13 (115)
Best – New Norfolk: Jake Bearman, Caleb Mayne, Rowan Thomason, Jordan Eiszele, Tyron
Bailey, Brayden Butler; Huonville: D. Golding, J. Preshaw, J. Thorpe, R. Ward, J. de Winter, L. Graham.
Goals – New Norfolk: Jye Bearman 4, J. Farrow 3, Blake Mayne 2, B. Butler, J. Clifford; Huonville: D. Golding 8, A. Heald 3, J. de Winter 2, L. Graham, T. Godfrey, B. Blake, B. Jacobson,
RESERVES REPORT: WAYNE WALKER
THE Eagle reserves stayed in the game against Huonville for three quarters keeping in touch with the Lions, trailing by 17 points at three quarter time but faded badly in the last term to go down by 50 points. The Eagles missed onballers Jack Evans (suspended), Nathan Eyles (suspended) and Andrew Minchen (injured) which had a big impact around the contest with all three players missing.
The Eagles held a five-point lead at quarter time, but the Lions took over from that stage of the contest holding onto a three-goal lead for the next two quarters before kicking away in the last. Lion forward Brayden Guy was a key focal point in attack with four goals and had a major influence on the contest and always seems to be a thorn in the Eagles side every time they meet.
Eagle utility player Bailey Wheeler (who can almost play anywhere) took a number of marks throughout the game and was in great form. Corey Ransley battled hard in attack. Jake Campbell has returned and was good up forward. Hayden Davis had some important touches. Beau Kline was good on a wing and Luke Crosswell was also solid in defence.
The Eagle Reserves quite often have a number of inclusions and exclusions from week to week, but they did field a full 22 players for the first time over the last few seasons against the Lions, which was a positive when on a long road trip. On a special note, Luke Wheeler joined his sons Zac and Bailey on the park which was a great moment for the Wheeler family who have contributed to the club over a number of seasons.
Final Scores
New Norfolk 4.2 (26)
Huonville 11.10 (76)
Best – New Norfolk: B. Wheeler, C. Ransley, J. Campbell, H. Davis, B. Kline, L. Crosswell; Huonville: B. Guy, A. Cullen, D. Parremore, L. Oneill, D. Crouch, J. Stevenson.
Goals – New Norfolk: C. Ransley, others unknown; Huonville: B. Guy 4, D. Crouch 2, P. Wilcox, T. Henricks, N. Denny, J. Stanway, B. Harris.
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