CK Group - Colts Review

PIES COLTS BOW OUT WITH HEADS HELD HIGH

The Western Magpies Colts gave everything they had in their Preliminary Final against Maroochydore on Saturday morning. Unfortunately it just wasn't enough for victory, but anyone who witnessed the match would agree, the side lost no admirers in defeat and can hold their heads high.

It was a tight defensive arm wrestle in the first half, with both sides using the extra defender behind the ball, and both midfields gut-running to block up the oppositions forward line.

Scoring was difficult as a result and the half-time score reflected this with a 4 goals to 1 lead to the home side.

The game was played in perfect conditions and on one of the best surfaces you would ever see. Despite the scoreline, it was an entertaining half of footy, and the pressure both sides put on each other was immense. The 22 point lead to Maroochydoore was a result of the home side taking their chances while the Pies were trying to be too perfect, pushing the extra possession when attacking the goals was the best option.

The coaching group made adjustments and asked the boys to be bold and back themselves. Setting up with a more traditional structure, and using a bigger midfield in Jake Farrell, Dom Morrison & Matt Mazorelle, the game opened up a bit. With the mids and half backs getting well on top, and ruckman Aaron Highlands dominating both at ruck contests and around the ground ,  the Pies had much the better of most of the 3rd quarter. Rory Johnson’s move forward was paying off, but again just couldn't take full advantage. The Pies would pay dearly for not being able to apply scoreboard pressure in the third quarter to go with the territory advantage held and it proved crucial in the final result.

2.5 to 1.2 for the quarter didn't do the effort justice and if it was 5.2 instead the result may have been very different.

Still the team went into three quarter time believing if they were good enough they they were close enough to cause a boilover. Again injury struck, with Skipper Dom Misso an early casualty, and Phil Stumer, Patty Renner, Jimmy Gainford and Ash Gore all spending time getting treatment. It's a credit to the lads that they all would not let the boys down and returned to play important roles for the side.

Unfortunately the effort put in to peg back Maroochydore was starting to tell, and although the young Pies never chucked in the towel and fought right to the end, the final margin was the same as half time. It was a great game of Colts footy, and a credit to both sides. Tough and hard, no quarter asked or given, but in the end the home side was a little bit better forward of centre and they move through to the Grand Final, where they will be strong favourites for the flag.

Coach Justin Gore was very proud of the side and to reach a Preliminary Final was above expectations given the Magpies did not field a Colts team last year and had this to say:

“So,  that's the end of the road in 2016 for our reborn Colts program. We hope the supporters are proud of the way the young Magpies have represented our club, and we wish Nathan , Cal, Lachie and all the senior squad the very best of luck as they strive to bring the Flag back to the nest...”

Score :

Maroochydore        9.12.66

Western Magpies.  6. 8 44

Goals : DeRooy 3, Burgess, R.Johnson, Farrell

Best : Highlands, Adamson, R.Johnson, Farrell, Gore, Reynolds.