Sport
5 June, 2026
Eagles final hopes on line after loss
MAIDEN Gully’s finals hopes hang by a thread after the Eagles’ 57-point loss to Marong.
MAIDEN Gully’s finals hopes hang by a thread after the Eagles’ 57-point loss to Marong.
Both teams want to leave the Loddon Valley for the Bendigo league next season, but if performances count in the decision to approve the transfers, Maiden Gully is losing the argument.
The Eagles have dropped three games at home, including the past two to Inglewood and the four-time reigning premiers, and are languishing in seventh spot on the ladder, two games out of the five.
Maiden Gully is finding it difficult to score, kicking just seven goals in the past two matches, and the team is relying on the same players every week to be competitive. Inaccuracy hasn’t helped, with the side scoring 7.24 in those two losses.
Last season’s best and fairest Dan Russell in the ruck, Mitch Hill in defence and midfielder Tye Bedford have become the usual suspects in the best players lists, with the team’s lack of depth and experience being highlighted.
The Panthers had eight scoring shots to one in the first quarter to put the Eagles on the back foot immediately, and while the visitors didn’t go on a scoring frenzy by any means, their defence was all but impassable. The impressively consistent Cooper Hale added another four goals to his tally for Marong and now has 27 for the season, while Shaun Knott added three.
After the split-round bye Maiden Gully has a chance to get back on track against bottom side Calivil, with Marong at home to Mitiamo, which won its first match for the season against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
Read More: Marong, Loddon Shire