West Coast’s Italian ‘sister’ club the Milano Eagles exacted sweet revenge on the Roma Blues at Pisa University recently.
The Eagles, who went down to the Blues by one point the last time the two teams faced off, were never challenged as they cruised to an emphatic 18.12 (120) v 3.5 (23) victory over their arch nemises.
The Eagles scored the first goal of the match via co-captain Federico Bernasconi, who kicked truly on the run from 35m after receiving an effective handball from the first centre clearance.
Steve Arnott provided a quick answer for the Blues a minute later after a strong contested mark in front of the goals, but from that moment the Eagles got on top.
Milano dominated the centre clearances and moved the ball with clean hands and precision kicking to establish a 30-point advantage by half-time.
The Eagles kicked on in the second half, smashed their opponents in all areas of the game and ran away 97-point victors – the biggest winning margin recorded between the two combatants.
New recruit Matt Hewitt was inspirational for the Eagles.
The West Australian and mad West Coast Eagles fan slotted five goals and lived out a childhood dream of earning a best on ground performance wearing an Eagles’ jumper.
Italian natives Filippo Bolognese and Federico Bernasconi were also solid contributors, as was defender Tommy Arnulfo, who repelled several attacking raids by the Blues.
Coach Armando Colombo was very satisfied with the Eagles’ effort and spirit.
He was also delighted by the effort of first-gamer Jacopo Nosari, who won plenty of the ball and helped himself to two goals in his AFL debut.
Goals:
Milano Eagles: Hewitt 5; De Girogi 3; Bolognese, Arnulfo, Bernasconu, Nosari 2; Cei, Brugnoni.
Roma Blues: Arnott 2; Ferraresi.
Best – Milano Eagles: Hewitt. Bernasconi, Bolognese, T Arnulfo, De Giorgi.
The West Coast Eagles supplies apparel and equipment to a number of international teams seeking to grow football around the world
