A poor start, inaccurate kicking for goal and some undisciplined play has cost the Redlegs 2 points at Coopers Stadium on Friday night where the Eagles recorded their first win of 2008 by 35 points.

David Trotter, Ziggie Alwan, Taylor walker (all first game) and Matthew Brunoli came into the team for the retired Nick Gieschen and Joel Coombes, Brad deVries and Brendan Littler who lined up in the reserves team.

The desperate Eagles were out of the blocks early and by quarter time had earned a 30 point lead, however when Paul Puopolo kicked the first goal just 45 seconds into the third quarter the Redlegs were within 3 straight kicks and had some momentum. For the first time this year we had strong leading, marking targets at the goal front, Jamie Vlatko (6 goals) and first gamer Taylor Walker (4 goals) causing headaches for their opponents when David Trotter and co were moving the ball quick and direct into their hands.

The Redlegs were unable to capitalise on many opportunities in the final term, 10 scoring shorts for a return of just 2 goals, compared with the Eagles 5 goals from 7 shots and coupled a number of clumsy, undisciplined moments handed control of the game back to Ron Fullers team, who recorded what history will recall as a comfortable victory.

In his first game for the club, cool under pressure and with pin point disposal by hand and foot, David Trotter was clearly our most influential player. Jamie Vlatko and Taylor Walker were the beneficiaries of much of David's work, Jamie a pleasing return to his 2007 form, strong leading and accurate kicking for goal, while all of Taylor's movements showed a touch of class. Stuart Bown played across half back and shut down his opponent for much of the game and was an avenue out of defence while Paul Puopolo who started in defence before being moved up-forward contributed well.

Scoring conversion was also the tale of the reserves side in their loss by 33 points. Four goals 10 points to 10 goals 4 points at half time told the story in what was otherwise a fairly even and hard fought contest. Year 12 student Ryan Schoenmakers continues to grow in confidence and improve with each outing, this week he finished with 3 goals. Robbie deJongh was the best big-man on the ground, one of his best four quarter efforts in a Redlegs jumper, while defenders Toby Schulz, Brad Thomas and Aaron Kite (returning from injury) were the mainstay in defence.

Friday's ANZAC Day clash with the Panthers at Coopers Stadium, becomes a season defining game as we head into our first bye. Our game plan is coming together, we are starting to move the ball with the speed and accuracy we desire, no doubt however the focus this week, will be our finish and eradicating the indiscipline from our game which were so hurtful to us tonight.

David J Bean
League Team Manager