GAME DAY REPORT
The Western Magpies defeated a gallant Surfers Paradise outfit at Sir Bruce Small Park on Saturday to notch their second win in as many games. The Magpies finished strongly after another slow start to prevail 16-18-114 to 13-15-93 in front of a strong and vocal local crowd.
In a sluggish first quarter which saw the Magpies outscored 4 goals to two, it was poor skill execution and ineffective application of the game plan by the visitors, as well as midfield dominance by the Demons that gave them the early upper hand. It wasn’t until late in the first quarter after some good forward pressure that led to multiple stoppages deep inside the 50, that the Magpies managed their first goal through classy forward Val Pope. At quarter time the Magpies coaching staff were pleased with the endeavour and attack on the contest, and reiterated to the players that with more polish going forward the momentum would soon turn around.
The second term was again evenly contested and both sides had spells of sustained possession. The Demons continued to win the clearances out of the centre, however as the second term went on the Magpies pressure lifted and the ‘Pies started to move the ball a lot more fluently. After failing to capitalise on a number of opportunities in front of goal, the Magpies kicked two late goals through Matt Davis and Chris Judson to go into half time only trailing by a solitary kick. Corey Hopkins was instrumental through the middle of the ground, and defenders Chris Hunt, Blaec Ablett and Peter Kilroy provided run from the backline. The tall forwards started to get some more one-on-one opportunities with youngster Matt Uebergang impressive in the air, taking a number of strong marks. In a blow for the Magpies, Kilroy went down with a serious ankle injury before half time that meant he didn’t return.
It was the third quarter when the Magpies made their move. The match was up for grabs until a ten minute burst prior to three quarter time saw the Magpies kick four unanswered goals that gave them the buffer they were after heading into the final stage of the match. Earlier, the hosts kicked out to a handy two goal lead before Hopkins, and Ben Jaenke-Cain – one of the ‘Pies best on the day - lifted in the centre to provide the forwards quick supply. Val Pope snapped his third goal from the pocket to start the damage, before dashing defender Hunt surged forward and finished off some great lead-up play that started with a courageous effort to win the ball by Jaenke-Cain at half-back. Key forward Matt Garland then marked strongly and converted from 30 metres, before Redland based Jordan Bain took the mark of the day, climbing high over a pack to take a great grab before slotting the ball home to cap off his good work. The Magpies late dominance gave them the added confidence heading into the final term to finish strongly and secure the four points.
The intensity during the final quarter again increased from both sides, the tackling and physical pressure a real feature. Every possession was hard won and Surfers Paradise continued to press hard until the final siren for their maiden win of the 2014 season. It wasn’t until six minutes in that the Magpies kicked the first goal of the quarter and looked as though they would run away with the game, however the Demons always found a way to get a quick reply. In a real tussle, both teams managed four goals, highlighting the impact of the Magpies’ surge late in the third. Eventually it was enough to see the visitors home to record their second win of the season.
A solid away win by the Chelmer based Magpies really affirmed to both the coaches and players the evenness of the QAFL competition and that when the Magpies produce four quarters of their best football, they are very much a side to watch out for. All players contributed well on the day, with only the injury to Kilroy a negative. Much improvement is still to be realised and with a crop of young developing footballers making their mark, the Western Magpies is an exciting club to be involved in and supporting!
Up the Maggies!!
Last Modified on 29/04/2014 20:14