The Western Magpies showed they are not far off the pace in the QAFL when they pushed finals bound Broadbeach all the way before going down by 5 points at Broadbeach on Saturday, 16-15-111 to 17-4-106.
The Pies were obviously hurting after the shock loss to UQ last week and were seeking redemption and in their best quarter of the year booted 9 goals to the Cats two in a scintillating opening term.
The Pies had the advantage of a 2-3 goal breeze in the first quarter but were able to capitalise on some good midfield work from Ben Jaenke-Cain, Mitch Stallard and Dom Beer to give Jordan Bain plenty of opportunities to goal. Bain finished with 8 goals in a strong performance with strong leads, good marking and accurate kicking for goal. Bain has now kicked 53 goals to be second on the goalkicking list, 6 goals behind the leader. Brady Allen and Matt Garland also provided forward targets and finished with 2 goals each.
The Pies use of the football with foot and hand was the best for the season against quality opposition and it showed the young Pies have the ability to match it with the top sides, yet also have plenty of improvement in the playing group.
The Pies were unable to continue the momentum in the second term as Broadbeach had use of the breeze and the lead was whittled back to 4 goals at half time.
The Pies were expecting the Cats to come hard in the third quarter and that what occurred and as the Cats piled on the pressure the young Pies made some fundamental skill errors and also some poor decision making in disposal which allowed the home team back into the match. Despite kicking with the breeze in the third quarter the Pies could only manage two one majors as the home team booted 7 goals to go to a 9 point lead at the final break.
The final quarter saw a see-sawing and thrilling finish to the match as Broadbeach stretched the lead only to see the Pies close the gap but for the second week in a row the Magpies just could not reign their opponents in.
It was disappointing to give up a good lead but it was a far better performance from the Magpies than in recent weeks.
Other good players were Drew Mitchell, who after a late call-up was strong in midfield, Redland listed players Tom Michael across half forward and Ben Landry in the mid-field rotation.
The Magpies host Labrador at Chelmer on Sunday ( Note—Sunday) and will be looking to carry momentum into another clash against a finals bound team.
Last Modified on 12/08/2014 12:08
