Whittlesea finds itself in a familiar position heading into the back end of the Northern Football League division 1 season.
The Eagles have notched up a single win, meaning they are sitting last and in the relegation zone.
Having had to fight for survival each year since being back in division 1, the Eagles know what to expect.
Eagles coach Jim Atkins says they aren’t going to give up without a fight.
“It’s been a tough season,” he said. “You can tell by the results.
“I think we’ve been in the same situation the last couple of years.
“We’re not going to sugar coat it – we’re in the relegation zone.
“We want to win games of footy … who knows what will happen?”
Atkins said there had been a number of reasons for their losing record, but poor form was the main one
The Eagles have shown signs in recent weeks that they are on the improve.
On Saturday, they lost to Northcote Park 16.11 (107)-12.9 (81).
Atkins said it was one of their best performances of the season.
“We’re starting to string quarters together,” he said. “A poor 15 minutes hurt us on Saturday. There’s a lot of positive signs.”
Clancy Bland was named the Eagles’ best, with Atkins saying it was his best game of the season.
Paul Higgins kicked four goals as he continued his good form.
While the seniors have struggled, Atkins said the future was bright at the club.
“Our under-19s are bottom-age players and they’ve won four games,” he said.
“Our seconds are fighting for finals. They’re a mix of top-age under-19s and older blokes.
“We’ve debuted eight or nine guys in the seniors. A lot have held their spot … the future is bright.”
This week, the Eagles will face Montmorency in Montmorency.
In other results, Bundoora made it five wins in a row with a 20-point win against West Preston Lakeside.
The Bulls kicked five goals to two in the final quarter to seal the 14.8 (92)-10.12 (72) victory.
Todd Hughes and Nathan Thomas kicked three goals each for the Bulls, with Thomas named their best.
The Bulls are sit third, having been second bottom before their winning streak.
