1. After an encouraging start it was an opportunity lost for the Eagles in what were challenging conditions. The broadcast of the match probably did not illustrate the inclement weather where occasional heavy showers and a breeze with a numbing chill factor prevailed. Regardless this was a game that could have been won with a little more polish. Certainly the endeavour could not be questioned with the Eagles winning the tackle count 80-48, but they could not capitalise on periods of control.
2. One of the trademark characteristics of Jamie Cripps is that he is one of the AFL’s toughest competitors, a blue collar forward who is always prepared to put the shoulder to the wheel. That he played – and had an impact – just a couple of days after coming out Health and Safety protocols was outstanding. He had 13 possessions, three tackles inside the forward 50 and maintained pressure in attack. With Liam Ryan, who was also lively with five score involvements, the medium forwards were threatening.
3. Mid-season rookie draftee Jai Culley made an impressive start to his AFL career in what was just his fifth senior game – after four WAFL matches. He was far from intimidated in his midfield role and rolled up his sleeves around the stoppages. Of his 12 possessions 11 were contested, while his seven clearances were an equal team high with Tim Kelly. The debutant also clamped on a game-high 11 tackles. Combined with Xavier O’Neill, who had 10 contested possessions, the youngsters in the midfield were encouraging.
4. Midfield ace Tim Kelly played his 50th game for the club and performed well under duress. He had a hard tag with Finn McGuinness following him around for the day and also copped a nasty cork to the thigh deep into the second term. He soldiered on to amass 21 possessions, seven clearances and six inside 50s. Of his possessions, 12 were contested and he worked in collaboration with other senior midfielders Andrew Gaff (30 possessions), Luke Shuey (17 possessions, 10 tackles and two goals) to try to generate enough scoring opportunities to win the game.
5. Eagles fans have had a long time to assess the traits of Shannon Hurn and would consider him to be an ‘old-fashioned’ no frills, reliable defender. That image was personified in the second quarter when he was involved in a bone-jarring collision, in a vulnerable position as Hawks forward Mitch Lewis stormed out on the lead. Hurn affected the contested, took the full brunt of the contact, bounced up and got on with it. The 315-game veteran had 27 possessions and nine marks as he helped hold the Hawks at bay for much of the day.
