Australian Football

Match Report

It's off to the Unleash Solar Oval in Woodville as the Eagles faced the Bulldogs in the Anzac Day Battle. These two sides have had a long, storied history between each other. Its really heated up at the end of the 20th century when the Bulldogs took their first flag at the expense of the Eagles, but it was last year's decider that the last laugh went to the men of Oval Avenue.

Fast forward to now, the Eagles hadn't bagged a point from five starts but it seemed only a matter of time before they awoke, and that they did when they opened the proceedings with a 4.2 to 2.2 first quarter to lead by 12 points at quarter-time. The Bulldogs hit back in the second term though, kicking 6.2 to 1.3 to take a 17-point lead at the half-time break. Early on in the week, Eagles coach Mick Godden seemed to write this game off, looking more toward their match next week. That tactic was paying off in a way, the Eagles showing more intensity than what they have shown so far. The third quarter was evenly fought on the scoreboard, both sides taking four goals each to leave the half-time deficit unchanged. Centrals seemed to lose that intensity in the final term, only kicking 1.2. But the home sides' 3.1 would not be enough to snatch the win as the Dogs left Woodville with a one-goal win.

Ryan Williams was best afield for the Dogs and took the Bob Quinn Medal for his troubles, while the Eagles named Matt Goldsworthy as their standout.