Eagles coach Michael Godden confronts hoodoo at Bulldogs’ kennel

WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden is not one to hide from the club’s poor Elizabeth record since he took charge in 2010.

WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden is not one to hide from the club’s poor Elizabeth record since he took charge in 2010.

Immediately after the Eagles produced a stunning performance to upset Norwood by an incredible 81 points, among Godden’s messages to his players behind closed doors was the lack of a win at the home of Central District since he had taken the reins.

He noted even veteran Luke Jarrad, who is on the verge of 200 games for the Eagles, had never sung the club song in triumph at the ground. Not since April 17, 2004, have the Eagles had a victory in Elizabeth — that is 11 games in succession without a win.

Rarely would two premiership points taste so good for Godden if the Eagles could conquer the Bulldogs in Elizabeth today.

As for the ugly statistics for the Eagles, Godden admits he is at a loss to explain why they have struggled to perform at the ground.

“We have had some good teams in that time and not been able to do the job,’’ Godden said. “I can’t answer why but we will be striving to get that win as always.

“A win like last week can be dangerous and it has been a different sort of management of the players this week. We had to play better than we did against West Adelaide in the first game and we did and now we have to play even better against a great competitor who gives us a lot of trouble.

“Training this week proves the players want to improve on last week’s effort.’’

Scott Lewis makes his season debut after shrugging off a calf muscle issue. Godden said the midfielder was close to playing against the Redlegs but they opted not to take a risk with the injury.

The Bulldogs dropped their season opener against the Redlegs at home and responded with a victory over Glenelg at the Bay when they were highly impressive for one and a half quarters.

North Adelaide will host South Adelaide at Prospect Oval in the other Anzac Day encounter.

EAGLES’ ELIZABETH LOSSES UNDER GODDEN

2014, round 14: Central 10.8 (68) d Eagles 7.5 (47)

2013, round 9: Central 14.11 (95) d Eagles 8.12 (60)

2012, round 14: Central 16.8 (104) d Eagles 3.7 (25)

2011, round 7: Central 12.14 (86) d Eagles 10.7 (67)

2010, round 9: Central 19.6 (120) d Eagles 14.8 (92)