One poor quarter sinks Reserves

After a promising first quarter top open the game vs Surfers Demons, the Western Magpies Reserves had an inexplicable slump in the second quarter to concede 6 goals to nil and put them on the back foot..  The Pies fought back in the second half to get within 8 points in the last quarter but 2 late goals to the visitors saw them run out 21 points victors,  13-7-85 to 9-10-64.

Unfortunately the Pies conceded at least 4 goals to basic skill errors, but pleasingly the effort intensity is still there.

Despite the loss the Pies are improving each match and will be stronger again in coming weeks. Coach Quentin Johnson was pleased with his sides endeavour with forward tackling pressure a highlight, but he lamented some skill errors and poor decision making which he says are due to some players not being fit enough due to irregular training.

Regular First graders Luke Mitchell and Sean Mewing on return from injury were good players and will push for a Senior recall. Another inclusion in Matt Green was also busy and Matt Hockley also played a strong game and straightened the side up forward but the lack of a big key forward hurt the Pies. The Magpies had similar inside 50s to the Demons but were unable to convert.

Youngsters in Matt Mazarolle and Matt Davis continue to improve and another youngster in Grant Jennings also did some good things on return from injury.