By Tara Murray
Craigieburn managed to find a way to come away with the win against Roxburgh Park in the Essendon District Football League division 1 clash on Saturday.
Both sides were looking for their first win of the season, with the clash going down to the wire.
Having not led at any of the breaks, the Eagles kicked five goals to three in the final quarter to come away with a 13.14 (92)-12.10 (82) win.
Eagles coach Shane Jacobs said that the Magpies made them work for the win.
“It was a tough one,” he said. “Roxy was really good and they came to play.
“I was really impressed by Roxy, it was good to get the win, We still have a lot of work to do.”
Scores were level at quarter time before the Magpies led by 12 points at half time.
It was back to just four points at the final change.
Jacobs said both sides had chances in the final quarter.
“They twice got out to a 10 point lead,” he said. “We were able to get it back and gere there in the end.”
Skipper Jamie Gorgievski kicked three late goals to ensure his side got over the line.
Jacobs said Gorgievski was their best along with recruit Dayne Middleton, who played well off half back.
While happy to get the win, Jacobs said the side’s connection between the mids and forwards hadn’t been there and it nearly proved costly.
“All the stats showed we dominated inside 50s all day,” he said. “We had a lot more of the ball but we weren’t executing.
“You want to try and get it in as much as possible to give yourself every chance of kicking a score.
“That connection was off and we need to work on that.”
Jacobs said they know that things will take time for them this season after a number of new additions to the club.
He said there were 10 changes from the side that played Roxburgh Park in the final match of last season.
“We are still finding our feet,” Jacobs said. “It’s not easy with 10 new players in the team.
“It will take some time to get where we know that we can get.
“Being 1-1 is a good spot.”
For the Magpies, Eyad Hegazy and Cooper McPharlane kicked three goals each.
Luke Smith and Bradley Coulson were named their best.
The Eagles now have the weekend off with Easter. They face Moonee Valley on April 26 in round three.
“We have four sessions now before Moonee Valley,” Jacobs said. “We’ve focused on what we need to work on.
“Our pressure was down yesterday [Saturday], we’ll look to do a few drills in that area.”
In other matches, Tullamarine lost to St Albans.
The Saints led all day in the 14.15 (99)-8.12 (60) win.
