Coopers Friday Footy Review - Woodsmen
Andrew Thomson
WOODSMEN PUSH INTO SECOND SPOT
The Western Magpies (Woodsmen) have pushed into 2nd spot on the ladder after a hard fought Friday night victory over the Ormeau Bulldogs at the nest.
The final score of 9.8 – 62 to 4.2 – 26 doesn’t really represent the stranglehold the Woodsmen had on the contest, but again the side struggled to gel after 11 changes from the previous week – with several Woodies returning to the fold after 12+ months out of the game due to injury.
The Woodies were on top in early exchanges, however Ormeau managed to sneak forward for the first 2 goals of the match after some sloppy play across half back and a lack of defensive pressure from the midfield. However after tightening up, the Woodies were able to regain the ascendency in both general play and on the scoreboard for the balance of the night. Finishing the opening term with a 1 goal lead, the Woodies asserted their midfield dominance with a 3 goal to nothing 2nd quarter to enjoy a 4 goal half time lead. Battling very defensive tactics from Ormeau, who often had as many as 3 players behind the ball – the Woodies struggled to move the ball efficiently into the forward line to convert, and again struggled with goalkicking accuracy.
The 2nd half was more of the same, with the Woodsmen enjoy significant advantages on the ball and at stoppages but again failing to gather momentum on the scoreboard, only kicking 3 goals in the 2nd half, despite reinforcements arriving at half-time due to work delays giving the Woodies the full 22 man compliment of players.
Jay ‘the Butcher’ Baker was excellent in his return to the side, taking grabs up forward and also applying superb defensive pressure for a big man – including multiple chase down tackles. Big Steve Forbes will also be better for the run, while Chris ‘The Stink’ La Burniy was also enjoying a solid return to the side before an ankle injury in the 3rd quarter put an end to his evening, and perhaps a few months out will be the result.
A highlight of the game was Rick Masterson snagging his first goal for the Woodies, after a few missed/stolen opportunities earlier in the game and during the season. Old Rick must be the betting mans favourite for the Rising Woody in 2017!
This week the Woodies will take on Morningside at Morningside, who will be a good challenge after they upset Sandgate last week in an lopsided encounter.
Goals: Mihalopoulous 2, Fuentes 2, Thomson 2, Masterson, Davis, Forbes 1
Best: Thomson, Curtis, Baker, Long, Barkley, Davis