Match Report from DAVID WATSON
In an article written earlier in the season, Justin van Unen was pronounced that he may well become one of the biggest talking points in the Eastern Football League this season. After all, many of the Vermont faithful so far over his journey to date have marvelled at some of his goal kicking exploits and equally shuddered at the near misses. Well on Saturday van Unen finally delivered more of the marvel and little of the shudder with a majestical 10 goal feat in the Eagles 49 point victory over East Ringwood. Having become the sole key forward due to the injuries of Ash Froud and Matt Greig, the double figure return has moved him to the top of the First Division goal kicking leader’s board with his tally now standing at 44. Having kicked just eleven goals in the opening five rounds, he has bagged 33 goals in his last five outings to all but squash anyone that doubted he was the real deal.
Another of the new Eagles in 2013, Tom Schneider once again looked the part with another stellar performance with the icing on the cake coming in the shape of four goals. The 2012 Box Hill Hawk Best and Fairest and former Hawthorn rookie listed midfielder once again shone in the contested ball area with his ability to win the contest regardless of his own welfare at times testament to his never say die attitude.
With the Eagles stretching their unbeaten record now to eight matches, the majority of the contest was played on their terms though allowing The Roos slightly back into the frame with a laconic third quarter certainly will be an area for quick improvement with upcoming matches against both Balwyn and Noble Park.
The opening quarter proved to be the Tom Schneider show with the diminutive midfielder lethal around goal. His three goal haul was backed up with goals to van Unen (2) with Ben Crowe also on the score sheet as the Eagles raced to a comfortable 27 point lead.
Continuing on from where they left off in the second quarter the Eagles looked completely in control of the contest but failed to really mount that dominance on the scoreboard. Van Unen proved to be the real shining light with a stunning quarter of football netting four goals to move his tally to six as the Eagles went into the main break 36 points to the good.
The Eagles certainly knew the contest was back on after the break as The Roos predictably made an assault at the match. Some poor errors of judgement matched with sloppy play reduced the deficit to just 20 points at three quarter time. The hosts kicking six goals for the quarter and the Eagles restricted to just three with van Unen (2) and Schneider (1) continuing on their respective fine afternoons work.
The final term once again saw the Eagles get back into the groove without being too carried away kicking five goals to nil to run out comfortable winners though on the run of play and take away some poor mistakes the margin could well have been more substantial.
Van Unen kicked two goals in the last quarter to bring up the much deserved double figures with further goals coming from another key performer all afternoon in Lachie Johns, Simon Taylor and Andrew Ellis.
Final Score:
Vermont 6-3-(39) 10-4-(64) 13-7-(85) 18-9-(117) defeated East Ringwood 2-0-(12) 4-4-(28) 10-5-(65) 10-8-(68)
Vermont Goals: J.van Unen 10, T.Schneider 4, S.Taylor 1, L.Johns 1, A.Ellis 1, B.Crowe 1.
Vermont Best: J.van Unen, T.Schneider, L.Johns, D.Waller, D.Millhouse, P.Chadwick.
Next Saturday the Eagles entertain Rowville at Terrara Road.
See left another star on the day. Lachie Johns
Last Modified on 01/07/2013 15:47
