Eagles land blow on Blues

A year of seasoning under Scott Beattie paid dividends for the Eagles in the opening round, select additions to the squad helping out the familiar faces on the way to a 10.10 (70) to 10.9 (69) victory.

On its home ground at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, the host jumped out to an early advantage, leaving a sluggish Blues behind 4.5 (29) to 1.1 (7) at quarter time.

Tongala rebounded in the second, winning the period three goals to one, but the Eagles still held the lead at the main break by 11 points.

The Blues surged further coming out of the break and a big five goal quarter gave them the lead by seven at the final change.

Whereas the Eagles of 2024 may have crumbled in the face of adversity, 2025’s United rallied in the fourth, taking the lead with under 10 minutes to go.

Tongala had opportunities to snatch the lead back as the clock began to run out, but the Blues could only sneak through two behinds, leaving them one-point shy of the jubilant Eagles.

Tonny had high hopes coming into the game with a host of players from years past returning to the club along with coach Stephen Hammond, and a crop of new faces.

Young United Star Oliver Poole led the way in front of goal with three for the Eagles, while Sam Simpson slotted two.

For Tongala, club stalwart Jordan Souter kicked three goals, while Mackenzie Cowley and Alex Williams grabbed two each.

While a set-back for Tongala, there is plenty of time left for the revamped squad to gel and score improved results.

The Blues' next round will be the side’s home opener as they welcome Barooga to Tongala Recreation Reserve.

Meanwhile, the soaring Eagles will go on the road for the first time, visiting the Numurkah Showgrounds, for a match against the league’s other Blues.