Australian Football

Match Report

Next we head up to the outer northern suburbs for a renewal of old hostilities for the top of the table clash between the Bulldogs and the Eagles at the X-Convenience Oval in Elizabeth. These were another pair of clubs that landed blows on one another over season 2023, the Eagles winning by four goals at Woodville in Round 6, then the Bulldogs at Elizabeth in Round 10 by 17 points. The later game was hit by a rain bomb minutes before the bounce, the deck getting absolutely sodden and only 10 goals were kicked in total, Centrals kicking six. With the two sides atop the table, this was the Dogs' one true test this year with the Eagles kicking more than 50 goals in the first three games. Both sides were undefeated as well, winning their respective games against South and Port last week... it felt like the 2000's again. The Bulldogs started the day's proceedings on the right note, taking the Eagles by surprise early to take a 19-point lead into the first change, scoring 5.2 to 2.1 in the opening term. The Eagles got more opportunities in the second term, but inaccuracy allowed the Dogs to maintain their four-kick advantage going into the long break. That deficit was extended to 21 points, Centrals kicking four goals without a miss to the Eagles' 3.4. The Eagles had some key outs, but the Dogs by this time had some of their own. The home side was coping much better despite that, though the third term was far less spectacular on the scoreboard. Both sides scored two majors each, a missed chance for the Dogs just prior to time on kept the gap at four kicks, a 22-point lead to the home side. The Eagles rallied in the final term, but a stern Centrals defence and some missed chances kept the visitors from overtaking. In the end the Dogs maintained their unbeaten start, winning by 15 points after a 3.3 to 4.4 last quarter. Harry Grant was Centrals' best, the reigning Magarey Medallist notching up 28 disposals, 10 tackles and seven marks. James Rowe battled hard and was named best on ground for the Eagles with 34 disposals, six tackles/marks/clearances and two goals.