Whittlesea coach Blair Harvey says conditions made it difficult to access Eagles' win over Banyule

The NFL Division 2 top-of-the-table clash between Banyule and Whittlesea was billed as a potential grand final preview but conditions during the match turned it into a slogfest with the Eagles prevailing.

Whittlesea coach Blair Harvey. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Whittlesea coach Blair Harvey believes Banyule is still the team to beat, despite the Eagles claiming a six-point win on Saturday.

In difficult conditions at a muddy Beverley Rd Oval, it was far from the NFL Division 2 top-of-the-table blockbuster fans were hoping for.

The Eagles outslogged the Bears in a game which featured just five goals in the first three quarters and finished 5.7 (37) to 4.7 (31).

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Harvey said little could be taken from the contest but said the success would give his players confidence should the two teams meet again come finals.

“With the rain we had during the week … after the 19s and reserves, by the time we got there it was chopped to bits. Hence the score,” Harvey said.

“We were going in to see what they had but with the conditions it was just a slogfest all day and I don’t think we’ll get too much out of the game.

Jaron Murphy in action for Whittlesea. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I still think they’re the best side but saying that, it does give us a bit of self-belief, knowing we’ve beaten them.

“Happy to get the win, we’ve had quite a few games this year that could have gone either way and to our credit the boys have stood up.

“There’s a bit of self-belief there that if things do get tough and its close, that we’ve been able to get on the right side of the ledger.”

Whittlesea made a strong start, kicking three goals in the opening term, setting up a 11-point quarter-time margin that would prove decisive.

Brody Bell’s work in helping Banyule’s powerful forward line quiet was crucial to the Eagles’ cause, while Nathan Stefanile worked himself into the ground, rucking solo all day.

In more good news for the flag contender, captain Riley Dyson made his return from a broken ankle after 16 weeks on the sidelines.

Riley Dyson in action for Whittlesea during the 2018 season.

Dyson dominated in reserves and will now look to build his match fitness ahead of finals.

Banyule claimed a 44-point victory in Round 8 at Whittlesea Showgrounds and Harvey said the loss had been a turning point for the club.

The Eagles have won seven straight since that defeat and will wrap up the regular season with clashes against Thomastown and Watsonia.

“We were embarrassed by Banyule first time around and I think that was a real turning point for the club,” Harvey said.

“We’ve still got a lot of improvement to go, we’ve been playing some good football but we’re yet to play a four-quarter game.

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