IT MIGHT be time to re-name the Maiden Gully Eagles.
The Mudlarks might be a more suitable nickname after the team’s second win for the season in torrential rain against Newbridge.
The Anzac Day clash under lights was all but over at quarter-time, with Maiden Gully 23 points ahead after adapting much better to the wet conditions than the Maroons.
As the rain set in for the last three quarters, and the mud started to form on the Marist College ground’s infamous hump, that early break was enough to seal the deal, with the final margin 24 points.
Newbridge, having played in round one and then had a bye and the Easter break, was understandably rusty early on but the Eagles set up better in the wet, with more players behind the ball to scoop up kicks that skidded on from indecisive marking contests.
Nine scoring shots to one in the first quarter showed Maiden Gully’s dominance.
While Newbridge battled hard, it was never able to get closer than 10 points.
Eagles co-coach and former Essendon and Port Adelaide player Angus Monfries laced up the boots for the first time this season and kicked two critical goals, while Josiah Farrer relished the conditions and booted three.
Full-forward Billy Schlling kicked two of Newbridge’s four goals, with Caleb Argus, Connor Sheppard and Kobe Friswell the Maroons’ best on a wet night at Marist Oval.