THE New Norfolk Eagles ran into trouble in the early stages of the first quarter in their last encounter for season 2026 last weekend, as the Dodges Ferry Sharks could smell blood in the water. The Sharks opened with an eight-goal blitz which had the Eagles trailing for the remainder of the contest as the Sharks went on to record a comfortable 67-point victory at Shark Park on Saturday.
In perfect sunny conditions the Sharks use of the ball by foot, and two key forward targets in Ruben Tomkins (five goals} and Connor McGee (five goals) was the difference between the two sides. The Eagles were missing Jye Bearman and Jye Lester (both unavailable) and brought in Eagle stalwart Josh Clifford (returning from injury) as well as defender Tobias Bradford who also played in the Reserves game.
There were danger signs for the Eagles early in the contest with Shark tall forwards Ruben Tomkins and Connor McGee superior in the air taking a number of one grab overhead marks on their smaller Eagle defenders scoring early goals for the home side. The Eagles’ first major came via a clever pass from Josh Clifford to Eagle prime mover Tyron Bailey who kicked truly. Eagle centre half forward Blake Mayne received a free kick moments later but was off target for a minor score.
The Sharks continued to attack through Luke Murphy who passed to Ruben Tomkins for his second goal. Experienced on baller Luke Joseph hit up Connor McGee on the lead to add another six pointer for the Sharks. When Shark half forward Tom Studley booted the next goal at the twenty-minute mark of the quarter, the Eagles were in trouble. Winger Brayden Butler plucked a great mark in the forward pocket on a tight angle to boot the Eagle’s second major. However, the Sharks quickly answered just before the quarter time siren to hold a 34-point lead at the first break: New Norfolk 2.6 (18) to Dodges Ferry 8.4 (52).
The Eagles moved Jordan Eiszele from the forward line to defence to pick up Shark tall forward Ruben Tomkins. Eagle running machine Rowan Thomason picked up Connor McGee who was marking everything up forward for the Sharks. Thomason figured in the next stage of play, running from half-back and passing to Tyron Bailey who in turn passed to Josh Farrow who marked and kicked a much-needed goal for the visitors. The Sharks had a plan with mobile utility Liam Roach tagging Eagle coach Josh Farrow when going forward or on the ball for the remainder of the contest.
The Sharks lifted a gear, bagging the next four goals with superior kicking skills finding their targets. The Eagles were over kicking the footy quite often and turning the footy over. This opened up the centre corridor for the Sharks who made the most of their opportunities to take a 66-point match winning lead at half-time: New Norfolk 4.9 (33) to Dodges Ferry 14.9 (93).
The Eagles lifted in the third term and matched the Sharks in and around the contest and on the scoreboard with both sides booting five goals each in the quarter. Utility Tyron Bailey was at his competitive best, refusing to give in for the Eagles bagging two goals for the term. Tyson Eiszele showed his footy smarts when in attack booting a six-pointer from 40m out and followed-up with another goal as he weaved his way through a pack of players, bagging his second goal within minutes. Three-quarter time scores: New Norfolk 9.15 (69) to Dodges Ferry 19.14 (128).
The last quarter resembled the third with the Eagles at least matching the Sharks. Both sides went through the motions, playing out their last 30 minutes for season 2026 as they look to wind down and reflect on the past sixteen rounds and what they may be able to build on for next year.
Once again Jake Bearman won a number of centre clearances and put in a great four-quarter performance which capped off a really good season for the tough onballer. Coach Josh Farrow was in attack, in defence and on the ball doing everything he could to lift his team, as we have been accustomed to. Ruckman Caleb Mayne took the
points against Shark giant Matthew Young. Tyson Eiszele was good across half-forward. Ryan Wakefield keeps racking up possessions week after week and hardly wastes disposals. Bailey Mayne was busy in defence and later up forward as the match unfolded.
Coach Farrow addressed the playing group post-match. He praised his team for their effort throughout the season. He highlighted that the Eagles have reduced their losing margins considerably against the top teams in the competition and at times have played a great brand of football. With more commitment over the pre-season and some careful recruiting he looks forward to what may be ahead for season 2027.
