EAGLEHAWK was able to pick its way through South Bendigo’s defence often enough to score a 70-point victory in Sunday’s Bendigo Football League clash in Kennington.
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In a contest where South Bendigo won plenty of contests, it was Eaglehawk’s well-drilled defence and efficiency in attack that proved to be decisive factors.
The inside 50m tally was just in favour of the Hawks, but their ability to capitalise was far superior.
Too often the Bloods passes to attack were intercepted, too wide or fell short of a team-mate.
South Bendigo’s desperation and workrate could not be faulted, but an Eaglehawk defence led by Glenn Daly and Josh Ryan was able to clear often and with ease.
At the other end of the ground, Hawks’ full-forward Matt Gretgrix kicked a match-high five goals and had four team-mates chip in with two apiece.
Multiple goalkickers included Blake Natoli in his senior debut.
Hawks’ coach Luke Monaghan unearthed more midfield options throughout the second half after Brodie Collins, back, and Brodie Filo, stomach, had been injured.
Filo did play on, but his impact was limited.
The Hawks had Jarrod Findlay win plenty of the footy across midfield and up forward, while Daly, Ryan, Cameron Milward, Ben McPhee and Tyler Miles played key roles.
Bloods’ captain Aaron Connaughton inspired team-mates with his attack on the contest and accurate disposal.
Young guns Matt Chisari and Jake Connaughton won plenty of the footy at stoppages or were involved in passages of play from half-back to attack.
The Bloods’ play was a marked improvement on its previous clash at Golden Square.
Victorious coach Luke Monaghan said South’s defensive mindset and “numbers back” did make it difficult to score.
A major plus for the Borough was it’s show of depth as it made five changes from the previous round because of injury.
“Competition for places is starting to heat up,” he said.
Ruckman Jack Lawton did well in his first senior game, while Josh Ryan and Lachlan Ryan worked hard all game.
“Tackles were well up, which was a good sign when we in control for most of the game,” Monaghan said of positives from the match.
“There’s no doubt about workrate and willingness to compete.
“We just need to sharpen up our skills.”
Eaglehawk plays at Kangaroo Flat, and South Bendigo heads to Kyneton when the Bendigo FNL season resumes on July 18.