NO two clubs epitomise the evenness of the Hampden league competition more than Camperdown and North Warrnambool Eagles.
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The Magpies have won five matches under two goals in 2018.
The Eagles have lost five games under two goals.
Their round 12 encounter on Saturday added to their respective tallies with Camperdown booting four unanswered goals in the final term to win 12.17 (89) to 12.15 (87) at Bushfield Recreation Reserve.
The win elevated the third-placed Magpies to equal standing with Port Fairy following its upset loss to Warrnambool.
Contrastly, the Eagles remain at the foot of the table with two wins to their credit.
North Warrnambool Eagles coach Graeme Twaddle lamented his side’s season “of missed opportunities”.
"The frustrating thing is the season could have been so much different,” he said.
“But we will use all those close losses as a learning experience and take something positive out of it.
“We have to learn how to win deep in a last quarter when we’re under pressure.
“We managed to beat Koroit (in round 10) when we were under siege and we had opportunities in the last 60 seconds (against Camperdown) to win the game.”
The Eagles held a 26-point lead over the Magpies at the final break in a game where wind dictated scoring chances.
“We got a bit fatigued and defensively were a bit sloppy," Twaddle said.
“But our third quarter was what let us down in the end because we kicked 4.7 and not one was an unrealistic chance. If you kick 7.4, the game is beyond doubt at three-quarter-time.”
Camperdown coach Phil Carse praised the Magpies for their “will to win”.
“A few other results went our way today (on the ladder), there’s a lot of footy left in the season but it was crucial for us after losing a couple to get back on the winners’ list,” he said.
“We had our backs against the wall at three-quarter-time and in the past we might have waved the white flag but we dug in and I was really proud of them.”
Midfielder Luke Mahony booted two last-quarter goals and Billy Arnold was also integral in the comeback.
“Billy kicked a goal and went back and took an important defensive mark,” he said.
Carse said recruit Jason Robinson also played one of his best games in the black and white stripes.
Camperdown midfielder Jesse Gallichan was the Magpies’ only injury concern.
He hurt his chest in the first half and will be assessed.
Forward Nick Bateman failed to pass a fitness test on his injured shoulder, delaying his comeback.
Reece Scoble (hamstring) was the Eagles’ only casualty.