Reflecting back over the season, the Eagles had three great battles against the Hobart Tigers which resulted in two narrow losses and an exciting draw, two victories over the Claremont Magpies, a magnificent win over the Lindisfarne Two Blues, a close encounter with the Dodges Ferry Sharks in the early rounds and the overall improvement against the power sides of the competition. Hopefully season 2026 can be a turning point for the Eagles to take a big step forward and jump back into finals contention next year.
To every player who participated at Senior level over the past 16 rounds, all Eagle supporters say thank you for your effort and commitment. A big thank you goes out to Senior coach Josh Farrow and assistant coaches Jacob Daley, Jake King and Nigel Hay for all their hard work throughout the season, and we can’t forget our trainers Brett Rothwell, Tim Lowe and Anthony Bean.
Even though the team had only three wins and a draw, it could have been seven wins with a bit of luck and a few twists and turns. But that’s footy… and that’s it for the men in season 2026. Good luck to the Lady Eagles for what’s ahead as they progress through the finals. Go Eagles!
Final Scores
New Norfolk 13.17 (95)
Dodges Ferry 24.18 (162)
Best – New Norfolk: Jake Bearman, Josh Farrow, Caleb Mayne, Tyson Eiszele, Ryan Wakefield, Bailey Mayne. Dodges Ferry: B. Joseph, R. Tomkins, O. Archer, J. Booth, M. Skelly, C. McGee.
Goals – New Norfolk: T. Bailey 4, J. Farrow 3, T. Eiszele 2, Bailey Mayne, Blake Mayne, B. Butler, R. Bartels.
Dodges Ferry: C. McGee 5, R. Tomkins 5, B. Joseph 4, B. Barwick 3, F. Kenny 2, K. Phillips 2, M. Skelly, T. Studley, R Johnson.
RESERVES REPORT – WAYNE WALKER
THR Eagle Reserves pushed ladder leaders, the Dodges Ferry Sharks, for two quarters in their encounter at Shark Park last Saturday, but an eight-goal last half was too much for the Eagles to handle. The home team went on to record a fifty-five-point victory and once again move into finals territory.
The Eagles badly missed Bailey Wheeler (injured) who has been in great form for the whole of season 2026 and his brother Zac Wheeler (unavailable) who has also been in great touch. Both have given the Eagles great drive from centre clearances and were sorely missed.
The Eagles trailed by only one point at quarter-time and 19 points at the main break. The Sharks took over in the second half, with more to play for in the coming weeks. They looked fitter as they finished the contest and had more avenues to goals.
New Norfolk newcomer Hayden Smith had another strong performance for the Eagles and was tough in the contest. Coach Corey Ransley once again stood tall at full forward booting six goals. Jack Evans never takes a backward step and continued his good form. Tyler Purdon stood up in defence. Jake Campbell was busy and showed his footy smarts and young gun Bobby Nossiter continues to impress for such a young player.
The Reserve side also showed improvement this season with three wins and a few close losses. They were more competitive, cutting losing margins against the stronger teams and staying in the contest for longer periods.
Eagle supporters say thank you to all the Reserve players, coach Corey Ransley and assistant coach Tristan Triffett. We also thank the many players who were late call-ups to help field a side on many occasions during the season.
Final Scores
New Norfolk 7.1 (43)
Dodges Ferry 14.14 (98)
Best – New Norfolk: H. Smith, C. Ransley, J. Evans, T. Purdon, J. Campbell, B. Nossiter. Dodges Ferry: B. Radunz, A. Addicoat, M. Perry, D. Easther, K. Adams, B. Tegg.
Goals – New Norfolk: C. Ransley 6, A. Thorpe. Dodges Ferry: B. Bonnitcha 3, Z. Swan 3, A. Addicoat 3, B. Tegg 2, B. Radunz 2.
NEXT GAME
Saturday, August 22
Women v University @ Pembroke Park, Sorell, at 10am
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