Craigieburn needs to find its spark, and quickly, if it wants to be a finals contender in the Essendon District Football League’s division 1.
The Eagles won their first 10 games of the season but have lost two of the past three.
In the process, they have looked a shadow of their former selves and no longer hold top spot.
Coach Peter Bugden says the team needs to get back to basics.
A cheekbone injury to Jason Cloke against Essendon’s Doutta Stars three rounds ago was a turning point, Bugden believes.
“It’s been tough losing Jason,” the coach said.
“He’s a warrior and a leader on the ground, but he probably isn’t going to be back this season.
“The other players are starting to come to terms with that.”
Losing Cloke means the Eagles have had to change their set-up.
“Jason is the third-leading goalkicker in the competition,” Bugden said.
“Missing him puts more pressure on Cam [Cloke]. He’s doing a wonderful job and kicked five of our six goals on the weekend.
“But it’s hard to win with only one big focal point.”
Bugden says it’s not just the goals that have dried up.
“Other teams have worked hard against us.
“We’ve fallen away in the midfield and defensively.
“There’s a lack of confidence. We’re fit enough; it’s more about whether we can stay strong mentally.”
Bugden says trying to finish second and get the double chance is the aim.
“Whether we finish first or second is irrelevant.
“We’ve made big inroads this season. We’d won five games in five years, and we’ve already won 11 games this season.
“We’re at a low point of the season and we need to rebuild.”
Reinforcing his back-to-basics mantra, the coach says: “If the guys want to play as individuals we’ll get beaten by any team in the top four.”
This week, the Eagles play East Keilor.
Victory would all but seal a top-two spot, with a bye the week after.
Westmeadows did its finals hopes no harm with a handy victory over Tullamarine.
The Tigers led from the opening quarter but weren’t able to shut the Demons out of the game completely.
The Tigers did enough to win 12.11 (83) – 9.10 (64).
Roden Aldridge and Robert Mullen kicked three goals each for the Tigers, while Justin Marcy booted three for the Demons.
Mitchell Church, who kicked two goals for the Tigers, was also best on ground.
The fourth-placed Tigers are now six points clear of the fifth-placed Demons.
In premier division, Greenvale had the bye due to a split round.
