SENIORS
After an excellent pre-season, coupled with some encouraging practice matches, the young Western Magpies were eager to perform in their first QAFL State League match since the 2004 season. In front of a strong local crowd, the Magpies were presented with their 2008 Pineapple Hotel Cup premiership flag before the match which was accepted by past President Matt Vowles.
The first quarter saw the much improved Redlands control the football and pile the pressure on the Magpies backline. The âÃÂÃÂPies were able to limit the damage with the help of some wayward kicking by restricting the visitors to four goals at quarter time. The Bombers hit the post no less than three times during the first term yet still took a comfortable 20 point lead into the first break.
During the second term the Magpies started to win some more football, but this time it was their turn to waste opportunities in front of goal. Tim McEvoy, Ben Jaenke-Cain and in particular Ben Heffernan-Roper were finding plenty of the ball through the middle of the ground, whilst Josh Barton, Luke Scott and Scott Clarke provided the options across half-forward. Despite the efforts of the Magpies, the margin increased due largely to the dominance of Redlands forward Jason Eagle. At half-time the Magpies were trailing by 32 points.
After the break the Magpies came out with the belief that they could still win the match. Some brilliant tackling from Richard Wenham and Matt Stevens lifted the team and provided the real highlight during the third quarter; however both players were not always rewarded for their efforts. Again the Magpies won the ball only to see it not always used to full advantage. The difference was 58 points heading into the final term.
The Magpies continued to fight in the last quarter and managed to finish with a five goal effort. Ed McDonnell provided some presence in the middle of the ground and key Forward Josh Barton was able to register two goals and finish with four for the match as the only multiple goal scorer. Eventually Redlands proved too strong and recorded a solid win 17. 19 âÃÂà121 to 11. 7 âÃÂà73. The Magpies can be optimistic about their upcoming matches and will be confident they can notch up their first win of the season. They next play Labrador at Cooke-Murphy Oval on Saturday April 18.
Western Magpies AFC
Goal Kickers: J. Barton 4, B. Jaenke-Cain, R. Dobson, L. Scott, C. Judson, S. Clarke, S. Musson, B. Morris
Best Players: B. Heffernan-Roper, T. McEvoy, L. Scott, E. McDonnell, B. Jaenke-Cain, S. Clarke
RESERVES
Earlier in the day the Western Magpies reserves commenced their QAFL season in style by defeating Redlands 12. 20 âÃÂà92 to 12. 8 âÃÂà80. In hot conditions the Magpies started slowly and fell behind by two goals before Jay Baker kicked two of his own for the home side to close the margin. At quarter-timer the Magpies were eight points behind.
In the second term the young Magpies played some entertaining and attacking football. Will Fozard, Brett McEvoy and Blake McClennan were getting their hands on the ball in the middle of the ground which gave opportunities to the forwards. The small forward line which coach Peter McClennan had set-up provided a six goal quarter. The effort from the young Magpies was demonstrated by Blake McClennan, who took a courageous mark running back with the flight of the ball. The Magpies were confident heading into half-time and had reversed the quarter-time margin to lead by eight points.
The third quarter was again controlled by the Magpies and they should have finished the game. Sean Mewing, Drew Mitchell and Sean McEvoy were generating run from half-back. Young midfielder Nick Ielase, and the more experienced Peter Kilroy and Jake Magill were linking up well and creating numerous goal scoring chances, only to see shots at goal result in behinds. The poor goal kicking hurt the Magpies and meant that at the last change the teams were locked together.
The final term was hard fought; however it was the Magpies who were able run the game out and record a deserving win. It was the more seasoned players who finished the game. Sean Mewing kicked a memorable goal on the run from 50 metres, and Scott Matthews was cool under pressure to slot home from 35. The result was a great way to start the season and the coaching staff are optimistic the team can only improve in the coming weeks. The emergence of some young players was a real highlight to come from the win. The players will now look to make it two wins from two games when they meet Labrador on April 18.
Western Magpies AFC
Goal Kickers: M. Thompson 5, K. Reed 2, J. Baker 2, J. Magill, S. Mewing, W. Fozard
Best Players: B. McEvoy, J. Baker, S. Mewing, W. Fozard, P. Kilroy, M. Thompson
Go the âÃÂÃÂPies
Last Modified on 16/04/2009 11:33
