Eagles Emails 2015

This time of year always creates some interesting results, so when you travel down to the Bay in the middle of winter you know you have to be on if you want to be known as a consistent team.

Early on we didn’t dominate the stat sheet but we certainly dominated the inside 50’s having 16-4 in the first term. On a small ground it’s important to play the game in your forward half and the players through some good stoppage work and defensive pressure created enough opportunities for the forwards to score and they did that well kicking 5-3.

The second quarter saw the game even up with both sides having moments; unfortunately we kicked 1-4 to Glenelg’s 4-1. Accurate kicking as we know is critical and we didn’t do this well enough.

Glenelg came out after the main break and put the foot down scoring 3 quick goals to push their nose in front. This is the area of our games I am most pleased with this year, the ability to stop that run and get back in control. The knowledge on how to do this and the execution is getting better every game and with that the confidence in growing because from that point on it was 26-8 inside 50’s and we scored 9-4 to 1-1. Their only goal coming from a kick from the centre that landed just inside the 50 and rolled and rolled, so defensively we were very good while still being able to score well. Finishing the game 44 points up.

We had a few changes this week which is great for guys to get an opportunity and for the club to keep finding out just how good our depth is. The pressure for spots is high which creates a very competitive environment. Congrats to the 18’s and Reserves on two great wins again. The role of all players and staff at the club is critical and are all playing their roles well.

Statistically we were better than last week and our ability to hold our structure for longer and then adapt to change was a great sign of maturity. Every week we need to get better and I felt we took a step forward on Sunday. Now the challenge is to do that again.

One thing which has been a problem for the entire SANFL including us, is crowds. I know people who read this generally are people who attend our games but I would like to ask you to spread the word and try to get as many Eagles faithful here this weekend to Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval in what will be a cracker of a match (remember the 1.10pm start with the Reserves starting at 10.25am). I acknowledge a lot of people are doing it tough but a home game for our club means a lot and we want to give you the best spectacle we can and we will continue to strive to make this the best club possible. So get into the ear of your mates, come along to watch a couple of great games and enjoy what SANFL is all about.

See you at the footy.

Michael Godden - Saturday’s game was what I love about the SANFL. Tough conditions; cold, wet, muddy and two teams genuinely having a crack.

When you are faced with conditions like that you must get scoreboard pressure on the opposition while the ball, body and oval is ok and that is exactly what the players did in the first quarter. The players played a really good brand of tough inside footy while still being able to get the ball to the outside and score. South is the hardest team in the SANFL to score against so we knew any score on a day like that was like gold.

The second quarter was much tougher with most of the game played between the arcs with only 7 inside 50’s each for the term. Finally going into half time with a 10 point lead.

The third was about missed opportunities with South kicking only 3 behinds and us only kicking 4 behinds. With most goalless quarters you would expect it to be boring but I found the game to still be of reasonably high standard and obviously very tough.

The last quarter ended in a draw with the final result being an 11 point victory. The last term was a bit frustrating having 10 to 5 inside 50’s but being unable to put the result beyond doubt. As I said they are the hardest team to score against so we knew patience through the numbers was going to be the key offensively and basically just not letting them score on fast breaks.

Once again the players had to adapt to a different style against us which they did very well. That win puts us in a strong position but make no mistake we still have plenty to work on if we want to finish where we are and make an impact in the major round. This bye has come at a great time with some very sore lads after a 7 game stretch in the depth of winter. So the players will have some recovery time this week before getting back into it hard next week to make sure we are not only flying physically but mentally too.

Congrats to all those supporters who braved the weekend’s conditions, myself and the players really appreciate your dedication and we will work as hard as ever to repay that. So enjoy the weekend off, recharge the batteries and get ready for a massive 3 weeks to complete the minor round

Match Reports – Rnd 17 2015 – Eagles vs Adelaide

LEAGUE – MICHAEL GODDEN

Congratulations and thank you to all who attended Sunday’s big game against Adelaide at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval. On the field it was exactly what we needed, a real finals-like game against very good opposition. Off the field it was exactly what the Club needs and we have you to thank for that, the atmosphere was great and I am glad we could put on a good show for you all.

With perfect conditions we were excited to get back to playing some open footy after a tough month of wet and muddy games. It was evident early this was going to be an arm wrestle and that is what we got. Both sides showed some really good movements at times together with some really tough inside work which made for a very entertaining game. The scoring wasn’t big but it didn’t matter as the desperation and skills on show made up for that. To report on the game is difficult as neither side had big dominant moments and the game stayed within that 1 goal range for most of the day, with the final result being a 4 point victory and with that came the first Minor Premiership for the Eagles since 2006. That result now adds to the Reserves securing the same and hopefully barring a disaster on Saturday the Under 18’s should be in the same boat so well done to all at the Club.

What this does for us is gives us an opportunity to control the next month and that is valuable as there are many areas we need to improve if we want to make this season one to remember. This is a really important point, we are positioned well but we all clearly understand this is just the beginning and the real stuff is yet to come. The next few weeks will be filled with some very hard training as a team along with a lot of effort put into individual development and improvement, so with this we will make sure we all have put in the work required and leave nothing to chance.

