The Westside Asphalt Western Magpies U/18’s overcame a determined and match hardened Redland Bombers in an amazing come from behind win that was high in drama with many twists and turns in the Sports Ready AFLQ Division 1 U/18 Grand Final at Aspley on Sunday. The final score of 10.16.76 to 7.9.51 did not reflect the high drama and tension of a classic match played out in front of a big crowd.
The first quarter started frantically with the Bombers dominating possession early and getting the score on the board with Cairns recruit Jye Bolm involved in everything the catalyst for the Bombers. The Magpies struggled to get any continuity in their game and turned the ball over too often and the Bombers defense was rebounding strongly and well on top of the Magpies forwards. When the quarter time siren went the Magpie faithful were stunned by the Bombers kicking 4.5 to 1.3 to hold a 20 point lead at quarter time.
Des Lashman’s message at quarter time to lift the intensity and pressure had instant results as Dylan McDonald started getting his hands on the ball first and the Magpies midfield unit went to work. Tom Ielasi took over the centre clearances and was well supported by Jake Fuentes, Tony Flynn, Alan Borchardt and James Scarce. Tim Colburn and Lachlan Woods-Honour were rebounding Bombers attacks with plenty of run and carry and delivering the ball forward with accuracy.
Alex Dickfos and his fellow forwards were dominating the air but the Magpies could not find the goals in fact 9 straight behinds became almost farcical when Bernard Sier ran into an open goal and dribbled the ball through for a behind. The Bombers managed 1.1 for the quarter and held a 17 point lead at half time. Had the Magpies blown it?
In the Premiership quarter the Bombers kicked their only goal early to steady the ship and the Magpies were still struggling to find the goals but Alex Dickfos was marking everything that came his way. Two free kicks and goals from resulting 50 meter penalties gave the Magpies the change of momentum they needed. This was followed by the highlight of the match when Jake Fuentes corralled against the forward pocket boundary line by Bombers opponents and no inside option went with a right foot banana that sailed straight through the middle and the Magpies were pumped.
Alex Dickfos took upwards of 8 contested marks for the quarter in a purple patch that changed the game as he kicked 3 goals for the quarter from 7 shots including two posters and 1 out on the full. At three quarter time the Magpies had kicked 7.4 to the Bombers 1.1 and converted a 17 point deficit to a 22 point lead.
At the start of the last the Bombers regained some composure and had kicked a couple of goals to bring the margin back inside 2 goals and were charging at the Magpies. It was through this period of the game that the Magpies defense took control and killed every attack. Dylan McDonald dropped back and took a number of marks while Jesse Hampel, Mitchell Oats and Blaine Coates marked everything in the air. Tim Colburn, Bryce Crossley and Lachlan Woods-Honour won contested football on the ground and took on the tiring bombers small forwards to clear the danger area time and time again.
Woods-Honour then capped his defensive work by winning possession on the wing and took on and evaded a number of opponents and then produced a classy finish from 45 meters to steady the Magpies ship. A short time later Alex Dickfos kicked his fourth for the day to seal the deal and the Magpies controlled possession for the remainder and were 25 point victors when the final siren sounded. REDEMTION!!
CONGRATULATONS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE WESTERN MAGPIES U/18 PROGRAM!!!!!!
Tim Colburn was awarded BOG while Jake Fuentes was presented with the match ball for his unbelievable third quarter snap.
1st Q 2nd Q 3rd Q 4th Q
Western Magpies 1.3 1.12 8.16 10.16.76
Redlands 4.5 5.5 6.6 7.9.51
Goals Alex Dickfos 4,Jake Fuentes 2,Gary Fozard 1,Tom Ielasi 1,Bernhard Sier 1,
Lachlan Woods-Honour 1
Best Tom Ielasi,Tim Colburn,Dylan McDonald,Jesse Hampell,Lachlan Woods-Honour,
Jake Fuentes
Last Modified on 01/09/2010 12:35