Mackay AFL’s Eastern Swans make league statement with upset victory over reigning premiers
The Eastern Swans brought an inspired performance to the field, ending the Northern Saints undefeated streak and announcing themselves as serious contenders in the league.
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It was supposed to be a quest for history for the Northern Saints, aiming for back-to-back undefeated seasons but sometimes, the script doesn’t follow the expected plot, and instead, it writes a story that leaves you on the edge of your seat.
Enter the Eastern Swans, a team that refused to read the pre-written lines and decided to write their own.
It all started with the passing of Swans club legend, Bob Inkson, who had been an integral part of the club for 42 seasons, having served as the president for 20 years, junior coach, mentor, and even barman.
His name was synonymous with the club, and his loss was felt by everyone.
“Bob Inkson (was) one of the most important men in the history of Eastern Swans,” head coach Carl Teske said.
“It was a special occasion for the club, the group dug deep and were playing for a cause.”
The Swans knew they had to do something to honour their beloved Inkson, and what better way to do that than to take down the reigning premiers, the unbeatable Northern Saints.
Playing on their home turf, the Swans charged down the Bob Inkson wing, where the physical contest lay in the hands of the likes of Jack Mentha, Riley Bibby, and James Beatson.
The trio went to work, dismantling the Saints in a hard-fought second half.
The Swans took control of the game early, building up a 25-point lead by halftime, and never looked back.
“(It was) one of the most intense physical games in Mackay footy in a long time,” Teske said.
“We really tried to smother them put them under pressure which worked well in the first half.”
In the second half, the Saints came back with a vengeance, looking to maintain their undefeated streak.
But the Swans were not going to let them have it that easy.
The game became a fierce battle, with both teams going hammer and tongs to gain control.
The third term saw the Saints going without a goal, as the Swans kept them at bay with an unwavering defence.
Club legends Ryan Hynes and Ty Woods rallied the side, and in a crucial final term, the Swans flew home to take down the “unbeatable” Saints.
It was a moment that will be etched in the memories of everyone who witnessed it.
With their victory, the Eastern Swans not only honoured their beloved Bob Inkson but also announced themselves as serious contenders in the league.
“Although it was great bursting Saints bubble we fully understand it’s only round 3 they will definitely be bigger and better next time we play,” Teske said.
“Now that we have set a standard it’s up to us to continue that standard.”
The Swans now move from being the hunter to the hunted and know that they will need to bring the same energy and heat to each and every contest for the remainder of the year.
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