Mansfield has ended a three-game losing streak thanks to a hard-fought 33-point win against Tatura on Saturday and coach Chad Owens was pleased to return to the winners’ list.
The Eagles’ gun ruckman Tom McDonagh was influential, along with key defender Dirk Koenen, in helping the hosts chalk up win number seven of the Goulburn Valley League.
In “perfect” conditions at Mansfield, the Eagles were able to hold the Bulldogs to one goal in the first half and opened up a 25-point buffer by the main break.
Some strong efforts from versatile Harley McCarthy, defender Che Walls and onballer Mitch Elliott (two goals) saw the visitors hang in there in the second half but it was ultimately the Eagles who ran out 11.15 (85) to 6.12 (48) winners.
“It’s nice to return to the winners’ list after the last couple of weeks against your Echucas and Seymours,” Owens said.
“It certainly wasn’t our best performance in terms of playing our style of footy, but I was pleased with how the boys had to really grind it out.
“Tat hung around and made it hard and made us work for it.
“It was a bit of a hard-fought win.
“I think our attitude was a bit off.
“The past couple of weeks we were at a really high standard against the top teams ... I’m not sure if it’s tiredness or if we need a bit of an attitude realignment when we come up against teams below us.”
Mansfield was well serviced by forwards Ben Christopher and Cam Arnold, who each booted three goals, while onballers McDonagh, Frazer Dale and Harry Mahoney worked tirelessly.
Owens applauded the performances of his side’s standout talents and highlighted one of the Eagles’ most valued players.
“Tommy’s effort was enormous,’’ he said.
“He just covers the ground so well and he competes all day.
“Dirk’s been in rare form, it’s hard to think of too many better centre-half-backs at the moment, he’s been in super form.
“Harry’s work rate on the wing, Benny made crucial contests and won his one-on-ones and then Lachie (Christopher) is one of our most important players, just with his ability to put body on line and do all the team-first things.”