We travelled to the Western Magpies in all three grades with some uncertainty as to how we would go. We haven't had a Senior win on their ground since 2006 so the thought of getting across the line was very exciting. It was a cold but fine day and the ground was in reasonable shape, more or less a perfect day for footy
U18s
Western Magpies vs Springwood 18's
Final score: d 9.9 (63) v 8.10 (58)
------- Game Summary ------
Round 8 saw the Under 18 Pumas away to the consistently strong Western Magpies, another top team and another opportunity to improve, also another chance to gauge where we sit in the top five.
Knocking off the top team and third team in the previous two weeks meant we were probably going into this game as favourites, the confidence was definitely up after the great effort against Maroochydore, but there is no doubt Anthony Corrie and his boys were ready for us.
We had a good start, kicking 3 goals to one in the first quarter, but things did not feel quite right, and the game definitely felt a little flat. The swirling wind was playing havoc with our ability to hit targets and also judge the flight of the ball.
The Magpies stepped up the pressure in the second, in what was yet again another tight tussle that could have gone either way, with whichever side could get on top first. Half time saw us on top by only a couple of points, and the boys new they had a fight on their hands.
The spark and drive of previous weeks was definitely missing and in the third quarter they gained the lead with a display of relentless pressure and skill in the windy conditions, kicking 4 goals 1 in a dominant display. We had too few guys not willing to man up, apply our usual contested pressure or lead and present like they would normally do.
The final quarter saw our boys come out with some fire to take it up to them, we played some much better football in the last, they were finally powerless to stop our run and continuous pressure on their back line. We could not buy a goal in the last few minutes, some decisions did not go our way, and the wind was still causing us lots of trouble around goals.
Finishing the quarter with 2 goals 4 we had every chance to pinch the game.
Maybe in some way we did not deserve to win it, as it was a great example of needing to be on our game all the time and demonstrates that we cannot afford to slacken off or get ahead of ourselves.
The week on the training track was not up to our normal standard.
Callum Eddy and Angus Hubert were both fantastic all day, their desperation and willingness to fight hard was a pleasure to watch. Dan Willaton again continued his recent form, finishing with four goals, and also played all over the ground to help out wherever he could.
Reece Adam's best game of the year down back, had his work cut out for him, especially when big Sammy Raymond went down injured. Balmy was good all day, but we are still waiting for the day he puts it all together, look out when he does. Nate was good again, working hard for not much result. Cherry was held well but still finished with a bag...of points, as league leading Goalkicker this will happen more often, we need to mindful of this and help him out when needed. Rocket Menz worked hard again all game, and Big Benny Mac showed some promising signs with his endeavour and willingness to learn and keep trying.
Palm Beach next week at home, time to show our supporters that last week was not a true demonstration of how we play our football.
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Goals: 4 D.Willaton , 1 B.Cherry , 1 C.Prater , 1 C.Eddy , 1 H.Day
Best Players: C.Eddy, D.Willaton, A.Hubert, R.Adams, D.Balm, B.Menz
Round 8 saw the Under 18 Pumas away to the consistently strong Western Magpies, another top team and another opportunity to improve, also another chance to gauge where we sit in the top five.
Knocking off the top team and third team in the previous two weeks meant we were probably going into this game as favourites, the confidence was definitely up after the great effort against Maroochydore, but there is no doubt Anthony Corrie and his boys were ready for us.
We had a good start, kicking 3 goals to one in the first quarter, but things did not feel quite right, and the game definitely felt a little flat. The swirling wind was playing havoc with our ability to hit targets and also judge the flight of the ball.
The Magpies stepped up the pressure in the second, in what was yet again another tight tussle that could have gone either way, with whichever side could get on top first. Half time saw us on top by only a couple of points, and the boys new they had a fight on their hands.
The spark and drive of previous weeks was definitely missing and in the third quarter they gained the lead with a display of relentless pressure and skill in the windy conditions, kicking 4 goals 1 in a dominant display. We had too few guys not willing to man up, apply our usual contested pressure or lead and present like they would normally do.
The final quarter saw our boys come out with some fire to take it up to them, we played some much better football in the last, they were finally powerless to stop our run and continuous pressure on their back line. We could not buy a goal in the last few minutes, some decisions did not go our way, and the wind was still causing us lots of trouble around goa
Finishing the quarter with 2 goals 4 we had every chance to pinch the game.
Maybe in some way we did not deserve to win it, as it was a great example of needing to be on our game all the time and demonstrates that we cannot afford to slacken off or get ahead of ourselves.
The week on the training track was not up to our normal standard.
Callum Eddy and Angus Hubert were both fantastic all day, their desperation and willingness to fight hard was a pleasure to watch. Dan Willaton again continued his recent form, finishing with four goals, and also played all over the ground to help out wherever he could.
Reece Adam's best game of the year down back, had his work cut out for him, especially when big Sammy Raymond went down injured. Balmy was good all day, but we are still waiting for the day he puts it all together, look out when he does. Nate was good again, working hard for not much result. Cherry was held well but still finished with a bag...of points, as league leading Goalkicker this will happen more often, we need to mindful of this and help him out when needed. Rocket Menz worked hard again all game, and Big Benny Mac showed some promising signs with his endeavour and willingness to learn and keep trying.
