Eagles finish on high note

The Collie Eagles signed off their 2019 season in style with a determined 11.7 (73) to 7.5 (47)victory over Donnybrook in a bruising encounter at the Collie Recreation Ground on Saturday.

It is a result which could have disastrous implications for the potentially banged up reigning premiers, who now must travel to Gloucester Park for a do-or-die elimination final against Augusta-Margaret River on Saturday.

A tough opponent at the best of times on their home turf, the Eagles denied the visitors time and space from the opening bounce, with the Dons forced to earn every disposal.

Unable to play their natural free-flowing brand of football, the visitors appeared to become agitated at times, as the big bumps and fierce tackles rained down on them like a monsoon.

An eerie silence fell over the ground midway during the second term after Jared Debenham came off second best in a heavy collision. Once in the arms of the trainers, he walked off the ground and did not return.

Eagles president Jamie Pitchers confirmed with the South Western Times that Debenham was assessed in hospital on Saturday night in Bunbury, but was released home on Sunday.

The Eagles led by a goal at half time, but the visitors’ hopes of a victory quickly nosedived as their poor ball use in the corridor was punished by the resolute Eagles, who recorded a memorable win to end their campaign.