Eagles show why they’re flag favourites with comeback win over Bulldogs

CENTRAL District coach Roy Laird has declared Woodville-West Torrens a red-hot favourite for the SANFL crown after his side was over run by the Eagles in Elizabeth on Saturday.

Eagles star Jared Petrenko fends of Central’s Christopher Jansen. Picture: Tom Huntley

CENTRAL District coach Roy Laird has declared Woodville-West Torrens a red-hot favourite for the SANFL crown after his side was over run by the Eagles in Elizabeth on Saturday.

The Bulldogs matched the Eagles for three quarters before the superior class of the visitors enabled them to take control with the form which has lifted them to the top of the premiership ladder.

"We threw everything at them and they were too good,'' Laird said.

"They look clear red-hot favourites at the moment.

"We had our good moments but they were too good, simple as that. Against a side like the Eagles, you have got to be able to sustain it and we couldn't.

"We have a huge amount of improvement we need to make up if we are to match them.''

The victory kept the Eagles on top of the table courtesy of superior percentage over South Adelaide, but the Panthers have played an extra game.

Kyle Presburyon the run for the Bulldogs. Picture: Tom Huntley

The fifth-placed Bulldogs are precariously positioned with the finals looming, being just a game above Port Adelaide and only one contest left for both clubs.

Both sides attacked the Elizabeth battle with terrific intent from the outset and there was plenty of heat in the confrontation.

The Bulldogs' pressure created opportunities and they built a 20-point buffer before Jarrad Redden nailed the Eagles' first goal with the final action of the first quarter.

When improving Bulldog Connor McLean kicked a goal seven minutes into the second term, they led by 24 points and the character of the Eagles was being tested. And the visitors responded as a title favourite should with the final three goals of the first half.

Nick O'Brien was brilliant for the Eagles while Jared Petrenko and Chris Hall continued their productive seasons.

As the second half lengthened, the Eagles controlled much of the football and they preyed on Bulldogs mistakes.

"They (Bulldogs) brought some good heat as you know they will,'' Godden said.

"They choked us early and we could not get free flow.

"I'm happy to get away with the win, in the second half I thought we were quite good. The game is a pass mark for us.''

SCOREBOARD

EAGLES 1.3 5.9 8.11 11.13 (79)

CENTRAL DISTRICT 3.4 6.5 8.5 8.6 (54)

BEST - Eagles: O'Brien, Hall, Thompson, Petrenko, Giuffreda, Goldsworthy, von Bertouch. Central: Kavanagh, Haydon, Hanna, Stephenson, Furnell, Goodrem.

GOALS - Eagles: Redden 3, Wundke, Ainger, Borholm 2, Rowland. Central: Presbury 2, Edmead, F. Fort, Holman, Jansen, Furnell, McLean.

UMPIRES - Philp, Hundertmark, Hosking.

CROWD - 1978 at My Money House Oval, Elizabeth.