Tara Murray
A couple of mistakes at crucial times proved costly for the Yarraville Seddon Eagles on Saturday against Point Cook in the Western Region Football League division 1.
In a standalone match due to the King’s Birthday weekend, it was Point Cook that came away with the points in a close one.
As is becoming a theme in the division 1 competition, it was the defences that were on top throughout the game.
The Bulldogs held a narrow lead at each of the breaks and were able to hold on and win, 9.8 (62)-7.9 (51).
Eagles coach Brad Julier said it was a match where they had their opportunities.
“It was a bit of an arm wrestle all day,” he said. “We fell short which is pretty disappointing
“Both defences held up well and we moved the ball well, but both teams struggled to score.
“It was a real defensive struggle and it was close all day.”
The Eagles were left to rue some missed opportunities, including in the final quarter.
The Eagles had four scoring shots to two, but weren’t able to close the gap.
“We had a couple of mistakes at crucial times,” Julier said.
“We missed a couple of goals we should have kicked. We kicked one into the mark and missed a couple late, which would have put a bit more scoreboard pressure on.”
Aidan Johnson was the only multiple goal kicker for the Eagles with two goals.
Zac Pritchard was named their best in his return from Victorian Football League duties.
Julier said it’s always good to have someone of Pritchard’s ability back in the side.
“It was great for him to have the opportunity up there and you want them to come back and play well,” he said.
“It’s a tough one as you want them to play well every week, but the better they play the more chance they get picked at that higher level.”
Julier said Anarkiikonda Van Wills, Akol Deng, Kobe Cikala were the other standouts in the loss.
The Eagles remain in sixth spot on the ladder with two wins, while the Bulldogs remain in third spot.
The matches don’t get any easier for the Eagles, in a big month for the club’s season according to Julier.
“We have a big month with Point Cook, Altona, Caroline Springs and Werribee Districts,” he said.
“We wanted to get a couple of scalps as we push to play finals and take that next step.
“We don’t just want to be an improving side, but we want to be a top side.
“We wanted to get all four wins, but we went down. Now we want to go 3-1 or even split of 2-2, which would keep us in touch with the top four and a chance on the way home.”
In other matches this Saturday, Caroline Springs host Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook faces Point Cook Centrals and Werribee Districts play Spotswood.
