Picture: THOMAS MILES
WITH four rounds of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football now complete, it has been a perfect start for the Penola A Grade side, with three wins from as many games.
Mundulla currently holds top position on the ladder, but that only came after the Eagles’ bye last week.
The two are the only undefeated sides in the competition at this stage, with the Eagles yet to be seriously challenged.
New players have joined the roster and settled in well, while the experienced heads remain to ensure the Penola brand of football continues.
Young stars have also stepped up to the A Grade side full time, with the future looking rosey for the club.
The opening round sent a message to the remainder of the league the Eagles would be a force to be reckoned with in 2019.
Penola hosted Lucindale in what became a one-sided contest from the outset.
The interesting development was the inclusion of both Brad and Adam Merrett up forward.
Brad was back from Adelaide, while Adam returned after injury.
Far from get in each other’s way, the pair banged on three goals each to help the side to a dominant 111-28 victory.
Former South Gambier star Brad Bryant had joined the fold and was voted second-best player in his debut for the club.
On to round two and the onslaught continued.
This time the Eagles travelled to Kingston and while the final scoreline was not as damning, it was still an impressive display, with Penola claiming the honours 111-64.
It took until the final quarter for the Eagles to break free, but once they did, it was with flair.
A six-goal barrage saw the Eagles run away with the game and this time Adam Merrett was at his best, with a bag of eight goals, while Brad Merrett managed a “lazy” four.
Bryant again made the best players, but former South Gambier star Simon Berkefeld claimed the top honours.
Berkefeld has been a solid performer for the Eagles in recent years and continues this season after an injury scare late last season.
Penola was eagerly awaiting the debut of former North Gambier on-baller Brock Egan, which came in round three after a late start due to injury.
The wait was worth it.
While Egan did not make the best players, he banged on two goals to show what he is capable of.
Berkefeld and Bryant were the top two in that game and again it was the Merrett show up forward.
Brad and Adam booted four each in a game which saw the Eagles run out 59-point victors over Keith.
Adam is currently third in the league goal kicking with 15 to his name, while Brad sits in sixth with 11.
Coach Matt Tilby has played down the efforts so far, taking the season one game at a time.
He believes there is more to come from the side aas the players continue to gel.However, he also expects a big challenge as the remaining sides in the competition gain a higher level of fitness.
A solid pre-season put the Eagles ahead of the pack, but one of those challenges will come this weekend when the side hits the road to face Kaniva Leeor.
The Cougars did lose to Lucindale in round two and sit down in fourth place on the ladder, but they do boast the league leading goal kicker in Michael Wundke.
Wundke has managed 25 goals this season, one clear of Mundulla’s James Hinge.
However, with the strength of the Eagles’ back six, the run through the middle of the ground and strong targets up forward, Penola would certainly start hot favourite to continue its winning streak on Saturday.
Mundulla would also be expected to win against Keith, meaning the Eagles will not yet regain top spot on the ladder due to having played one less game.
Mundulla does not have the bye until round eight, but Penola could well take the advantage in round six when the two top sides come together at McCorquindale Park for a blockbuster clash.
That will be one not to miss, with the chance for the Eagles to take the psychological advantage heading into the rest of the season.
