Tara Murray
A dominant second half proved the catalyst for Yarraville-Seddon’s opening round win against Caroline Springs in the Western Football League division 1.
After a fairly even first half, the Eagles were able to shut down the Lakers attacking options, while scoring at the other end to come away with a 17.15 (117)-6.9 (45) win.
Eagles coach Brad Julier said it was always nice to get a win in round one after a long pre-season.
“The first half was an arm wrestle,” he said. “We were three goals up at half time and in the second half we got on top and were able to run away with it.
“We knew it would free up a bit and we cleaned up our ball use in the second half and were able to make the most of it.
Lachlan Green was the key target up forward for the Eagles, kicking five goals, while Lewis Stanton chipped in with three goals.
Julier said the back line dominated all day while the likes of Akol Deng in the ruck, Stanton, Green and Connor Dalgleish all had good games.
He said overall it was a really strong team performance.
The win kicks starts the season for the Eagles, who are looking to build on last season.
The Eagles returned to finals last year after a number of years.
“There’s a bit more motivation,” Julier said. “We made finals but we were disappointed with the way that we went out.
“We want to get better and the expectation is to play finals again this year. We’re making sure we’re doing the work on the track.”
Julier said they had been pretty confident with the squad that they had, so they hadn’t gone out and recruited too many players.
He said there was also plenty of depth within the club.
“We’ve added a couple of players in areas that we needed to,” he said. “Our 18s won the premiership and we’ll bring a couple through during the year.
“With the kids, the recruits and who we’ve retained, we’re really happy with the list.”
The Eagles will get an early test of where they are at, facing last season’s premiers Werribee Districts on Saturday.
Julier said it was something they wanted early in the season.
“We want to see where we are at,” he said. “We want to know what we can work on, whether we beat them or need to catch them.”
In other round one clashes, Spotswood started with a win against Hoppers Crossing.
Both teams struggled in front of goal, with the Woodsmen winning 13.14 (92)-7.16 (58). Harley Walshe led from the front for the Woodsmen.
Parkside in its return to the top grade, fell just short against Point Cook, 7.16 (58)-5.10 (40).
Jack Condon in his Parkside debut was named its best.
Altona had a bye.
In division 2, North Footscray, Braybrook and Newport all got wins.
