MACK TRUCK MATCH REVIEW - PIES FLEX MUSCLE EARLY IN BATTLE OF BIRDS

Western Magpies new forward Jake De Winter has stamped his class with a 7 goal haul as the Pies had a 59 point victory over Sandgate at Sandgate on a bright Autumns Saturday over the weekend. De Winter booted 4 of the Pies first 5 goals of the match and had 5 goals before quarter time as the Pies kicked 7 first quarter goals to take control of the contest early.

The Pies dominated the first quarter with slick ball movement by keeping it simple-- a quick handball to a running player who delivered quickly toward De Winter,  who was thriving in one on one contests in a wide open 50.  De Winter started with a strong pack park, before kicking 2 more after marks inside 50 on the lead and going back with the flight.  The Hawks responded by putting a bigger key defender to him to curb his advantage in the air, and he responded with 2 more quick goals using his ground level speed.  Certainly a tough match up, when you can play tall and small!  The midfield dominance and quick ball movement, also plays into the hands of a good forward in a one on one battle - and the Magpies had it on a string in the first quarter.

The Magpies won 17.17- 119 to 8.12-60. The victory means the Magpies and Labrador are the only two teams with 2 wins  after 2 rounds. 

The only blot on the copybook was inaccuracy in front of goal in the last quarter with the Pies booting 5.8 for the quarter.

With such blistering opening quarter it was no surprise that the midfield  dominated with Drew Mitchell, Tom Ielasi, Brodie Easton and Ben Jaenke-Cain continually running through the middle and pumping the ball forward. Sandgate blocked up the centre corridor after quarter time and this forced the Pies to go to the flanks and reduced their efficiency. The Pies were guilty of not playing smart football with long kick to a clustered forward arc being less productive and playing into the Hawks hands.

Harry Marshall and David Lewis continued their good early season form with another dominant display across half back which restricted the home team's ability to score.

Bryce Crossley came into the team as a late replacement for youngster Dom Misso, who could not shake off a thigh injury, and while not as fit as he could be, Crossley played his role well. Also doing the job asked of him was Matt Mazarolle, who came into help cover the Sandgate tall forwards.

It was good day for the Pies with three victories on the day, with the Reserves notching up a  78 point win and the Colts earning a hard fought 13 point victory. 

This Saturday the Magpies have their first home game for the season when they host Wilston-Grange at Chelmer, who are 1-1 after 2 rounds.

Western Magpies 7.3 - 45 | 11.7 - 73 | 12.9 - 81 | 17.17 - 119

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 1.2 - 8 | 4.4 - 28 | 7.11 - 53 | 8.12 - 60

Best: Jaenke-Cain, De Winter, Lewis, Ielasi, D.Mitchell, Marshall

Goals: De Winter 7, Davis 2, Dwyer 2, Johnson, Saunders, Ielasi, Jaenke-Cain, D.Mitchell, Pope 1