An undermanned Craigieburn Eagles are hoping to finish the season on the high despite set to miss out on a finals spot in Big V men’s division 1.
The Eagles season has been marred by injuries and unavailabilities which has limited their impact after winning division 2 last season.
After winning six straight matches to get back into finals contention, the Eagles have had a lack of numbers since.
On Saturday night, they lacked numbers as they took on the Altona Gators and came away with the win, 96-78.
Coach Tim Annett said it was a really good win considering the circumstances. The side has only had their whole squad for six games this season.
“We only had seven players with quite a few unavailable through injury,” he said. “It was definitely a difficult one with the guys that we had out.
“Some who were playing don’t get a lot of opportunities this year.
“We moved the ball well considering the normal guys we had out.”
Annett said giving some minutes to guys who normally don’t get a lot was a real positive out of the win.
Abe Solano top scored with 26 points for the Eagles, while Tyler Best had 24 and Lachlan Kego had 20 points.
Despite the win, the Eagles look set to miss finals by the narrowest of margins.
Annett said he doesn’t think there’s any way in the final round that they could finish in the top five. They currently sit in sixth spot.
“We’ll likely finish one game or half a game out,” he said.
“We have two guys that will be back this week, but have two guys who are out for the season.
“It’s a disappointing end to the season, but it has been what it is, it’s been like this all year.
“I don’t want to make any excuses but we haven’t had a whole lot of luck.”
Annett said while they haven’t had any luck this season, they were confident they were heading into the right direction heading forward.
He said they can hang their hat on the season they’ve had in their first year back in this division.
“We will be better in terms of our roster,” he said. “This year was a little setback to playing finals but we will definitely be up there next year.”
The lack of numbers also hit the Eagles women’s side, which had to forfeit on Saturday night.
The Eagles had just four players named on the team sheet.
“They had a few injuries as well,” Annett said. “They couldn’t be moved on the ladder where they will finish top so they want to make sure they are right for finals.”
The Eagles men will finish their season against the Chelsea Gulls, while the women’s side will fine tune for finals against the Gulls as well.
