The Eagles held sway in Saturday’s contest from the outset, kicking three goals to none in the first term, and never looked back.
A 20-point lead at the first change ballooned to 34 at the main break before an even second half had the eventual margin at 35 points in favour of the home side at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
‘‘We’re rapt with the win and there’s no better way to have a good win against the top side, with a bye this week the boys will be feeling good for a couple of weeks,’’ Eagles coach Guy Campbell said.
‘‘We’re very happy, we’ve continued to make short and long term goals, we were going to be happy with 4-2 (before the season), but when the opportunities arise you have to take them.’’
Josh Mellington (three goals) and Farran and Rowan Priest (two) combined for seven goals in attack for the Eagles, but Campbell feels his forward line is just warming up.
‘‘Our delivery and structures are there, but aren’t quite fluent yet,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s an exciting time, we plan to keep improving. We’re happy with where we’re at, but there’s plenty of room for improvement.’’
Former Essendon player Andrew Welsh also pulled on the Echuca United jumper for the first time.
For the Tigers, Matt Demaio snared three goals and Cadeyn Williams two, while Nathan Hartley and Sam Beasley impressed.
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