Sport
15 July, 2024
Eagles zoom up to fourth
DUNOLLY 10.9 (69) def CARISBROOK 10.6 (66) Dunolly have entered the top four after an enthralling matchup at a rocking Deledio Reserve saw them snatch victory over Carisbrook by three points. An entertaining opening quarter saw eight goals kicked...
DUNOLLY 10.9 (69) def CARISBROOK 10.6 (66)
Dunolly have entered the top four after an enthralling matchup at a rocking Deledio Reserve saw them snatch victory over Carisbrook by three points.
An entertaining opening quarter saw eight goals kicked between the two teams, but it was Carisbrook who held a slight two-point advantage at quarter time after both teams kicked four goals.
It was essentially goal-for-goal in the second term as neither side could really get a break throughout the afternoon — this would be a common theme throughout the day. But Dunolly would take the quarter after kicking three goals to two to hold a slight three-point lead at the main break.
The third quarter was a departure from what was, at the time, a relatively free-flowing affair, as both teams tightened up defensively. As a result, there were just three goals for the quarter, but it was Carisbrook who held the advantage by the slightest of margins, sitting one point to the good after kicking two goals to one.
The last quarter was a beauty, with both teams’ respective best players on the day doing what they could to deliver both the four points, and a top four berth to go with it.
Jay McDonald was clearly Dunolly’s best player — his run and drive crucial as he glided through Deledio Reserve with ease — but his most important disposal of the day saw him slot through an unbelievable set shot from a difficult angle deep inside 50 to give Dunolly the lead.
Then it was Thomas Gardam’s turn for Carisbrook. Gardam’s power through the midfield was impressive throughout the afternoon for the Redbacks, and he delivered a great goal of his own to bring it back to level pegging.
Dunolly’s biggest impression of the season so far, however, has been their run and carry out of defence, and the slingshot transition that has served them so well did not let them down late on when a fast break saw the Eagles have plenty of numbers up forward, with Bailey Wingrave slotting a goal to put the Eagles seven points in front as the game ticked over the 20-minute mark.
Carisbrook did have a couple of final thrusts. Firstly, Brady Neill would bring the margin back to one point with a calm set shot in front of goal, and then it looked for all money like Dean Chester would have a set shot from 35 metres out when Matt Bilton won the resultant centre clearance. But Chester just misjudged the ball, and Dunolly were able to hold out.
Dunolly added a point, before Wingrave added another point as the siren sounded as a delirious Eagles’ contingent lapped up another important victory, collecting the scalps of Trentham and the Redbacks in their last two home games.
Alongside McDonald, playing-coach Bailey Goodwin was also crucial for the Eagles with his drive off half back, while Wingrave, Oscar Keogh, Lachlan Tranter and Bailey Hall also put in impressive games for the Eagles, while Jake Willcocks led all scorers with three goals.
Carisbrook have now dropped to sixth position as a result, and their task doesn’t get easier with important games against Lexton and Natte Bealiba coming up.
Gardam was terrific, while Andrew Toan, Neill, Richard Zelencich, Adam Hurse — who celebrated his 200th game alongside Jackson Bowen — and Tim Rinaldi, who kicked three goals of his own, were also named in the best.