Anytime Fitness - Colts Review
Andrew Thomson
COLTS GRIND OUT GUTSY WIN
The Western Magpies Colts didn't get things all their own way on Saturday as they were forced to grind out a hard fought 13 point over Sandgate in the first game of the day.
The Pies overcame inaccuracy to triumph by 13 points, 8.16-64 to 8.3-51.
A late withdrawal from Saxon Pobjoy saw the team run out with 21 players, a situation that was compounded throughout the game with several players picking up niggling injuries. By the end of the game the Magpies bench was without a fit player and the boys were required to dig deep and protect their lead against a fast finishing Sandgate outfit.
They say bad kicking is bad football and this was certainly the case for the young Magpies as they held sway for the majority of the game but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard. Sandgate, on the other hand, managed to keep the score board kicking over with some very handy goals over the back and taking their opportunities when they arose.
Whilst it was a tough day at the office, there were some really pleasing signs with young Jack Austin starring in his first game for the club in the forward line and co-captain Noah Resuggan having a cracking day on the ball. Running defenders Sam Hartog and Tristan Dowdy continued their good run of form and once again Jordan Bonney and Jacob Sheath looked dangerous up forward. The ruck pairing of Finn Collison and Jye Enever are starting to click and this should provide more opportunities for the key midfielders to get first hands on the ball. Sam de Nys, Jayden Johnson and Josh Commons also showed some good signs throughout the game and will be looking to consolidate on this good form in the coming weeks.
A key learning for the Pies Colts this week will centre around maintaining consistency and intensity for a full four quarters of football. When they stick to the game plan, are relentless around the contest and maintain their team structures they are hard to beat. The challenge for the team is maintaining this high standard from quarter to quarter, game to game.
The Colts now set their sights firmly on Wilston Grange in the first home game of the year. It'll be great to play under lights for the first time in 2017 and the team is really looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd after the Senior match.
Western Magpies 3.3 - 21 | 5.7 - 37 | 7.11 - 53 | 8.16 - 64
defeated
Sandgate Hawks 3.0 - 18 | 4.0 - 24 | 7.1 - 43 | 8.3 - 51
Best: Austin, Resuggan, Hartog, Dowdy, De Nys, smith
Goals: Collison, Sheath 2, Jenkins, Hartog, Bonney, Johnson