Metis Wealth Match Review - Colts Make it 7 Straight

Colts rise to 3rd with strong win.

Sunday afternoon in the twilight game at the nest, the Magpie colts added another win to make it 7 in a row, and now sit 3rd on the ladder, just one win behind the top two.

It was another example of how tight this squad has become, and when they have a reason to bind together, this group form a formidable unit. Assuming they were going to be light on for numbers, both Captain Dom Misso and Vice-Captain Liam Reynolds put their hands up to play despite carrying calf/Achilles injuries. This, along with last year's u/17's premiership winning captain Jake Farrell, who had no hesitation backing up from playing a quality game in the reserves, gave the Magpies the full 22 to do battle. Its guys like these lads that are prepared to go the extra mile when asked, that gives the club great confidence in what they can produce in the coming years.

The side was lead out by our 3 indigenous stars Chae Lawson, Ziggy Fisher & Phillip Stumer, as a mark of respect to for the AFL's indigenous round. These young men are a credit to their families and the speech they made to the squad before the game proves these lads can be future leaders.

All focused on inclusion, mateship and everyone being equal, it's no wonder they hold such respect among the group. It doesn't hurt that they are all footy excitement machines in their own right.!!

The first qtr started off with a bang and the intensity brought by the Magpies was great, resulting in a quick goal and noisy celebration. Unfortunately, for the next few minutes, Morningside, to their credit also lifted around the ground and it took the boys some time to refocus and adapt. It's the first time they have been challenged strongly at the contest, and after a few minutes of readjustment, the Pies settled and started to force their way through. 6 points was the margin at qtr time.

After pointing out the obvious, and a commitment to adhere to basic principles of defend first, then attack, work for each other with team 1st acts, and take the game on when in possession, the colts played a brand of footy that was difficult for Morningside to match. DeRooy and Farrell were marking everything, Senescall was playing out of his skin at half forward, in what we would later learn was one of the bravest displays by a young man we have seen, and Green on a wing was providing great drive and a physical presence. The way the boys lifted to cover the restricted output of regular quality midfielders Misso and Reynolds meant as a whole the side did not miss a beat. A 6 goal to 1 qtr was the reward.

As the atmosphere drained from the oval after half time and the pressing need to limit Farrells game time, it was important the squad kept at it and generated their own excitement. It's been a focus all season that the side are self-generating and the impact of that was seen in the third qtr where Renner was playing his best game for the year, Grant, Gainsford and R.Johnson were providing the required contest and Roderick was a rock across half back. The result was an even better 6 goals to 0 qtr.

In the last, and with the game in hand the Magpies were challenged to finish off the good work after conceding 5 goals last week in junk time. To keep minds focused the team was swung around position wise and it did help to a degree, kicking4.5 to 2.2 .

Highlands had a huge game in the ruck, Luke was the complete role player at CHB, and Vine continues his quality season rotating between fullback and Ruck.

The end result was a convincing 90 point win for theyoung Magpies.  They are now 7-1 for the year, but face a testing 2 week period after the bye , facing preseason favourites Southport and the unbeaten Maroochydore back to back. This 2-week period will show where the side genuinely sit among the top sides, and both the players and coaching group are excited to see how they measure up. Given a reasonable run with injuries and selection, the Pies can be very confident that their team 1st style of play will stand up against the best.

Magpies 19.12.126DefM'Side 5.6.36

Goals : DeRooy 6, Farrell 4, Lawson 3, Stumer 2,Grant, Senescall, Vine & Reynolds 1 each

Best : DeRooy, Senescall, Highlands, Lawson, Renner & Green.

In sad news,  valuable member of the team - Josh Senescall lost his Father Monday after a long and brave battle with Cancer. Both Josh and Michael are two of the most fantastic human beings many have had the pleasure of knowing. Every member of the squad sends their thoughts to the Senescall family, and the Magpie Family are here to support him through this difficult time.