THE Eagles went a long way to qualifying to play in this year’s grand final when they accounted for HBL by three points last Sunday.
The Eagles got off to a flyer when Adam Bignell scored the first goal with the second kick of the game.
This effort was soon followed by his second before HBL answered through Italiano. Paul Rinder, Reid Saunders, Adam Bignell and Jayce Fontana controlled the centre of the ground as the Eagles extended their lead at the first break with goals to Fontana and Blake Shanahan.
The second term saw HBL have the breeze and Jay Walton sparked into life by kicking four goals, while the Eagles held on through Jebb Swallow and Fontana adding majors.
The third term saw goals from Blake Shanahan, Fontana, with answers coming from Slater and Heasman before Mat Michael replied with two of his own.
Corey Griggs, Saunders, Travis Cleggett and Swallow supplied lots of drive around the ground for the Eagles to lead 10.10 (70) to 9.1 (55).
In the final term the Lions threw everything at the Eagles.
Although failing to score, the Eagles held their opponents to two goals to run out winners by three points. Final score: 10.10(70) to 11.1 (67).
Goals: J Fontana (3), A Bignell, M Michael, B Shanahan (2 each), J Swallow (1).
Best: J Swallow, M Michael, R Saunders, M Blackford, K Shanahan, J Mahar and the other 16 players.
This Sunday the Eagles take on South Bunbury at Hands Oval, starting 2.20pm, for a place in the grand final.