The WAFL Eagles have kept their finals hopes alive with an exciting 17-point victory over Subiaco at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.
The Eagles stood tall in the second half, keeping Subiaco goalless in the third term, and held steady in the fourth to get over the line in the 10.13 (73) v 8.8 (56) win.
Fin Macrae impressed throughout the game for the Eagles, finishing with 30 touches and nine inside 50s, while Clay Hall saw plenty of the ball, managing 23 disposals and five tackles.
Caleb Datson was damaging in front of goal with three majors, and Matt Flynn was dominant in the ruck, also finishing with two goals.
The Eagles started strongly in cold and wintery condition, with Hamish Davis opening the scoring for the visitors, before Subiaco responded though Regan Mott.
Acting captain Elijah Hewett was important for the Eagles early, managing 15 disposals before exiting the game late on the second quarter with a corked calf.
Subiaco fired up in the second term, making the most of their inside 50s and kicking four-straight goals though Taj Schofield, Ryan Borchet, Stefan Giro and Kieren Dougals.
The Eagles broke through late in the second term with a goal to Matt Flynn, the first of two majors for him for the day, bringing the margin back to 16 points at the main break.
While the weather conditions worsened, the Eagles kept themselves in the contest, kicking three-straight goals in the third term, holding Subiaco goalless.
An increased work ethic and effort around the contest saw the Eagles take a three-point lead into the final term, limiting the Lion’s impact and momentum.
In a hard-fought back-and-forth contest, the Eagles were able to hold on in the fourth, with Flynn, Caleb Datson and Ryan Maric hitting the scoreboard, securing the four points to keep their finals hopes alive.
Jaxon McGowan impressed for the Lions with 24 touches, while Taj Schofield managed 17 touches and two goals.
The Eagles will play Peel Thunder in round 19 at Lane Group Stadium at 2:30pm.
SUBIACO LIONS 2.3 6.6 6.7 8.8 (56)
WAFL EAGLES 2.1 3.8 6.11 10.13 (73)
GOALS
Subiaco: Schofield, Borchet 2; Giro, Mayo, Mott, Douglass
EAGLES: Datson 3; Flynn 2; Owies, Maric, Barnett, Davis, Kernutt
BEST
Subiaco: Schofield, McGowan, Clark, Hickmott, Savigni
Eagles: Macrae, Hall, Kernutt, Champion, Grego, Flynn
