Eagles not about to be grounded just yet

DON’T write off New Norfolk just yet.

That’s the message coming from Boyer as the rest of the SFL hopes the mighty Eagles dynasty has come to a crashing halt.

New Norfolk, winner of six of the past nine flags and having missed the grand final once in that time, lost its opening game of the season to Lindisfarne last week by 28 points.

But five-time premiership player Jon Murray says opposition teams should not be dancing on the Eagles’ grave just yet.

“We’ve lost 11 senior players from last year, so a lot of experience and a lot of our key factors in our success last year was [former Essendon ruckman] Jason Laycock,” Murray said.

“I think we did very well if you want to look at it in a positive mindset.

“It is a new list, our youth and the way we put it up to them for three quarters was a very good start for us.

“The internal group knew we could put it up to them, the coach [Jeremy Parker] knew we could put it up to them so I think we have put a little bit of belief back in the playing group also.

“Hopefully it is in the next three or four rounds but I think we have started to sow the seed very early, which is good.”

But again the young Eagles will be tested today when they travel to Abbotsfield Park to take on Claremont.

“It is a fantastic rivalry,” Murray said.

“Getting them down there second game of the season is going to be a major test, but we always look forward to coming up against Claremont and taking the cheers from the sidelines on the hill.

“They are always very accepting of us but we love it.”

Claremont has recruited strongly, including former Glenorchy utility Luke Potter, who returns to the state after two years playing with Leeton in country NSW. The Magpies are coming off a 72-point away win over Cygnet.

In other games, Lindisfarne has had to take its home game against Dodges Ferry to Campania, Huonville is at home to Brighton and Sorell and Cygnet meet at Pembroke Park.

Hobart has the bye.