Palm Beach next week at home, time to show our supporters that last week was not a true demonstration of how we play our football.
---------------------------
Goals: 4 D.Willaton , 1 B.Cherry , 1 C.Prater , 1 C.Eddy , 1 H.Day
Best Players: C.Eddy, D.Willaton, A.Hubert, R.Adams, D.Balm, B.Menz
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The reserves again started slowly allowing themselves to get behind, the magpies have always been known as front runners. The first quarter started with us missing targets all over the field and the lazy magpies midfielders benefiiting by sitting in front of the play and picking up some cheap possessions. Natcam and robbie were great in the defensive line turning back a lot of attacking opportunities. Luke Ruf and Menzy were getting plenty of the ball but the turnovers were killing us. The quarter time scores of 4 - 1- 25 to the Pumas 2 - 1 - 13 were complimentary to the Pumas. Laurie had a good quarter with 2 goals.
The second quarter was more of the same, to make it worse ruffy sustained a bad injury and would not return to the game. Chalmo went to fullback and made an immediate impression by shutting down their fullforward and turning defence into attack. Macca was given an opportunity in the ruck and started to win the centre contests. Shaneo and Pezz were playing their normal good games but the team was not clicking and seemed disjointed.
The third quarter was again the Pumas best but having to come from behind is always difficult and when coupled with other injuries the petrol tank was nearly empty. The spirit displayed in this quarter was great and again shows what the boys are capable of. Three quarter time scores Magpies 6 - 7- 43 Pumas 5 - 4- 34.
The final quarter with no fit players on the bench and the run of the Magpies started to pay dividends for the home team. The crowd started to get into the game as the Magpies strung some goals together, unfortunately the boys fell away and were well beaten in this quarter. Final scores Magpies 10 - 12 - 72 Pumas 6-6- 42.
Although we can still make the finals a game plan that suits the group has to be found quick, some experimentation may be needed to change the fortunes of the reserves. There is no doubt we have the talent in the team to go a long way, it is a matter of harnessing this talent to produce wins, keep your heads up boys it will come.
Best Players Raudino, Chalmers, Murrihy, Menz, McCloy, Morrow, Pezzalato.
Seniors: The next game of course is the most important. The magpies have been ruthless with the Pumas over the years and some of their supporters have not been terribly complimentary of our players in some of our bad years. The magpies were sitting third on the ladder and with the Pumas on top, this was clearly the match of the round. The Pumas welcomed back Thommo, Rhan and Nashy to the team and were probably at their strongest for the year with only a couple of injured players missing.
The first quarter saw the Pumas come out of the blocks flying, the Magpies were getting smashed all over the ground. The Pumas were on top of their game with the rotations working well and Bridgey was hitting form at full forward. Proudy, Hoops and Eddy were getting lots of ball and their delivery was a joy to watch. If the ball did go the other end Sponno, Troncy and Blake were turning defence into attack. Sponno was doing a good job on Corey who has devastated us in the past. Quarter time scores: Pumas 6 - 3- 39 Magpies 1 - 2- 8
The second quarter started with more of the same but the game was starting to break open which always suits the free running Magpies. When the ball was in tight the Pumas dominated with their attack on the ball whilst the Magpies were happier with easy ball on the outside. Isles, Bridge and McGill were playing well and with Eddy still picking up a lot of ball by finding space the game was great to watch. Again the Pumas won the quarter with 5 goals to 4 resulting in half time scores of Pumas 11 - 4- 70 Magpies 5 - 7 - 37.
The third quarter was more of a struggle with the Magpies throwing players behind the ball and becoming defensive. The Pumas had to select their attacking options because the numbers back were making it difficult for the forwards to get the ball as they were always up against 2 or 3. The game slowed with the ball bouncing between backlines. Troncy had his best quarter for the year with his attack on the ball smashing his opponent. Hoops was having his best game of the year with his work all over the ground making a huge difference. Bridgey although outnumbered was having a great game down forward, his contest on the ball was his best for the year. Again the Pumas won the quarter.
Three quarter time scores: Pumas 14- 10 - 94 Magpies 7 - 10 - 52
With a 42 point lead the Pumas started to relax, as soon as this happened the Magpies started to fire and their supporters saw a glimmer of hope. The Magpies closed to within 18 points before coach King threw Proudy, Hoops and Boof into the centre and all of a sudden we were back in control with a couple of quick goals. The crowd went quiet and the Magpies dropped their heads as the Pumas changed gears. Although we lost the last quarter the Pumas did kick the last three goals to show who was the boss for the day.
Final Score:
Magpies 11-13 - 79 Pumas 17-13 - 115
Best Players: Hooper, Bridge, Proud, Sponneck, Tronc, Eddy, Wallis
The beer tasted great in the Magpies club rooms as the players and officials savoured the win.
Next week we play Palm Beach who are second on the ladder and again we will be the match of the round. With us having the home ground we need as many as possible to come down to add the atmosphere to the game. Remember the Under 18's start at 10.00 am , the reserves at 12.00 and the seniors at 2.00pm so come down for the whole day and watch some great footy.
GO THE PUMAS
Last Modified on 01/10/2013 13:23
