Eagles take aim at Tigers premiership reign

EAST Geelong will attempt to derail Bannockburn’s Geelong & District Football League premiership defence when the two sides meet at St Albans this Sunday, August 27.

Playing-coach Tom Cordner-Maas said the memory of two narrow finals losses in 2022 is still in the back of his side’s mind, but the Eagles are focused on rectifying past mistakes against the Tigers in their coming Elimination Final.

“We’re excited, we’ve talked about it from the start of the season that we’re a different group from last year, a year which was very disappointing.

“Our guys got the taste of finals last year, so we know what to expect this time round, and more importantly what it takes to win those games.

“I believe we led in both finals last year at three-quarter-time, which was perhaps the most disappointing part of 2022, but we’ve added a few more weapons in our side for this year.

“It should be a good game.”

The Eagles boast a 2-0 record against Bannockburn in 2023, with wins over Ron Pilgrim’s boys in Rounds 4 and 15.

The Eagles also find themselves in the midst of an eight-game winning streak, namely through the work of the side’s forward line.

Small forward Zac Smith has lit up opposing backlines in recent week with 19 goals in the past three rounds.

“Zac’s leadership on the field has really developed this year,” Cordner-Maas said.

“He’s not really focusing on himself, which I think works really well because he’s getting good looks with our other dangerous players in the forward line.

“He can get off the chain a bit, but that’s just because he’s great at bringing others into the game. If you give him a metre or two, he can really hurt you.”

Smith will be further bolstered by Jake Watson-Serle and Caleb Ezard up front against the Tigers, who all together kicked 129 goals in 2023.

The Eagles welcome back ruckman and Whitley Medal winner Tim McLennan and backman Alex McDonald following concussions suffered against Werribee Centrals a fortnight ago.

“Bannockburn have had some really talented youngsters come into the side this year, as well as some of the same wise heads that can settle the side,” Cordner-Maas said.

“I’m sure they’ll have some plans in place, and we have no doubts they are a dangerous side, we won’t be taking anyone lightly moving forward.”

Action at St Albans starts on Saturday at 2pm with Bell Post Hill to play Inverleigh for a shot at Thomson in Week Two. The Eagles and Tigers take the Sunday timeslot.

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