The Murrumbateman Eagles are looking to consolidate a finals spot in the top four after a nail-biting victory 8.15 (63) over the Southern Cats 10.2 (62).
The Cats led for much of the game, but the Eagles clawed their way back taking control of the game in the final quarter.
Assistant Coach Mark Welsh said the Cats proved a good challenge, but Murrumbateman displayed their skill gaining the upper hand after a halftime reminder from coaches that the Eagles needed to make their own opportunities in footy.
In addition to their halftime discussion, with a few players missing on the day the coaches shifted some players around the field leading to a well-played second half. The team shift saw Toby Warwick moved from the backline forward and a ruckman moved into the backline instead.
Mark said the move seemed to be what the team needed to get back into the game. The switch allowed the Eagles to control the second half where Murrumbateman kicked a goal with two minutes left on the clock bringing the scores even.
“We had the upper hand and probably a little bit more fitness than the Cats and we were able to push forward again and then get it through for a behind which was obviously the final result.”
“But the Cats have got a great squad, they’re a good team.”
Mark commended a few players on their work this season including Pat Ryan who he said is playing some extremely consistent and important footy for the team and Toby Warwick who was integral in the second-half comeback.
“He was extremely important in the second half. I think he kicked three goals and set up a couple more.”
A few other special mentions included Matt Grahame, Mitch Lamb and Blake Horn.
“They’re all playing some cracking footy for us at the moment and they’ve all worked extremely hard individually on their own games so credit to them.”
Murrumbateman is currently sitting on top of the ladder and is set to clash with the Ainslie Tricolours, who hold the bottom slot, on Saturday, May 21 at Alan Ray Oval at 12pm.
“We always prepare for each week with full respect to any opposition, because week by week teams can change dramatically,” Mark said. “Especially in this league where guys have commitments.”
“We’re definitely building belief that we’ve got the right skill, fitness and synergy in the group to play some really good footy.”
“We’ll just plan and go out against Ainslie in the same fashion we do each week and hopefully we come away with the chocolates.”
By Brianna O’Rourke
