BREAKING: In a stunning turn of events, the Macleod Kangaroos have pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Northern Football League Division 2 history, defeating the Whittlesea Eagles 15.13 (103) to 15.11 (101) in a nail-biting qualifying final on September 24, 2023.
The Eagles dominated the first half, leading by a staggering 39 points, with the margin swelling to as much as 51 points at one point. However, the Kangaroos rallied in the second half, narrowing the deficit to just 11 points by three-quarter time before taking the lead in the final moments of the match.
Eagles coach Garry Ramsay expressed his disappointment, stating, “It was played in two halves. We played our best footy for the year in the first half. They played really good footy in the second half.” Ramsay acknowledged the stark contrast in performance, indicating that while the Eagles shone early, the Kangaroos surged back with relentless intensity.
Standout player Darc Barden, who has netted 100 goals this season, struggled in the first half but erupted in the second, finishing with four goals. Meanwhile, Blake Watson emerged as the Eagles’ best performer, contributing three goals to the effort. Ramsay highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum, saying, “Our best is really good, but we have to play it for longer.”
The Eagles have now faced three consecutive finals losses over the past two years, a trend that weighs heavily as they prepare for an upcoming knockout semi-final against St Mary’s, who recently triumphed over Northcote Park. Ramsay confirmed that the team is focused on regrouping, stating, “The spirits were pretty good and we’ll look to fire next Sunday.”
As the Eagles reflect on this heartbreaking loss, the urgency to rebound in the next match cannot be overstated. Fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating how this resilient team will respond after such a heart-wrenching defeat. Keep an eye on the Eagles as they aim to reclaim their momentum and make a statement in the next round.
