Craigieburn couldn’t have asked for much more in the first two months of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
With seven wins from as many matches, the Eagles are a game and a half clear on top of the ladder going into this weekend’s bye.
On Saturday, the scoreboard showed another big win, this time 20.9 (129) – 9.10 (64) against Westmeadows.
But Eagles coach Peter Bugden said the scoreboard flattered his team.
“We were kicking with a six-goal wind in the opening quarter and had only one goal at the 16-minute mark,” he said. “We kicked some late goals and although we were winning on the scoreboard, I didn’t think we were in control of the game.
“In the second quarter we outscored them into the wind.
“They continued to have a crack the whole game and the scoreboard flattered us.”
The Eagles forwards were given plenty of the ball with more than 60 inside-50s.
Nick Fletcher kicked five goals to lead the way and now sits fourth in the league goal kicking table, behind big-name teammates Jason and Cameron Cloke.
“People wouldn’t want to underestimate Nick,” Bugden said. “He’s only 21 and is a different type of player to the Clokes. He gets the best small defender.
“All three of them are capitalising on the hard work of the midfield and defence.”
While much has been made about the Eagles’ off-season recruiting, those who have been at the club for a number of years are playing their roles.
“Out of the 22 players [against Westmeadows] 17 were here last year,” Bugden said.
“The players we got in are good-quality players and great blokes.”
Bugden said his players would have the weekend off with the bye.
“We’ll train like normal then get Saturday off,” he said.
“In life, it’s family, work and then footy. It’s good for them to get away from the game.”
Elsewhere, Tullamarine suffered a close loss against Oak Park.
Both sides struggled for goals, with the Demons kicking only one in the second half.
Despite this, the Demons lost by only seven points, 9.13 (67) – 8.12 (60).
Jonathan Hardman was best on ground for the Demons.
In division 2, Roxburgh Park thumped Keilor Park by 131 points, while Jacana lost to Hadfield by 95.
