THERE is certainly plenty of talent within the junior ranks at the Muswellbrook Eagles, but the test throughout the season will be bringing the best out of the players with these raw skills and teaching them consistency.
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The under-16 football side showed at the weekend they have the ability, after dominating the first half and going 3-0 up, before losing focus after the break and slipping to an agonising 3-4 loss at home against Tilligerry.
It was a squandered opportunity to continue a strong start, following their 5-1 away victory over Belmont in the opening round.
Coach and club secretary Ian Tomlinson was disappointed with the fade out, but said there was plenty of encouragement to take away from the match.
"The first half was very structured and we created some amazing chances," he said.
"We had to sustain some quite high pressing from Tilligerry early in the game but they boys were able to start forcing them back and we were able to find some space in midfield to play our game.
"The second half got away from us from the kick off, we lost our heads and it felt like there wasn't any direction on field.
"Our defensive work rate all over the park and our leadership direction really let us down, and it's something we'll need to improve on if we expect to challenge for a title this season.
"On a big positive though, that's two weeks in a row where we've played the best football we ever have as a group and, if we can string together consistent halves, these guys will be untouchable."
Jared Kermond, Riley Saddler and Chris Henderson pick up the goals for the home side, with Saddler being named best afield due to his creativity and forward presence, having had a hand in all three goals.
News was more positive for the under-12s, who picked up the points in a 3-0 win against BelSwans.
The exciting but tightly-knit performance was their first of the season due to having a bye in round one, and is a great sign heading into future fixtures.
Moving a division up, the under-14s suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of Warners Bay and will be hoping to reverse their fortunes against New Lambton this Saturday.
Finally, the under-10s and under-11s, who do not have registered scores, put in promising performances with the former producing a dominant effort despite fielding four eight-year-olds.
