Eagles fly too high for Bats to catch

It was moving day in the Sydney AFL this past weekend, as the Round 14 clash between the East Coast Eagles and UTS Bats proved a crucial result seeing the former’s 25 point victory 11.9.75 to 6.14.50 at Trumper Park elevate them to second on the ladder just a month out from finals.

Incredibly, the Eagles hold second place by the slightest of margins, 0.01% greater than the UNSW Bulldogs in 3rd place.

Respect your opponent, respect yourselves.

That was the key message out of Saturdays victory for the Eagles.

No matter the distinct difference in form guides and ladder rankings between the two sides, UTS always seem to unsettle East Coast, to the extent where they control proceedings long enough to seriously worry they’re opponents.

This indeed happened again on Saturday, as UTS controlled the pace of the first three quarters, assuming a 1 point lead at half time and only trailing the Eagles by 2 points at 3-quarter time.

The Bats demanded East Coast’s respect on this day, and the Eagles were certainly willing to comply and contest a grinding battle.

For three quarters, there was absolutely nothing in it.

But, Aussie Rules is a game of 4 quarters.

The Eagles finished this clash with soaking sails, piecing together one of their best quarters of footy for the season, not conceding a goal and kicking 5.

Jamie Vlatko turned back the clock in this one, as the clear best on ground, paving the way for forward entry that inspired a winning score whilst kicking four majors of his own.

On top of Vlatko’s magic, key players Stuart Turner and Kieran Emery were fantastic and among the Eagles’ best players.

Second Place, what an achievement.

From 5th to 2nd in the space of a week.

Its a huge move, and the challenge over the impending wet weather bye week is to stay healthy, focused and motivated, because they musn’t and cannot afford to drop the ball at this stage of the season.

BM18!