SWFL Match Report: Collie v S Bunbury

The Collie Eagles got home in a thriller against South Bunbury at the Collie Recreation Ground on Sunday, with the home side defeating the Tigers by one point.

The Eagles trailed at the final break by two goals and were kicking against the wind in the last quarter, but the young side rallied to overcome the visitors 10.8 (68) to 10.7 (67).

A number of sensational one-on-one contests around the ground highlighted the evenness of the game, with both sides trying to control the game with key match-ups.

Collie Eagles coach Brad Humble sent inexperienced midfielder Reid Saunders to classy South Bunbury midfielder Shaun Crane and the young man held his own for much of the day, stopping Crane from having his usual impact around stoppages.

With captain Matt Giacci playing reserves and Crane being well held, the Tigers were unable to dominate at the stoppages and the Eagles made the most of this, with the Tigers unable to capitalise on the excellent ruck work of Chris Andrew.

Andrew was also part of a great battle, with Collie Eagles ruckman Chris Harry keeping the Landmark Carnival All-Star honest.

Both men provided tall targets around the ground for their midfielders and went forward to kick pivotal goals.

Emerging Collie Eagles midfielder Travis Cleggett and experienced forward Mat Michael looked as if they were going take the game away from South Bunbury in the first quarter, with Michael kicking three goals in the opening term.

But Tigers coach Mark Docking made a significant change at the first break, taking young Cody Whitfield off Michael and replacing him with the experienced Matt Wilkinson.

This forced Michael to work up the ground for the rest of the day, giving the Eagle little to kick to when going forward.

South Bunbury then kicked with the wind in the second quarter and benefited dramatically, with Guy Piggott continuing his good return from injury with three of his five goals kicked in the second term.

The star of the last quarter was Eagles fullback Michael Roney, who seemed to repel every forward thrust the Tigers performed late.