Veterans rested as Cougars showcase new stars!

In what is thought to be the most unusual stunt at the helm of the Cougars in 2007, Scott Sheen listed his full squad for Friday nights game without many "high profile" name players. Jason Bencich, Brad Jorgensen, James Donkin, Troy Macri, Brenton Sanders, Chip, Craig Attiwal and a plethora of others were not apparent on the team list for Thursday night and were conspiciuosly absent from the starting line up on Friday night. Interestingly, many of the seasoned veterans were on hand for the game and assisted with motivating the Cougars on field squad.

When asked about the move Sheen commented, "footy is a funny game - each week is full of suprises and being unpredictable is really really fun. One week is not a season but we have to be realistic and make sure we try all our options leading up the biggest challenge of the year - the NWPAFL Grand Final round robin". Sheen was also quick to remind reporters of last years train of events that saw the Cougars bringing home the coverted NWPAFL trophy after only minor successed throughout the 2006 season.

The Eagles squad had a few notable players absent too - Dale "Tickets" Wakefield and Dale Handley did not dress for the BAFC.

The game started like so many Cougar battles for 2007. The Eagles attacked the ball hard from the first bounce and some of their regular contributors were very dangerous early on. Chuck Buchannan provided speed through his ruck work and and was aptly assisted by several BAFC on ballers. However, the young Cougars provided signs of things to come as they defended the game tirelessly across the half and full back lines. Tony Cooper was dangerous loose across half back and was ably assisted by "hard at it" Ward. Attacks forward from the Cougars were limited and hard fought.

Quarter time - 0.0.0 Cougars to 6.4.28 Eagles

The second quarter started to indicate that the Cougars may be able to swing back the game in their favour. Mike and Paul were providing spark through the centre and Clayton was running hard from the half back line. Scott Flemming was being tagged by Ryan and it was to become a real battle of youth versus experience. Dave Miller attacked the ball with intent and on several occasions nullified the Eagles breaks out of the centre. Rugby stars Dan Keating and Mick Viret began to show their tackling experience but it was another rugby trained player that really had a purple patch! Will Vanderlau provided many drives from the centre and managed to even have a few runs down the wing as he pushed the Cougars into attack. Cathel O'Loughlin and Campbell Baird battled hard throughout the first half. The Cougars managed to get to the ball first in over 75 percent of the play but lack lustre skills allowed several unforced turnovers. Big man James Maitland was inspirational and kicked perhaps the goal of the game from 45 metres out over his left shoulder on a 45 degree angle - truly inspirational. Defense - what about the pressure! Cougars backmen forcing the Eagles to kick 1 Goal and 7 behinds for the quarter.

Half Time - 1.0.6 Cougars to 7.11.53 Eagles

Coach Sheen was adament that the Cougars could lift even more in the second half. The half time address focussed on making sure that all players tackled hard - Ben Howe with a troubling leg injury. Sheen commented "from young to experienced all players had an obligation to attack the ball hard and tackle like they meant it". Several Cougars were forced out of the game due to injury and committments for the 2nd half but all the players that had been privy to the coaching "challenge" certainly stood up and listened. Jon Campion, Nick McFarlane, Quin and Matt all showed what they had to offer for the Cougars future. Old campaigners P Campion and Edmonds offered experience and witt! Ashley Steier moved from Forward to Defense and was able to adjust well. Ted Murray played a solid game and showed some real captains courage against some larger and stronger opponents. Ryan Upton and Aaron showed that they are learning the skills of AFL very well and played gutsy games. A tight third quarter again held the Eagles to a minimal score of 1 goal and 1 behind while the Cougars were unable to register a score.

Third Quarter 1.0.6 Cougars to 8.12.60 Eagles

The final quarter started as the west coast started to fall in to twilight! It was destined to be a hard slog but the Cougars came out firing. Within minutes the ball was thrust out of the centre to the flank and redirected 35 metres out from goal directly in front. Grills took the juggling mark and squared up for his shot. A behind was scored and the eagles thrust the ball out from defense. Several other pushes forward occurred during the last quarter and it was clear that the Cougars were finding their mark - albeit too late. the entire team showed that true heart was a great method of creating a winning team. Sheen commended all the players for turning the effort around at half time and finishing the game with such focus. It was not a win on th escore board but Sheen commented it was a "win for the team of contributors. Everyone that wore the red and blue should feel confident that they have what it takes to win". Cougars having 3 scoring shots to Eagles 2.

A well played game by the Eagles securing the win - well done to the Eagles and all players that participated in the first and only 2007 twilight game!

Final Score 2.2.14 Cougars lost to 10.12.72 Eagles

Goal Scorers - Cougars; James Maitland 1, Nick McFarlane 1

Best Players - Tony Cooper, Ward Frost, Clayton Holmes, James Maitland, Paul Zogopoulos, Mick Viret


Team List - James Maitland, Stuart Grills, Tony Cooper, Rob Edmonds, Ben McCallum, Peter Campion, Ted Murray, Ward Frost, Nick McFarlane, Quinn, Will Vanderlauw, Clayton Holmes, Scott Fleming, Cathel O'Loughlin, Jon Campion, Ashley Steier, Ben Howe, Dave Miller, Aaron, Mike Lancaster, Paul Zogopoulos, Matt, Dan Keating, Campbell baird, Mick Viret, Ryan Upton

VAFC Committee.