24 Fit - Ressies Review
Andrew Thomson
KEY INCLUSIONS LIFT RESERVES TO BIG WIN
Several key inclusions have lifted the Western Magpies Reserves to their best win of the season when they had an 85 point win over the fourth placed Mt Gravatt on Saturday.
The Pies won 20.9-129 to 6.8-44 in a vital win that keeps their finals hopes alive.
The inclusions of regular senior players in Richard Wenham, Aaron Maricic, both returning from injury, Sam Copland and guest player Matt Thompson lifted the Pies and gave every other player a shot of confidence as the Pies team play was the best for the year.
Sam Copland responded to his unlucky omission from the senior side to gather plenty of possessions and boot 6 goals. It would have been noted by the Pies brains trust that Copland did plenty of good team things with several blocks, shepherds and quick handball gives to open up play.
Wenham and Maricic were both good off half back with creative play and run to not only thwart Mt Gravatt attacks but launch counterattacks as well.
Youngster Lachie Dennis had his best match in Reserves on the wing, Joel Workman continues to work hard in midfieldand is becoming a more consistent player and rover Jesse Pukallus also played his best gamewith plenty of possessions on the ball.
Todd Billing is relishing his time up forward with 6 goals to be among the best. Young player Stuart Hubbert in his first season of AFL epitomised the Pies new found desire when he chased hard and tackled well across half forward with the ball spilling free and a goal as a result.
With more players becoming available in coming weeks, the Magpies should try to maintain the standard set this week and also look to place selection pressure on the Senior side, which can only be good for the club.
The Pies will have a new shot of confidence as they take on the second placed PBC on Saturday.
Magpies 6.2 - 38 | 10.5 - 65 | 14.7 - 91 | 20.9 - 129
defeated
Mt Gravatt 2.1 - 13 | 3.4 - 22 | 4.7 31 | 6.8 - 44
Best: Wenham, Dennis, Billing, Copland, Workman, Pukallus
Goals: Copland, Billing 6, Farrell, Thompson 2, Dennis, Heard, Devlin, Pershouse, Taylor, Wenham 1