Key forward leads Eagles in thumping

The Collie Eagles’ hopes of a home qualifying final are still alive after a 56-point thumping of Busselton at the Collie Recreation Ground on Sunday.

A strong breeze blew to the town end of the ground and the Eagles took advantage of it early, booting six goals to one in a dominant opening quarter, setting up the 14.6 (90) to 4.10 (34) win. Eagles forward Joel Houghton was dominant in the opening term, when he booted four of his six goals, while Busselton’s only major came from captain Aidan Fraser.

Busselton looked as if they would get themselves back in the game in the second term, but Eagles defenders Cameron Davidson and Adam Bignell made sure the visitors’ damage was limited.

Eagles Corey Griggs and Kyle Shanahan were on top in the midfield, giving forwards Houghton, Jayce Fontana (two goals) and Jeb Swallow (three goals) ample opportunities.

Busselton ruckman Jed Kemp tried hard all day against bigger opposition in Jared Debenhem and Paul Rinder, but was forced to settle for winning the ground contests as he was beaten in the ruck.

The Eagles again turned on some of their best play with the wind, booting four goals in the third term thanks to the excellent work of Davidson and Griggs.

Jackson Arbon, Bailey Sanford and Matt Welburn did their best to send the Magpies forward and at times they had their fair share of the play, but a lack of a power forward meant their entries were easily deflected by the Eagles’ defence.

Busselton dominated the last term using the breeze, but managed just the one goal.

The Eagles finished the game with late goals from Travis Cleggett (two goals) and Swallow, giving them their 11th win of the season.

Scoreboard

Collie Eagles 6.3 7.4 11.4 14.6 (90) def Busselton 1.1 3.3 3.4 4.10 (34)

Goals: Collie Eagles – J. Houghton 6, J. Swallow 3, T. Cleggett, J. Fontana 2, C. Davidson. Busselton – A. Fraser 2, J. Powley, R. Mrsich.

Best: Collie Eagles – C. Davidson, J. Houghton, Co. Griggs, P. Rinder, A. Bignell, K. Shanahan. Busselton – J. Arbon, B. Sanford, J. Kemp, M. Welburn, A. Fraser, J. Hoffman.