SWFL Match Report: Carey Park v Collie

FOR almost half of the league clash between Carey Park and the Collie Eagles at Kelly Park on Sunday it looked as if the Panthers were headed for a biggish win, but the Eagles held their own to go down by 28 points.

Matt Martin booted three goals to the 20-minute mark of the second term, Graham Jetta and Clinton Garlett were busy in the midfield while Michael McMillan again looked set for a big game as the Panthers won 13.15 (93) to 10.5 (65).

This was all despite the prolific ball getting of Travis Cleggett, who finished with 32 in what was arguably a best on ground performance.

Adam Bignell was handy but also inaccurate with three behinds in the first term, while Trent Tanner, Corey Griggs and Joel Mahar were all serviceable for the Collie Eagles.

Matt Michael, who had kicked the Eagles' sole goal to that point, found space to mark and goal from 40 metres and followed up with a powerful mark a few minutes later.

The Eagles lifted and again Michael found space to reduce the deficit to 14 points at the long break.

The third quarter saw Michael add his fourth goal in 10 minutes of play either side of half-time and Shane Wright get into the game and kick three goals as the Eagles led by a point almost into time on.

The Panthers were off line with three minor scores until Brandon Jetta kicked truly.

Great body work by Martin ended in a goal and a seven-point lead at the final change.

All was set up for a great last quarter but it was not to be as the Panthers took control with Martin goalling twice early to take his tally to six.

The lead shot out to forty one points before Travis Cleggett and Jaiden Piavanini added goals in time on to reduce the final margin to 28 points.

Although the Eagles were well beaten there were a number of young players who showed their rebuilding is well under way.

Both sides now face a two-week break before the Eagles return to take on reigning premiers Eaton Boomers while Carey Park will head to Payne Park to take on Bunbury.