Eagles end Tigers’ rule in GDFL eliminator

BANNOCKBURN’S four-year reign at the top of the Geelong & District Football League (GDFL) has come to an end after a gallant four-point loss this afternoon (Sunday, August 27) at the hands of East Geelong.

The Eagles found themselves in a similar position to last year’s Qualifying Final and Preliminary Final – on the brink of elimination despite leading for most of the contest, in which it lost both.

But the Eagles reversed their fortunes on this occasion, limiting the Tigers to just one goal in the final quarter, while kicking three of its own.

East Geelong was well-structured and composed in the first half, leading 7.7.49 to 3.6.24 at half time.

Following the main break, Bannockburn found its rhythm kicking six goals to two in the third quarter, leading 62-66 with a quarter to play.

Bannockburn’s accuracy hurt its fourth quarter efforts, kicking 1.5, while the Eagles slotted 3.1 to edge out the two-time reigning premiers.

Zac Smith and Ryan Lempa led the way up forward for the Eagles, kicking five and three goals respectively, adding to Smith’s white-hot August with 24 goals in his past four appearances. Billy Andrew, Will Hough and Austin Mulvahill all tacked on goals as well.

Bannockburn’s Callum Hetherington knocked in four majors, next to Bailey Alford and Leigham Elzinga, who each kicked a pair. Tristan Battaglia and Jack Henderson rounded out the Tigers’ goal-kicking.

Ben Mulvahil, Ryan Lempa, Timothy Lee were named the Eagles’ best, as were Alexander McDonald and ruckman Tim McLennan, who both were ruled out last week to concussion.

Callum Hetherington, Tom Bath, Alex Beardsell, Leigham Elzinga, Connor Jervies, and James Hose were named best on ground for Bannockburn.

Bannockburn’s hopes of a three-peat are officially over, while East Geelong will move onto next Sunday’s Semi Final against Bell Post Hill.