Eagles have plenty of lessons to learn from ‘boys against men’ clash
NEWTOWN & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon has conceded it was a case of “boys up against men” as his side was taught a harsh lesson by Bell Park.
The 64-point loss was the biggest of the year for the young Eagles, who looked outclassed for most of the afternoon at Hamlyn Park.
Following an impressive draw against second-placed St Mary’s last week, McMahon said his side looked flat from the start.
“The build-up was maybe a little bit flatter after playing in the draw against a good team and we came up against another tough side who have been playing good footy for a very long time,” he said.
“They were bigger and stronger, hungrier and better drilled than us. It was like boys against men really in some of the match-ups.”
While obviously disappointed with the result, McMahon said there was plenty to gain out of the match.
“There’s a lot for our group to learn from a game like that and we know we’ll be better for it,” he said.
“That was the first time we’ve been opened up this year . . . we’ve prided ourselves on staying in the contest for longer.
“Today was a step back, there’s no doubt about it, history will tell you it can happen to young groups but the fact that it’s happened isn’t the end of the world for us.
“I think they’re the most mature team in the competition and we’re probably the youngest, and ultimately that plays a part.”
Kicking was an issue for Newtown & Chilwell all day Saturday, particularly going into the forward line.
While big man Padraig Lucey provided a target, the Eagles constantly turned the ball over and regularly found Dragons backman Ben Johnson.
Kicking has been a strength for the Eagles, but McMahon said his team couldn’t handle the pressure.
“We think we’re a really good kicking side normally, I think it was more Bell Park’s pressure that forced us into more errors than usual,” McMahon said.
“I don’t think we will do anything different from a skill component, it will be more about our defensive positioning.
“When you look at a guy like Ben Johnson and his marking, we addressed that and spoke about it all game, but due to their pressure it allowed him to drop off.”