MFL | Eagles rock Numurkah to claim drought-breaking win

United reversed a 20-point quarter-time deficit to run over the top of the fifth-placed Blues in a thrilling final stanza, running away with the upset victory 11.7 (73) to 8.10 (58).

The win was the Eagles’ first since a 40-point victory over Barooga in round 12 last year, breaking a run of 13 straight defeats.

The result also marks a significant turnaround for the Eagles, who were coming off a 119-point defeat to Deniliquin in round 11.

After a difficult season to date, Eagles coach Farran Priest felt his side had been building to the victory for several weeks.

“It’s been a couple of weeks of building consistency over four quarters, and yesterday we got that,” Priest said.

“It was a big occasion for the club, we had sponsors day and a bit of a crowd. It’s always good to put on a bit of a show for the people that come out to watch us, and obviously to show them that what we’re doing is right and that we’re going in the right direction.

“Internally, I don’t think (the winless run) really played on the boys’ minds. We know that what we’re doing is the right way going forward and we have showed it during some games this season.

“I think the game really opened a few eyes to the players, to show that their best is good enough.

After Numurkah jumped out of the blocks with a four-goal-to-one first term, the Eagles replied with four in the second quarter to trail by just eight points at half-time.

In a remarkable third term, United proceeded to keep the Blues goalless, while putting on two themselves to take the lead by eight points at the final break.

With the game hanging in the balance and Numurkah expected to come hard, Priest’s message to his side was simple: put it all on the line.

“We got out to a three-goal lead, but they got it back to about 10 points and were looking to come at us,” Priest said.

“Credit to the boys to still be brave, still hit targets and not shelter away. It was a big step forward for the group.”

Eagles midfielder Dane Leyden marked his return from injury with two goals and a starring role, but Priest said he could credit nearly the entire side in the win.

“Everyone played a role. If you look at our defence from the last half onwards, the average age was about 18. It was such a young back six but they did so well,” he said.

“Dane Leyden in his first game back from a hammy, he was probably best-on, but it was a hard one to pick.”

A move down to the forward line for Mitch Lourey and Joe Harney also paid dividends, with both players hitting the scoreboard.

“Mitch Lourey and Joe Harney played forward as some bigger targets because we couldn’t really get the match-ups. Weirdly enough, we were probably a bit too tall down back,” Priest said.

“Our defence was so young, but they stood up and played unreal.”

Kynan Sharpe (two goals), Lachlan Carmody, Max Childs, Brodie Dixon and Jordan Priestley were key figures in the win, while Kade O’Dwyer, Charlie Hill and Flynn Penberthy stood up in the Blues’ desperate attempts to steal the win.

The result may also have significant finals ramifications, with Numurkah’s failure to get over the line seeing it drop a game behind Nathalia, which currently sits seventh.

The Murray Football League will now head into the league bye, with Echuca United returning with an away clash against Congupna on Saturday, July 9.