Ellinbank come from behind
With its high profile recruits over the off-season building some hype at Ellinbank, one may have reasonably expected the Eagles to comfortably get the job done over Poowong on Saturday.
That didn’t eventuate, with the Eagles forced to come from behind to overcome a new look Magpies side and fall in by just nine points, 11-17 (83) to 1014 (74).
The Magpies are building and will take confidence in holding a lead for an extended period of time in this contest.
Better efficiency in front of goal helped Poowong to hold a nine point lead at half time before the Eagles stepped up in the third term, kicking four goals to two to hit the front.
A return of 3-5 kept the Magpies in the contest in the final term, and no doubt the Eagles will be doing some work in front of goal under new coach Ben Wragg.
Shaun Phelan performed best in front of the big sticks, scoring three goals. He was supported by Wragg, Jayson Barwick, Cameron Parker, Jackson Parker and Keegan Bott.
Josh Harvey kicked three goals for the Magpies, whose better players were Joseph Bisognin, Lachlan Green, Matthew Cozzio, Thomas Wyatt, Alex Doria and Jack Hazendonk.
Ellinbank overcame a sluggish start to also take the points in the Reserves.
The Magpies kicked four of the first six goals to take a 14-point lead into half time.
The Eagles worked their way back into the contest, taking a one point lead into three-quarter-time before going on to win 6-8 (44) to 5-5 (35).
Neale Parke, Nathan Van Steensel, Daniel Burke, Matthew Farthing, Andrew Pyle and Sam Wyatt contributed to Ellinbank’s strong second half.
Conor Cunningham, John Smith, Rhys Schulz, Mark Stephens, Kyle Aitken and Reece Attenborough kept the Magpies in the hunt.
Notman bags seven
Seven goals from Jaxon Notman proved the difference as Ellinbank walked away with a comfortable win in the under 18s., 11-13 (79) to 4-2 (26).
The Bankers improved their lead in each quarter following a tight first term.
William Robertson, Dale Armstrong, Isaac Taylor, Mathew Notman and Blake Notman ensured their was plenty of supply to Jaxon Notman in the forward 50.
Mitchell Van’T Hof, Jeremiah Barclay, Josh McNally, Jake Henry, Darcy Burgess and Scott Loughridge were valiant in defeat for the Magpies.
Magpies win
Poowong were too strong in the under 16s, winning 9-12 (66) to 4-4 (28).
Ellinbank matched the Magpies in the second term, kicking three goals to win the quarter, but otherwise struggled to score.
Jai Newcombe led the scoring for Poowong, booting three goals.
Ellinbank were best served by Lachlan Hedrick, Jesse Kelly, Brent Kestle, Brian Kelly, Corey Garlick and Jack Benes.