Australian Football

Formed as recently as 1997, the Eagles were quick to establish themselves as competition heavyweights by winning three premierships on end in their first three seasons. Throughout their brief existence they have vied for supremacy with Hervey Bay, and it goes without saying that the rivalry between the two clubs is extraordinarily intense. The Eagles’ 2006 premiership was especially gratifying in that it was achieved at the expense of their arch rivals who had triumphed in the previous four grand finals. The 2006 grand final was closely contested until the main break but in the third term the Eagles produced a 5 goal burst that effectively sealed their triumph. Final scores were ATW Bundaberg 19.14 (128); Hervey Bay 14.15 (99). A year later, the same two clubs again contested the grand final, but on this occasion Hervey Bay had the Eagles’ measure, and won convincingly by 64 points. The 2008 premiership looked likely to be heading the same way when the Bombers overcame the Eagles in the second semi final but two weeks later the Eagles had their revenge, edging home by 2 points after a thrilling, topsy-turvy encounter.

In recent seasons the Eagles have been the AFL Wide Bay's pre-eminent force winning three of the last four senior grade flags. In 2014 they overcame the grand final challenge of arch rivals Hervey Bay, winning in the end by 34 points, 14.16 (100) to 10.6 (66). A year later the grand final opposition was provided by Brothers Bulldogs with the Eagles ultimately getting home by 14 points, 17.9 (111) to 14.13 (97). This was followed in 2016 by a 13.15 (3) to 11.7 (73) grand final defeat of Bay Power giving the Eagles their tenth senior grade flag, a tally bettered only by Hervey Bay. The 2017 season brought a slump in fortunes as the Eagles failed to make the finals.