The Western Magpies are now officially out of finals contention after a disappointing 36 point loss to Surfers Paradise at Chelmer on Saturday, 19-17-131 to 14-11-95. In front of a Western Magpies player... and official reunion the Pies were swamped early by the Demons, who also were playing for their finals future. The 36 point final margin flattered the Magpies, who were 64 points down at three quarter time, but rallied in the last quarter to salvage some pride with 8 last quarter goals.
To rub salt into the Pies wounds, it was also Surfers Paradise first victory at Chelmer for 14 years.
The players, officials and crowd paid their respects before the match with a minute's silence to the 289 crew and passengers, including 28 Australians, killed in the Malaysian Airlines crash in the Ukraine.
From the first bounce Surfers Paradise took control of the match to boot 6 first quarter goals while keeping the home team goalless.
The Magpies lifted in the second quarter through the efforts of ruckman Dom Beer , who was easily the Pies best player, to be 29 points down at half time but back to playing good football. The first goal after the break gave the home team’s supporters hope of a comeback but it was shortlived as the Demons again took control of the midfield and with accurate use of the ball booted another 6 unanswered goals to have a 64 point lead at three quarter time.
The Pies lifted in the last quarter with the move of Matt Thompson to midfield and good work by rebounding defenders Peter Kilroy and Luke Mitchell, both in the best , which allowed key forwards Tom Michael and Jordan Bain some space to kick goals. Resting onballer Tom Ielasi was lively at ground level to boot 3 last quarter goals and Bain finished with 4 goals for the match.
Michael tried hard up forward and winger Mitchell Stallard was one of the Pies few players to at least break even with his opponent.
The Magpies forward line was given little space in the first three quarters and Surfers Paradise, with the inclusion of several Queensland Under 18 and Gold Coast Suns listed players, were able to rebound quickly with accurate foot and hand skills which gave the Pies defenders little chance. It was a lesson in accurate and precise ball movement that the Pies need to emulate if they are to improve this season and be competitive next year.
Magpies coach, Glenn Humphrey, didn’t mince his words after the match.
“It was disastrous,”he said.
“The confidence was gone once that first quarter was gone and they got themselves back into it but the effort just wasn’t good enough.
“I think at the moment there are too many blokes who are happy to just turn up and play a game rather than turn up and win a game.”
The loss was disappointing in front of a reunion crowd but at least the last quarter fightback was appreciated by the returning past players and officials.
There is a general bye next weekend before the magpies play UQ at University where they will hope to return to the winners list
Regards
Peter McClennan
Last Modified on 21/07/2014 20:59
