Eagles shine brightly in the wet
at Marrara WANDERERS consolidated second place on the NTFL ladder with a commanding 36-point win over Nightcliff in wet conditions at TIO Stadium yesterday.
The Eagles had better intent from the outset, slamming on the first four goals of the match and running out 13.11 (89) to 7.11 (53) winners.
It gives Wanderers a 6-1 win-loss record with their only blemish coming against defending premier St Marys.
Co-captain Aaron Motlop said it was their best win of the year and the side was starting to generate belief.
‘‘ We’ve been winning games but we haven’t been showing our potential,’’ he said. ‘‘So to have a game like this, where we came out of the blocks pretty early and played a really good side like Nightcliff, and produce that sort of performance was really pleasing.
‘‘We’re gelling and getting use having Braedon and Nathan McLean, Eddie Sansbury, Marlon Motlop, Liam Patrick and Bobby McCal- lum who played his first game of the year in the side.
‘‘We play a unique brand of footy and we know what we’re capable of, and we realise the potential and talent within our group.’’
While the rain held off for the majority of the match the ground remained soggy, but the Eagles adapted perfectly with a fast running game the key to their success. They had four goals on the board after seven minutes including one of the goals of the season by Chris Dunne from deep in the pocket in the midst of traffic.
A terrific snap from regular full-back Deon Gordon soon got the Tigers on the board, but a late kick off the ground off the boot of Dillon Kane had Wanderers heading into quarter- time with a 16-point lead.
The damage was done in the middle quarters when the Eagles booted five goals to one for a match-winning 43- point lead at the last change. The wet weather didn’t seem to affect Shane Thorne, who was terrific across the half forward line in setting up play.
Daniel Weetra kept Tigers forward Brant Chambers goalless while repelling the ball numerous times, and the class of Daniel Motlop (three goals) and Jarred Erlandson’s work rate in the centre were among the plenty of highlights for the Eagles.