SWFL 2022: Collie Eagles staying positive as they hit the road for third week in a row

They might still be chasing their first win of the season but the Collie Eagles are optimistic they can bring the heat while on the road. Collie Eagles will be hitting the road for the third week in a row when they head to Gloucester Park to take on reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River Hawks on Saturday. It comes after the Eagles travelled to Kelly Park to take on Carey Park in round four, and to Payne Park when they faced Bunbury last weekend. Coach Kade East said while there was nothing better than playing on your home deck, the playing group had been staying positive and taking the competition a week at a time. However, multiple factors have been affecting player availability. “We’re yet to have a round where everyone has been available for selection with COVID-19, shift work and injuries coming and going, which has made it tough,” he said. “But it has given us a good opportunity to debut a couple of boys and expose them to league football early on.” East said the club would be keen to play against another quality side in the Hawks this weekend as they try to go back to basics. “We’ve played some quality football in patches this year and proved to ourselves when we execute our style of play we can match it with them,” he said. “It’s just a matter of piecing it all together consistently for four quarters. “Unfortunately against Bunbury we went away from what we’ve been building on and we got exposed by a quality side. “Hopefully we can be a little more efficient going inside forward 50 and convert more to apply some real scoreboard pressure.” Meanwhile, the Hawks will be looking to continue building on their winning streak after holding off Eaton Boomers by just five points last weekend thanks to a last-gasp goal from Harry Taylor. The Hawks sit in second place on the ladder with four wins and one loss, behind table toppers Bunbury only by percentage. The last time the Hawks and the Eagles met was at Collie Recreation Ground during round 10 last year, where the Hawks held off the Eagles 7.11 (53) to 6.7 (43).