Trio of Eagles debutants impress in 64-point win over Glenelg

WOODVILLE-WEST Torrens opened the window to an exciting future when it blooded three more debutants in the strong victory over Glenelg.

WOODVILLE-WEST Torrens opened the window to an exciting future when it blooded three more debutants in the strong victory over Glenelg at Brighton Road on Saturday.

Matthew Appleton, Luke Dunstan and Jake von Bertouch impressed coach Michael Godden in their league debuts.

Their performances would have also satisfied AFL scouts.

Godden also noted the presence of the likes of Tom Schwarz and Campbell Heath, who have less than 10 games experience, as evidence of the youthful line-up the Eagles took into the 64-point win over the Tigers.

"There were a number of kids and it was pleasing to see them get amongst it,'' Godden said.

"We played them in around the middle and they controlled themselves really well.

"We have put so much work into the junior program in the last three years and to see the likes of Schwarz, Dunstan and von Bertouch - they are all our own.

"The reserves were depleted and they won comfortably against the Bays, who are second on the ladder.

"The future is really bright and I'm proud of everyone involved.''

The injection of youth was prompted by the suspensions of Scott Lewis and Byron Sumner as well as injury problems to senior personnel.

Godden said the decision to have three debutants had fuelled the enthusiasm of the team and now the task for the youngsters was to back up their efforts, starting with the game against South Adelaide at Woodville Oval on Saturday.

"There was a sense of excitement with so many kids in the team which was great,'' Godden said.

"We were excited to see how they would go and all the group were excited for their young teammates.

"It is always a risk playing that many kids - whether they can back it up again is another thing.

"This is the first step and they have got to do it again."

The Eagles are fourth on the ladder, only percentage below third-placed West Adelaide, and a win over the Panthers is a must if they are to jump into the top three and claim the double chance in the finals.