Sport
10 April, 2023
Eagles make first big statement with win over Maldon
It is no secret that Dunolly are plotting a path towards the top four of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League ladder, and on Good Friday, they passed their first test with a 20-point win over Maldon at Bill Woodfull...
MALDON 7.15 (57) def by DUNOLLY 11.11 (77)
It is no secret that Dunolly are plotting a path towards the top four of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League ladder, and on Good Friday, they passed their first test with a 20-point win over Maldon at Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve.
The Eagles led for large parts of the afternoon, and kickstarted their 2023 season with a five-goal to two opening quarter.
Jordan Waldron got the opening goal of the season from a free kick, but Aaron Millen responded in kind for Maldon when he launched a big goal from outside 50 in front of the Dons faithful.
Despite it being a wet, miserable day, the ball was pinging around from end to end, with both teams playing well. Joel Fisher kicked the first of three goals for the afternoon, before Strathfieldsaye champion Lachie Sharp played his first part of the afternoon, helping set up a goal for Ashley Woodman with a quick handball.
However, the rest of the first quarter belonged to Dunolly. Some good Lloyd Needs pressure in the forward 50 created a turnover, which Waldron gladly picked up the pieces from by kicking his second in the goal square, before Seth Galvin kicked a nice goal on the run to give Dunolly a break. Fisher then kicked his second to give the Eagles an 18-point cushion at the first change.
Maldon needed a response in the second term and were able to provide one. First, Sharp had a second goal assist, getting some quick hands through to Noah Thompson, who threw the ball on the boot and kicked a goal, before an impressive running goal from recruit Brodie Leonard-Shannon had the Maldon faithful up and about.
The Dons later hit the front, thanks to a smart snap from Seb Greene, who was also one of the Dons’ new recruits.
This lead would be short-lived, however, as immediately from the centre bounce, Xavier Ryan was taken high, before receiving a 50-metre penalty. Ryan duly converted to give the Eagles back the lead they had held for the majority of the first half and went into the main break four points up.
Over the main break, the heavens opened again, just as it had for much of the day, and the game turned into a dogfight during the third quarter.
Maldon had warmed into the game and settled into the wet conditions the better, dominating for large parts. They were able to hit the front when Billy Johns kicked a fortuitous goal which sailed over multiple players heads and were constantly dominating the territory game.
Yet Dunolly’s defensive unit was holding firm. Maldon were only able to add four more behinds for the quarter, and they were keeping Sharp and the returning Rhys Ford in check throughout the entirety of the afternoon.
When the Eagles did scrounge one of their rare forays up forward, they converted, with Fisher kicking his third goal of the day to level the scores at the final change.
The game was up for grabs in the last quarter, and while Maldon continued to attack relentlessly, there was a shift in the game when the Eagles were able to pry the ball away from their hands.
The common theme of the last quarter was Dunolly’s slingshot football which allowed them to move the ball with ease across the field, which generated good scoring opportunities.
Mitchell Goodwin was one of the Eagles’ better players throughout the afternoon, and he slotted through a goal to give them a seven-point break, before Oscar Keogh kicked another to break the game open.
Another goal all but sealed the game, putting the Eagles 18 points up.
A late goal to Woodman did nothing to dampen Dunolly’s spirits and were able to put the cherry on top with just a few seconds left when Keogh kicked his second.
It ended with Dunolly taking a 20-point victory, kicking 11.11 (77) to Maldon’s 7.15 (57).
Dunolly’s back six received great praise from playing-coach Bailey Goodwin, with recruit Nathan Murphy’s job on Sharp given particular attention, given that the Strathfieldsaye champion was rendered goalless.
Both Goodwins provided great drive through half back and the midfield, while Fisher was very good up forward with his three goals in difficult conditions.
Maldon were disappointed to lose given they had enjoyed the better of the play throughout the middle two quarters, but new coach Damien Lock will have been impressed by the performance of new recruits Greene and Leonard-Shannon, while Tanner Bishop and Matthew Grey were others that impressed.
Dunolly now move to a tricky assignment against Natte Bealiba, while Maldon will look to bounce back against Campbells Creek.
