MFL | Refreshed Eagles looking to end Purple reign

By Josh Huntly

May 26, 2022

Raring to go: Eagles ready to rock the Purples. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Echuca United hasn’t won a game this season and hasn’t beaten Nathalia in eight years, but a refreshed Eagles outfit are feeling up for the challenge.

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With a week off and a stretch of improved performances under the belt, the Eagles will come into the clash against Nathalia sporting a renewed sense of purpose.

After enduring five straight 100-point defeats to start the year, the Eagles have managed to reel a few sides in, including Barooga by 17 points in a match abandoned during the fourth quarter, and then finals contender Congupna (30).

With the Purples nursing an unfamiliar 1-6 record and sitting ninth in the MFL as well, the five-time reigning premier has looked vulnerable this season.

But the Purples have the wood over United, with the Eagles’ last win over Nathalia coming in round five of the 2014 season.

United coach Farran Priest was a member of that winning squad, and he knows that Nathalia’s current standing could be deceptive despite a tumultuous season to date.

“They’ve only won a few games as well so we’re looking at having a good crack,” Priest said.

“The thing that we know with Nathalia is that they have those mature heads.

“They’re still a super dangerous side and we need to understand that regardless of where they are on the ladder they still have quality through the list.

“I’m not sure what the go is with them at the moment, but we know they’re not going to roll over — Nathalia don’t do that.”

The split round bye has allowed United to nurse its own injury list, with the exception of in-form winner Lachlan Egglestone who looks set to miss with a jarred shoulder.

United’s senior squad joined forces with their all-conquering thirds for a Tuesday night hit-out, and with the reserves chalking up their first win of the season before the split-round bye, Priest said energy was high at South Reserve.

“It was good mentally for the boys to get away,” he said.

“We didn’t train on Tuesday last week but we had a good session with the under-17’s and just went over some structural stuff.

“The boys have come back refreshed and had a good session on Tuesday night.

“We’re just trying to look forward to this week and have a really good opportunity against Nathalia.”

Echuca United and Nathalia go head-to-head at Nathalia Recreation Reserve this Saturday, May 28 from 2pm.