Tara Murray
Craigieburn got some reward for effort in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition on Saturday.
The Eagles have shown plenty of good signs in the first three rounds and they were able to put that together against Moonee Valley.
The Eagles managed to get a good jump out of the blocks and they were able to continue the momentum throughout, winning 18.11 (119)-4.14 (38)
Eagles coach Shane Jacobs said they were pretty happy with the performance.
“It was a really good day and to get the win, was nice to get some reward for the effort,” he said.
“The boys have been working really hard and to walk away with four points we’re happy with that.
“It was tricky conditions, a little breezy, but the conditions weren’t too bad for footy.
“We kicked 18 goals and played the conditions really well.”
Jake Carlisle continued his good form up forward, kicking four goals, while Sam Rexhepi and John Bellino got three goals apiece.
It was two inclusions into the side that were the standouts according to Jacobs
“Jamie Gorgievski, our captain, came back from injury and was really good,” he said.
“Brent Gordon, it was his first game of the year, and he was terrific.
“It was pretty hard to pick the best after that, it was a real team effort and everyone did what they had to do.”
The win moves the Eagles to 2-2 after the first four rounds. Jacobs said they would have taken that in the pre-season, while he was also happy with how they were playing.
“Two weeks ago against Hillside, we lost by six or seven goals, but we walked away happy with how we played,” he said.
“We had 25 scoring shots and took a lot of positives out of the game and that everyone was working together.
“Last year they won two games for the year, so we’ve ticked off those two games already.
“We’re really happy with our form and we’re working on a few things.”
Jacobs said one of the most pleasing things had been the opportunities that the younger players were getting.
He said they feel like they have the balance right.
“We have an average age of 21 and the young boys keep rocking up each week,” he said.
“We’ve got a good mix of top end talent around the 30 mark and then the younger guys.
“We don’t have many around that 25 mark. We do have a lot of experienced players, we brought back in four premiership players from injury.”
The Eagles this week face Rupertswood, which is also 2-2 after the first round rounds.
Jacobs said it would be another good challenge.
In other results on Saturday, Roxburgh Park ended Hillside’s winning start to the season.
The Magpies hit the lead in the second quarter and were able to hold on, winning 10.8 68)-7.10 (52).
Tullamarine was disappointing in its match against Deer Park, losing 22.17 (149)-2.6 (18).
Westmeadows remain without a win after losing to Glenroy, 10.16 (76)-10.6 (66).
In premier division, Greenvale opened its account with a 17.16 (118)-14.6 (90) win against Avondale Heights.
