Yarraville-Seddon coach Dean Callaway was fuming at quarter-time of his side’s 96-point win over Manor Lakes in the Western Region Football League division 2 on Saturday.
Callaway was concerned the Eagles had turned up to Howqua Reserve with the wrong attitude and were lucky to be only 16 points behind at the first break.
The Eagles coughed up 12 first quarter scoring shots, but Manor Lakes’ return was just 5.7, letting the visitors off the hook.
“We didn’t respect them in a way,” Callaway told Star Weekly.
“We were just very soft at the footy in the first quarter and we allowed them to dictate.
“Luckily towards the end of the first quarter, we got a couple of late goals, which put us 16 points behind at quarter-time.
“Then we gave them a couple of stern words at quarter-time, got their minds back on the job and after that it was a completely different side.”
Whatever was said in the Yarraville-Seddon huddle should be bottled.
The Eagles were totally transformed for the second quarter and it continued through to full time.
They not only booted 17 unanswered goals over the last three quarters, but kept Manor Lakes to just four behinds.
“We just reset and re-grouped as a team,” Callaway said.
“We really opened the game up with our spread and just controlled the footy in hand.
“For us to score 17 goals for the remainder of the game and for them to only score four points was a mighty effort.”
Lachie Longmire produced yet another outstanding performance for Yarraville-Seddon. The playing assistant coach is leading from the front for his new club.
“He really set the tone for us,” Callaway said.
“He’s a marvellous footballer who’s hard at it, he leads, he talks, he brings guys into the play.”
Jesse Varsamakis had a big influence in the ruck, while Jake Rycroft plugged holes where needed and Luke Simpson was solid across half-back.
Scott Krakouer finished with three goals, despite spending time in defence. Kevin Upton a key target in attack, also kicked three.
Yarraville-Seddon improved to 3-0 and is perched nicely on top of the ladder.
It has been the Eagles response in the times they have been challenged over the first three games that has impressed Callaway.
“It shows the character that we’ve got in the group,” Callaway said.
The Eagles will host Caroline Springs in a first-versus-second showdown at Yarraville Oval on Saturday.
