Sport

Eagles’ tale of two halves in finale

By Matthew Kappos

Aug 23, 2026

Echuca United’s campaign came to a close with a disappointing second half at Mulwala.

Echuca United wrapped up its 2026 Murray Football League season with a performance emblematic of its campaign, run over by Mulwala after a competitive half.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Eagles have matched it with some of the best sides for significant stretches, but have rarely been able to sustain it for four quarters.

So it proved at Lonsdale Oval as United took on a Lions side with plenty to play for in the last round.

In truth, the Eagles rode their luck in the opening quarter, fortunate not to trail by more than two goals after kicking a solitary major and seeing Mulwala spray 2.6 at the sticks.

But the visitor would capitalise on the door left open, fighting hard in the second to return things to level terms.

The Eagles kicked five goals and were making the most of their opportunities, a sniper-like 6.2 (38), to Mulwala’s 5.10 (40) at the main break.

But that was where the good times ended for Echuca United and the Eagles would only add a point in the entire second half.

Mulwala would compound the issue with more accurate kicking and in the end the Eagles were bested comfortably 12.18 (90) to 6.3 (39).

The result brings to an end what has to be considered a season of slight regression for Echuca United.

Despite some credible performances, including the memorable draw with Congupna on June 20, the Eagles managed only four wins and a draw, compared to six victories in 2025.

The departure of Barooga, which was winless last year, did increase the overall competitiveness of the schedule and is somewhat a mitigating factor.

The fact that half the Eagles’ wins came over finals sides, Cobram and Tongala, along with the draw with The Road, shows the group has the potential to go further if it continues to improve into 2027.