Australian Football

Match Report

In the final match of Round 15, the ABC television crew headed up north to the Hamra Homes Oval for the contest between the Bulldogs and the Eagles. These two teams have generated a bit of a rivalry this decade... five grand final battles with the Eagles winning the 2006 decider, but the Dogs have inflicted more pain on the Oval Avenue mob than they would care to remember. 

The first quarter was closely fought as the Bulldogs took a four point lead at quarter-time after kicking an inaccurate 2.6 to the Eagles' 2.2. The Eagles continued to nag the reigning premiers in a second quarter where both teams sprayed several shots wide. The lead was cut back to three points by half-time after they kicked 2.5 to the Bulldogs' 2.4. But then, after weeks of trying to find that spark they've always been known for, the Dogs finally found it as they rammed 8.4 to the visitors' three goals to stretch the lead to 37 points going into the last quarter. That spark was reduced to a flicker for the final quarter as they kicked just one behind, while a run of free kicks and penalties to the Eagles almost paying dividends but 4.3 wouldn't be enough as the Dogs held on for an 11 point win. 

Daniel Schell bagged six goals and was named best afield for the Dogs, while 200-gamer Justin Cicolella was named best for the Eagles.