Australian Football

Match Report

For the final contest for the weekend, we head to the western side of the city to the City Mazda Stadium in Richmond where the Bloods faced the Eagles, the ABC gearing up for finals early by televising this game. Despite having six wins from the last 11 games, the Bloods took the points in the previous two games during this season, both in embarrassing fashion for the Eagles with 51 and 72-point losses at Richmond and Woodville respectively. But this time around, the Bloods were a mere shadow of its normal self with several key players rested from duty and the Eagles were ready to swoop.

They started proceedings by kicking 5.4 to 2.1 in the opening term, taking a lead of 21 points into the first change. That gap would be extended to 29 points by half-time, after the Eagles added an extra 5.3 to Westies' 4.1 before the long break. When play resumed, the Eagles moved upon the tactically-depleted Bloods, blasting through 8.1 to a lowly 2.1 from the home side. At the three quarter-time siren, the visitors were away to a 65-point lead and into the double-chance spot. A further 4.3 to 3.3 in the final term would take that gap out to 71 points, elevating the Eagles to second spot on the league table. Also, thanks to superior percentage on the Bloods' part, put the qualifying final spot out of reach of the Bulldogs.

The Eagles would vote in Paul Stewart as their standout, while the Bloods named Shane Birss as their best afield. These sides will now face each other again this weekend.