Round 9 Recap: We are the Eagles!

It's not a guarantee of success in a given match against the Dockers, more of a guarantee of success in a grander sense. Some might say in life, which may be taking it a bit far, but it's all relative.
For example, relative to the Dockers.

But enough pop-existentialism, on to the absolute and utter demolition that was Derby the 35th...

It started like any game against a Lyon team, tight, scrappy and tough. Oh and low scoring. I was sitting there thinking, not worrying, that this will be a real struggle. We didn't kick a goal until the second quarter when Priddis snapped a major from a contest deep in our forward line. After that, the slog continued with the teams tied 20 all at the half.

Then...BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!...and BANG! 5 goals to none in the 3rd as the Eagles crushed the utterly listless and nigh-talentless Dockers. Schofield kicked the first; a terrific running goal from the middle of the ground to the 50 near the boundary. Nic-Nat took a great mark and the Dockers spirit was decimated. Not hard to decimate for sure, but nonetheless, it was a wonderful quarter.

It carried on into the 4th where the Eagles extended the number of goals kicked in a row to 9. To be fair though, the Dockers showed resolve to get to 5 goals 6: Their lowest score at Subiaco in their history. Considering how terrible they've been for...well however long they've been in the comp. that's quite an achievement.

The Hill was instrumental, per usual; 3 goals 4 (nearly as much as the Dockers scored), 18 disposals, 4 marks and 6 tackles. Shuey, Rosa, Gaff and Rosa (with 42 disposals) controlled the midfield. Down back, the two stalwarts in Waters and Hurn were superb. You really couldn't ask for a better duo to be leaders down back. They're both so courageous and strong. I also have to applaud the efforts of the Good Sheppard over the past 2 weeks. I write efforts not performance because his execution today was, only at times, fairly atrocious. His delivery into the forward in particular really is not sufficient for a contending team. Still, it appears as though he has come along since we last saw him.

The only sour note was an apparent thigh injury sustained by Butler.

But that can't spoil the fact that this was a dominant performance and victory. I don't know if I was the only one anxiously hoping we could maintain the margin in the last quarter. It meant that we retain 1st on percentage from the Bombers.

Mind the Chasm.

So still the best; in the state and nationwide.

Also, Sir Worsfold broke the games record for the club with his 244th appearance as coach. I'm glad he surpassed Malthouse. I see 'Mick' as a Collingwood coach. Plus, he's always been annoying in the extreme.

In conclusion: We are the Eagles!!!