The Western Magpies will be seeking redemption when they host premiership favourites and undefeated Morningside at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies suffered a big defeat at Hawthorne in the first round and were also disappointing against Labrador last week and will be keen to finish the season on a competitive note and push the Panthers all the way.
Mitch Stallard on a wing has been one highlight for the Pies and his good recent form resulted in him receiving the Rising Star Award this week for his good performance last round against Labrador.
Dom Beer in ruck and Ben Jaenke-Cain in the centre have been the two outstanding players this season and both will be the two deserved favourites for the Pies Best and Fairest Award, the Bill Pierce Medal.
Out of the side are small forward Jake Heard and winger Brodie Easton to Reserves and promoted are Hunter Heath and Luke Boulton after recent consistent good Reserves form.
Morningside punished the Pies mistakes in the first round match and they play a disciplined brand of football with good spread at the contest and good disposal. The Pies will need to be aware of the Panther’s spread at the contest and match them with phsysicality and good ball use when they gain possession.
Chris Hunt has been consistent in defence and will look to fellow defenders Hayden Thick , Luke Mitchell, Sean Mewing and Peter Kilroy to help keep the visitors at bay.
Skipper Lachlan Woods has tried hard to lift his teammates with his “hard at the ball” approach and with Drew Mitchell, Jaenke-Cain and Stallard will hope to give key forward Jordan Bain opportunities to kick goals.
Both Mitchells were good last week and will look to finish the season on a good note.
The Pies will lift for their last match of the season and will want to walk off with their heads held high so expect a fierce contest as the Pies try to match it with the ladder leaders.
Last Modified on 22/08/2014 11:46
