THE New Norfolk Eagles piled on a nine-goal first-quarter burst which put the Claremont Magpies on the back foot at Boyer Oval on Saturday, and playing catch up football for the remainder of the game. The Eagles eventually ran out comfortable 40-point winners in 25 degree heat. They had the advantage of two key forwards with coach Josh Farrow (seven goals) and Blake Mayne (two goals and four behinds).
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The Eagles were too strong in the air, taking a number of contested marks which provided the Eagle midfield with key targets in front of the big sticks. After being in the contest in round one against Sorell and then falling short by 14 points against the Tigers in round two, the Eagles were hungry for a win after a promising hit out against Cygnet in round three.
Inclusions for the Eagles were defender Jordan Eiszele who returned for his first hit out for the season. He was joined by ruckman Caleb Mayne and winger Tyler Benson, who came in for Tyron Triffett who was unavailable. Wade Lockley and Tyson Eiszele were unavailable due to injury. Early key matchups had star Eagle ruckman Caleb Mayne pitted against Magpie Josh Meredith. Eagle full back Jye Lester started on big Magpie forward Daniel Newton. Star Eagle Josh Farrow lined up at full forward with tall Magpie defender Lucas Fleischmann, and in-form on-baller Jake Bearman was at centre bounce with Magpie captain Callum Thompson.
After a quick Magpie goal in the first minute, the Eagles dominated play which led to many forward 50 entries finding the strong hands of Josh Farrow, who bagged five goals for the quarter. Talented brothers Jake and Jye Bearman were creating many opportunities and providing plenty of run as the Eagles jumped out to a 22-point
lead. Eagle half-forward Mitch Hay weaved his way through a pack and found Eagle hard nut Jake Foster who kicked truly. Moments later, Farrow passed to Jake Bearman who bagged another goal from 40m out just before the quarter time siren, which capped off a great first quarter: New Norfolk 9.2 (56) to Claremont 5.4 (34).
The Eagles started the second term with Blake Mayne scoring his second goal. From the next centre bounce contest, Jake Foster smothered the footy from his Magpie opponent. Tyron Bailey gathered the footy and kicked a goal to put the Eagles well clear to lead by 43 points. Magpie captain Callum Thompson broke the trend, kicking the Pies’ next goal, but the Eagles answered with a clever snap from a tight angle from Nathan Eiszele. Another from Josh Farrow, who was causing headaches for the Magpie defence, gave the Eagles a 50-point lead at the main break: New Norfolk 13.7 (85) to Claremont 5.5 (35).
Both backlines were on top in the third term as both teams scored two goals in the hot conditions. Eagle defender Jye Lester was moved up to the wing and showed that he really is Mr Versatile with his speed and aerial skill and is very rarely beaten in hard ball contests. Eagle youngster Riley Triffett did some good things in the term and found Jye Bearman on the run as he passed to Bailey for an Eagle major. Three quarter time scores: New Norfolk 15.10 (100) to Claremont 7.6 (48).
The Eagles took their foot off the pedal in the last term, as Claremont had a four-goal burst before Jake Bearman sealed the deal and booted his third major to cap off a 40-point win for the home side. So far this season, the Eagles are looking better in the engine room (centre bounce contests), with the inclusion of Jake Foster and the returning Josh Eyles now adding more on-ball depth. The Bearman brothers and Ryan Wakefield also give the Eagles good rotations through the middle of the ground. They are also better in the big man department with Caleb Mayne, Tyron Bailey, Josh Farrow and Blake Mayne also able to rotate through the middle.
Best for the Eagles was Josh Farrow with his seven goals. Jake Bearman is in great form and continues to dominate around the contest. Rowan Thomason defended well. Ruckman Caleb Mayne worked hard and a feature of his game is his second and third efforts which give the midfielders confidence around the contest and Tyron “the highlight reel” Bailey always makes footy enjoyable.
Can the Eagles now take it up to last year’s premiers, the Huonville Lions, on their home patch in Round 5 this Saturday (May 9)? The Eagles have some bigger bodies who can hold down some key positions, which should hold them in good stead against a top contender. It should be a great contest.
Scores: New Norfolk 16.18 (113) d Claremont 11.7 (73).
Best – New Norfolk: Josh Farrow, Jake Bearman, Tyron Bailey, Caleb Mayne, Rowan Thomason, Ryan Wakefield; Claremont: L. Meredith, B. Glenn, B. Thorp, C. Thompson, J. Rolls, B. Thompson.
Goals – New Norfolk: J. Farrow 7, Jake Bearman 3, T. Bailey 2, Blake Mayne 2, J. Foster, N. Eiszele; Claremont: D. Newton 6, B. Wood, C. Thompson, J. Lovell, L. Fleischmann, R. Meredith.
RESERVES REPORT: WAYNE WALKER
FOR the first time in a number of seasons, the Eagle “Rezzies” have a number of forward targets to kick to, which gives them the ability to convert to a winning score. With forwards of the calibre of coach Corey Ransley and veterans Rohan Heron and Jason Laycock, the Eagles have marking power on the forward line that could build a number of wins this season.
If the mark’s not taken, the Eagle midfielders and smaller players should have the confidence to get to the fall of the ball and take advantage. That was the outcome against the Magpies at Boyer Oval last Saturday. The Eagles jumped out to an early lead with goals to Tyler Purdon, Sebastion Farrow and Corey Ransley which gave the home side a 19-point lead at quarter time.
Bailey Wheeler was also doing some great work in the ruck against taller Magpie opponent Deng Abyei and Tobias Bradford was solid across half back. The Eagles held onto a 17-point lead at the main break, with Nathan Eyles and Bobby Nossiter bagging goals early in the term. The Eagles maintained the same buffer at three- quarter time and went on to record a 27-point win.
Defender Tyler Purdon was a surprise selection starting on the forward line, which was a good move as he scored three goals. Bailey Wheeler was best on ground for the Eagles, playing a great role in the ruck. Corey Ransley led from the front and Bobby Nossiter continues to impress. Zac Wheeler was handy and always has an impact up forward and new player Sebastion Farrow looked to be a good acquisition showing class and skill.
Scores: New Norfolk 9.11 (65) d Claremont 5.8 (38).
Best – New Norfolk: T. Purdon, Z. Wheeler, C. Ransley, B. Nossiter, B. Wheeler, S. Farrow. Goals – New Norfolk: T. Purdon 3, C. Ransley 2, N. Eyles, S. Farrow, B. Nossiter, Z. Wheeler.
New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News is a sponsor of the New Norfolk District Football Club.
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