By David Nagel
It’s becoming plainly obvious that Beaconsfield is going to be a very competitive outfit in its first season in Eastern Football Netball League Division One.
The Eagles went down by just 21 points in their season-opener against Wantirna South last week, and were once again competitive in a 31-point, 12.10 (82) to 6.15 (51), loss to a highly-fancied Mooroolbark side on Saturday.
For the young Eagles, still depleted will several key injuries, it’s the little things that will count, as they look to build the stamina and consistency required to match it with the better teams in the competition.
The Eagles acquitted themselves well on the weekend, against a Mustangs side that was highly-revved up with all the glitz and glamour associated with a club playing its 1000th game of competitive football.
But it was the little things that let the Eagles down…the things we consider little but add up to so much more over the four-quarter journey of football.
The Eagles simply shot themselves in the foot on Saturday, with inaccurate kicking at goal costing them any chance at all of challenging the currently top-ranked team in the competition.
With Jack Docherty continuing his fine form through the middle of the ground, the Eagles opened the door for opportunity, but continually slammed it shut with some sloppy kicking in front of goal.
The Eagles had six scoring shots to seven in the opening term, and matched motors with the Mustangs again with both teams kicking 3.4 apiece in the second term.
The Eagles trailed by just 11 points at the main break, but had their backs broken in the third with the Mustangs kicking five goals to three to open up a four-goal lead at three-quarter time.
The Eagles had one last chance to respond, but wasted that as well, kicking 0.6 to 2.1 in the final term to end a frustrating day at the office.
“I thought we were right in the game, and the inside 50 numbers indicate we had it in there plenty of times…but we just can’t convert at the moment,” said Eagles’ coach Mick Fogarty.
“That’s the most disappointing thing, but the positives are we are competing well against these sides, but we just need reward for effort and to be able to finish off our work.
“I’m really confident that a win is not far away for us.
“We’ll keep making sure we work on our connection inside 50, and making sure we convert.”
Fogarty is starting to see a familiar trend developing with opposition clubs as the Eagles look to find their feet in a strong and competitive competition.
“We had Mitcham in a practice match, and then Wantirna South and Mooroolbark, and they’re all similar with how they move the footy and how they set up behind the ball,” Fogarty said.
“Mooroolbark had some strong bodies around the footy, but once we got our game going, and started using our leg speed, we looked pretty good.
“I’ll go back to it again; it’s just about finishing off our work.
“You have to take your opportunities against good teams, because if you don’t, you can’t win games.
“It’s all about taking opportunities and applying scoreboard pressure to the opposition and seeing how they react to that pressure.”
The Eagles were strengthened on the weekend, with Damien Johnston and Trent Stokoe both returning to the side.
And the Eagles still have some serious talent to return with Jafar Ocaa, Hayden Brough, Daniel Johnston, Pat Gerdan and Lachie Modica all set to make an impact in the cut and thrust of Eastern footy.
Backing up, week after week, for competitive matches is something that Fogarty and his club are excited about.
“It’s brilliant, because it’s exactly what our footy club needs and wants, with regards to taking the club forward,” Fogarty said.
“The comp is very even, and it’s about maintaining concentration for four quarters and being challenged for four quarters…it’s what footy is all about.”
Docherty and Tylah Stokoe were impressive for the Eagles, while Johnston had a huge impact in his first game back from injury.
Jake Bowd kicked two for the Eagles, on a day when opportunities went begging.
The Eagles now have a week off before hosting Bayswater at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday 23 April.
EASTERN DIVISION ONE LADDER
TEAM W L D F A % PTS
Mooroolbark 2 0 0 154 97 158.76 8
East Ringwood 2 0 0 146 109 133.94 8
Croydon 2 0 0 120 98 122.45 8
Lilydale 1 1 0 166 103 161.17 4
Bayswater 1 1 0 144 94 153.19 4
Wantirna South 1 1 0 153 133 115.04 4
Montrose 1 1 0 128 139 92.09 4
Mitcham 0 2 0 113 164 68.9 0
Beaconsfield 0 2 0 98 150 65.33 0
Upper Ferntree Gully 0 2 0 77 212 36.32 0
