Too little, too late as Eagles fall to Rams

By Alexander Dabb

Jun 18, 2023

Undeniable talent: Oliver Poole was best-on-ground for Echuca United, kicking four goals. Photo: Cathlyn Herd

A frenetic fourth-quarter fightback was not enough for Echuca United to overrun a visiting Deniliquin side, with the Eagles falling 9.6 (60) to 10.12 (72).

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With a strong breeze favouring one end of the ground, United signalled its intent in the first quarter, matching the Rams’ two goals kicking against the breeze, and went into the quarter-time huddle down by just four points.

Yet with the wind at their backs in the second term, the Eagles were unable to make use of their advantage, giving up four goals to one to trail by 24 points at the half.

Another four-goal-to-one quarter in favour of Deniliquin ensued as the teams took to the field for the third term, pushing the margin out to 45 points at the final change.

Just as they did against Moama last week, the Eagles found something when all looked lost, and using the wind to full effect, set about pulling back the Rams in the last quarter.

After the Rams dropped an extra behind the ball, the Eagles sent Joe Harney inside forward 50 to even things up, and while the forward line was crowded, the goals kept coming as Echuca United mounted its comeback.

It ultimately proved too little, too late, as the Eagles fell 12 points short of what would have been a famous win.

The lapse in the second quarter proved the difference, according to coach Farran Priest, with his side unable to overcome the deficit it surrendered while kicking with the breeze.

“We made an effort in the last quarter, but by then it was too late, we were too far behind,” he said.

“The fight back was there, which was good to watch, but we can't really rely on two quarters to win a game of footy.

“It was disappointing. Deni were in the same position as us on the ladder, so it would've been nice to go ahead of them and Tongala, but as I said, we can't just rely on two quarters of footy to get us through.”

The continual lapses during games have become a frustrating trend for the Eagles, who are stuck in between challenging sides and making the leap to winning games of football.

“I think the onus is on the group. We can't use that excuse any more,” Priest said of being labelled a young side.

“We get it, we are a young side, but I think a lot of it is just mindset and not waiting for other people to do things to ignite everyone else.

“I think everyone has to take the onus on themselves. They're picked in the senior side for a reason, they're not there to make up numbers.”

Strong hands: Eagle James Harney takes a big contested mark. Photo: Cathlyn Herd

It was the same players as usual who stood up for the Eagles yesterday, which can be a little bit of a double-edged sword, according to Priest.

“It's good that we do have that, but again, other guys around them have got to look at that and say, well, you know, I've got to carry some weight as well,” he said.

Ollie Poole was magnificent as the Eagles’ best, kicking four goals, with Priest declaring “it would have looked a lot different” if he wasn’t playing, while Mitch Lourey provided a good option out of defence while playing on the wing.

Nash Ramage and Joe Harney also drew praise from Priest as outstanding performers in the loss.

Echuca United will now face two weeks off, with its scheduled second bye followed by a general league-wide bye, providing the Eagles with plenty of time to regroup as they head into the latter stages of the season.