Craigieburn is validating pre-season predictions that it’s the team to beat in Essendon District Football League’s division 1.
The Eagles have won their first four games, including a thumping of Tullamarine and Hadfield by a combined 313 points in the past fortnight.
On Saturday, against Tullamarine, a side also undefeated going into the match, the Eagles proved way too strong: 23.16 (154)-9.7 (61).
The first quarter was even before the Eagles stepped it up another gear to dictate terms for the rest of the match.
Their pressure and the Demons’ struggle for rotations due to injury led to the margin blowing out.
Eagles coach Peter Bugden said his side was starting to gel after the addition of several players in the off season.
“We played some really good football, running and linking,” he said.
“We’re getting more comfortable playing with each other and playing some real team football.”
“We’re looking at it week by week and really enjoying our footy.”
Cameron Cloke kicked five goals and Josh Young chipped in with three.
Aaron Kite was named best on ground, with Jeremy Page also prominent.
Saturday’s win came without Glenn Robertson, who before the round sat atop the division’s goal-kicking list in his first season with the Eagles.
By day’s end, he was joined on 19 goals by Cameron Cloke whose brother Jason is one goal back.
“He pulled up a bit sore,” said Bugden of Robertson.
“I saw him play for a number of years in the Northern Football League when I was with Whittlesea. He’s a very good player.”
While having the three top goalscorers in the division, Bugden says his side is about more than just a three-man forward line.
The Eagles had 14 goalkickers against Tullamarine and 10 the previous week against Hadfield.
“We’re sharing the ball around,” he said. “We’re in pretty good nick.
“We’ll have a couple of first gamers next week. An under-18 and a reserves player will get the chance, and that’s exciting.”
The Eagles face Northern Saints and Glenroy before their first bye.
The bye coincides with the league’s interleague clash with Goulburn Valley, with Jason Cloke the only player from the Eagles named in the training squad.
“It was disappointing not to have more in the squad,” Bugden said. “Cameron Cloke and Aaron Kite are both fighting fit and have played AFL.
“Josh Young is another who could easily be in the squad.”
Also in division 1, Westmeadows defeated Hillside.
Greenvale remains undefeated in premier division after hammering Airport West 24.36 (180)-3.5 (23).
Roxburgh Park was too good for Burnside Heights in division 2, while Jacana fell just short against Coburg Districts.
