Metis Wealth Match Review - Reserves

SLOW START COSTS RESERVES DEARLY

The Western Magpies Reserves went missing in the first quarter and allowed Wilston Grange to kick 7 unanswered goals which proved the difference in the match.

The Pies won two and a half quarters of the football game but were still beaten by 40 points, going down 7.9-51 to 13.13-91.

However, if an impartial observer had arrived half way through the second quarter and watched the match they would think the Pies were the better side.

A number of late changes to the side before that match caused some disruption and it showed in the first quarter with Grange dominating and the Pies minds and bodies seemingly elsewhere. The coaching mantra of the 5 Ps -- " perfect preparation prevents poor performance "-- comes to mind! 

Coach Craig Allen concedes that the-before-match preparation was less than ideal and will remind his charges in future matches of the 5 Ps. 

Sean Mewing was a late call up to Seniors after Aaron Maricic was ill and in came Jake Farrell who performed well.

Grange dominated the first quarter and ex-Magpie coach Nathan Clarke (and ex Lion!) showed his class to boot 3 early goals after suiting up for the Gorillas.

Half way through the second quarter it was a case of how far Grange but to the mostly young Pies credit thefought hard at all contests to muscle their way back into the match. It was improbabale that they would get close enough to win but they outscored a bigger and older Gorillas team for the second half.

Craig Allen asked his players at halftime  not to let their opponents lead them to the ball, to be close and tight and make every contest a battle.

The Pies started to win the football and were able to close the gap somewhat and kick 5 goals to 2 in the final quarter.  

Youngsters Dom Morrison on a wing won plenty of the football and Matt Mazarolle across half back worked hard all match, especially early to stem the tide. Riley Easton up forward returned to his busy self, while Joshua White on the ball also had another good game.

Sean McEvoy worked hard in the unaccustomed ruck role and Jamie Page was a hard working defender. Key forward Jeremy DeRooy kicked 3 goals and took some good grabs up forward and he will only get better as the season progresses. New recruit in Matt Dillon, returning to the club after a stint elsewhere,  also slotted into the side nicely and will be a valuable player over the next few weeks as he regains his fitness.

The Magpies will gain a lot of confidence from their second half but it won’t get any easier next Saturday against ladder leaders Labrador at Labrador . They will need to apply the 5Ps if they are to match the Tigers.

Western Magpies    0.2    0.4   2.6      7.9.51
Wilston Grange       7.4    8.6   11.11  13-13.91

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: J. DeRooy 3, R. Easton 2, J. Farrell 2
Best Players: D. Morrison, M. Mazerolle, R. Easton, J. White, J. Page, S. McEvoy