SWFL Match Report: Eaton v AMR

Augusta-Margaret River improved their finals prospects with a thrilling 18-point victory over league leaders Eaton Boomers at the Glen Huon Reserve on Sunday.

The Hawks overcome a nine-point deficit at three-quarter time to overrun the Boomers 12.9 (81) to 8.15 (63) in an explosive late effort.

Little separated the teams throughout the first quarter, as both sides looked to firm their premiership contention.

Eaton's Michael Russell was set the massive task of containing Augusta-Margaret River's danger man Hamish Shepheard who kicked three goals.

The match-up lived up to expectation, with both players tussling hard throughout the first term in a tough forward-defender battle.

Denholm King was lively for Eaton early, amassing plenty of the football and playing a major role in the Boomers' first quarter goals.

Only one point separated the two teams at quarter time, with Eaton holding the upper hand after an extremely tight first term.

Mitch Gerrans (three goals) began the second quarter well for the Augusta-Margaret River with a classy major.

Hawks' youngster Jake Rogers helped lift his side's intensity throughout the second quarter, applying defensive pressure across the entire ground.

His tackling efforts contributed to Augusta-Margaret River's four goal second term, including effecting a turnover which gifted teammate Mitch Lynn an easy goal on the stroke of half-time.

The Boomers had all of the momentum in the third term but wasted plenty of opportunities in front of goal - kicking seven behinds from 10 scoring shots.

Eaton failed to capitalise on their third quarter dominance and Augusta-Margaret River surged home in the final term, with Josh Morgan booting two final quarter majors to seal the Hawks' victory.

Rogers and Daniel Atkinson were among the Hawks' best, while youngsters Kane LaFontaine and Mitch Fairclough also made solid contributions.