Goodlife Health Clubs Reserve Semi Final Match Report

Image: Hannah Rex; On The Ball Media

The Reserves returned to Elizabeth to again face Central District.

This time it was in a second semi final and a grand final spot was on the line. During the week the players trained well and with a lot of energy knowing that they would be getting a rematch. The first two quarters of the game were tight, we felt we had the ascendancy but looking at the statistics we were only top in the inside 50’s. With the high temperature of 30 degrees the game had also developed into a bit of a grind so went into half time positive but needing a plan to gain full control in the second half. The third quarter was our most dominant all year enabling us to kick 5 goals to 1 and take a 40 point lead into three quarter time. Sam Lowson was a standout in this quarter kicking three goals and providing a strong presence up forward, he was well assisted by Deakan Jackson who was making his pressure known. Jackson Lee and Ben Jungfer were taking control in the midfield with Jordan West leading the hit outs.

Our defenders were holding their position well and lead strongly by Ryan Bruce and Jake Westbrook. 3/4 time had a lot of energy and whilst we knew there would be a big lift out of the opposition, we could approach the final term with cool heads and control the ball to win the game. Centrals did manage to start the quarter well and kicked the first goal; and we could feel the momentum shift but a nice mark and calm finish by Mitch Mead for us provided the steadiness we needed.

We managed to maintain the buffer and win the game by 22 points, taking us straight through to the grand final. This does give us a weekend off and wait to see who our opponent is but the players are committed to working hard on the track these next two weeks to give themselves the best chance possible of winning in the grand final.

Good luck to both the league side and the under 18’s this week as they battle it out to win preliminary finals and also make it through. Hope to see as many Eagles supporters across the two games this weekend.

Brad Graham