Whittlesea’s need to get wins on the board in the final three rounds of the Northern Football League division 1 season has even greater importance now.
The Eagles, who are looking to avoid relegation, are now only percentage above bottom side Eltham who had an upset win against Hurstbridge on Saturday.
Montmorency and Hurstbridge are both only a game ahead of the two bottom sides.
The fight for survival in division 1 could come down to the final round when Eltham and Whittlesea do battle.
On Saturday, the Eagles proved no match for ladder leaders Macleod.
The damage was done in the first half, with Macleod leading by 45 points at the main break. The Eagles slowed them down in the second half, but still lost 15.14 (104)-7.13 (55).
Matthew Atta was named best in the loss.
Meanwhile Eagles’ star and former AFL player Justin Sherman has announced his retirement.
In other division 1 action, Bundoora had a big win against Montmorency.
A win was never in doubt for the Bulls who led all day. They ended up winning 22.9 (141)-5.5 (35).
Veteran Gary Moorcroft kicked four goals in the win, while ruckman Matthew Dennis was named best on ground.
The Bulls are second, leading a pack of three teams on 10 wins and five losses for the season.
In division 2, Thomastown moved back into the top four with victory against Watsonia.
After trailing by seven points at three quarter time, the Bears kicked five goals to one in the final quarter to seal the 16.8 (104)-14.3 (87) win.
Nick Horman kicked four goals in the win.
Lalor did its hopes of avoiding relegation no harm by defeating bottom side Panton Hill.
The Bloods controlled the game for the first three quarters and led by 46 points at three quarter time.
Despite a goal less final quarter, the Bloods had done enough to win, 13.11 (89)-11.9 (75).
Shannon Smith kicked five goals for the Bloods, with Scott Morrison continuing his good form and being named best.
The Bloods, which sit second bottom, are now two games clear of Panton Hill.
In division 3, the top four is set with Epping and St Mary’s ending the chances of the chasing pack.
The Pingers easily accounted for Reservoir, while St Mary’s was too strong for Heidelberg West.
Ladder leaders South Morang defeated Kilmore, while Banyule was too strong for Mernda.