This week is another important part of that preparation. If you set high standards you don’t pick and choose when you adhere to them so we will be training extra hard and preparing for what is our last home game for the season. As I mentioned we can manage individuals but the process doesn’t change, so like you all did on Sunday please get out and see your boys play for the last time at home this year and hopefully we can put together another good game of football for you to watch and enjoy.

The Woodville West Torrens Football Club is delighted to announce that Luke Powell has been appointed as Football Manager.

Luke has had a decorated playing career with the Club from 2003 to 2014. Luke played 233 games for the Club and was Captain from 2012-2014. He is also a Life Member of both the WWTFC and the SANFL.

Luke Powell said “I am genuinely excited to be back with the Eagles. As Football Manager, I hope to assist the Coach and playing group to build a winning culture that will provide sustained success.”

Luke’s character, leadership, extensive experience in business combined with his understanding of the demands associated with playing SANFL football and knowledge of the SANFL equips him extremely well to meet the challenges of the position.

CEO Peter Schwarz said, “Luke is a quality person that has a detailed understanding of the Club’s culture and direction. His leadership skills are second to none and he will be a valuable asset to our football department.”

The Woodville West Torrens Football Club wishes Luke all the best in the role of Football Manager.

The WWTFC is delighted to announce the signing of Jarred Redden and Cameron Giles.

Redden, 24, returns to club on a permanent basis after 7 years with the Port Adelaide Power where he played 16 games. Redden who progressed through the Eagles junior ranks and was a member of the 2011 League Premiership side will be a fantastic addition to our ruck division, with the ability to play forward.

On Jarred’s signing Football Manager Luke Powell said “To be able to entice Jarred back to the Eagles Football Club is a fantastic result. Jarred has great flexibility in being able to excel in the ruck as well as be a more than valuable forward. Jared is excited about working with our midfield group, his body is in great shape and he is enthusiastic about having a long and successful career with the club”

Giles, 20, returns to the club after 2 years at Carlton hampered by a foot injury. Cameron, another product who progressed through the junior ranks will predominantly play as a key defender or forward, but has the ability to play higher up the ground as he has outstanding endurance levels.

On Cameron’s signing Football Manger Luke Powell said “After a wretch (wretched)run for 2 years due to injury, we are delighted to welcome Cameron back to the club. Cameron has tremendous amount of upside in his footy now that he has overcome his injuries. Cameron’s size and fitness levels will allow him to play numerous roles throughout the year. Cameron is looking forward to having a full year of football and is determined to play a big role in future success for the Eagles”

Please join the WWTFC in welcoming both Jarred and Cameron back to the Club.


The WWTFC are still actively involved in recruiting and will look to announce more signings in the coming weeks.

It is with regret the WWTFC would like to announce the departure of Sam Martyn and Fraser Thurlow.

Martyn, who has played 27 League games, took great strides in 2015 to establish himself as consistent league footballer. Sam has been given the opportunity to enhance his University studies in Canberra for the next two years. In this time he will play for Eastlake in the NEAFL. Sam has indicated that once his studies are complete he would like to explore the opportunity to return to the Eagles Football Club.

Speaking on Sam’ departure Luke Powell said “While its disappointing to lose a player like Sam who has exceptionally running ability and a great attack on the footy as well as being such a loved character around the club, we fully support Sam decision to set up his working life. We wish Sam the very best and thank him for his contribution, whilst hopefully looking forward to his return in future”.

Thurlow, who only manage(d) one season and 9 games with the Club, has decided to return to his home state of Queensland to finalise his studies that can’t be completed in Adelaide. The WWTFC is disappointing (disappointed) in losing Fraser after investing a lot of time to get him to the Club. We wish Fraser all the best for the future and the door is always open for a return.

Although disappointed with the departure of these players we are also excited to announce the retention of players identified as the future of our club. The following players have shown their commitment to the Football Club for Season 2016;

Matthew Appleton, Angus Poole, Joseph Sinor, Jake Von Bertouch, Thomas Schwarz, Ethan Haylock, Sam Rowland, Tom Whittlesea
2015 U18 Players promoted to the Senior Squad

Based Baqeri
Damien Cardone
Andy Georgeson
Luke Hayes
Luke Hoare
Harrison Jolly
Cruise Pengilly
Sam Schoder
Lachlan Smith
Brad Wilson
Nicholas Yarren

Departures

Sam Martyn – Returning home to NSW
Fraser Thurlow – Returning home to QLD
Dillon Mullins – Sturt
Alby Dunstan – Returning home to the family farm
Caleb Lloyd
Izzy Blumson
Lachlan Hall
Paul Ventura

We would like to thank all departing players for their contribution to the Eagles during their time at the Club.

The WWTFC is delighted to announce the signing of Nick O’Brien

O’Brien, 22, has spent the last 4 years at the Essendon Football Club, where he played 14 games. Before his time at Essendon, Nick excelled as a junior in the TAC cup program with North Ballarat Rebels. Nick, a left footer, is a strong bodied midfielder with excellent endurance capacity and quality skills.

On Nick’s signing Senior Coach Michael Godden said “To secure Nick to our football club is very pleasing. We see Nick playing an important role in our midfield that will complement our group. Nick, being an exceptional character, good leader and highly professional, will transition well within our core values of the club. We look forward to helping Nick continually developing his game and watching him create a prosperous future with the Eagles Football Club”.

Please join the WWTFC in welcoming Nick to the Club