Mack Truck Match Review - Dark Day for Pies on the Coast

DARK DAY FOR PIES ON COAST

It was a dark day for the Western Magpies when they were defeated in all three grades by Palm Beach- Currumbin at Palm Beach on Saturday.

The Seniors suffered the Pies largest defeat since the darker days of 2009-10, going down by93 points

The Pies Reserves went down by 73 points and the Colts were defeated by 9 points.

MAGPIES SUFFER BIG DEFEAT

The Western Magpies had a tough day at the office when they were comprehensively outplayed by a well drilled and slick Palm Beach-Currumbin at Palm Beach on Saturday. 

The Pies booted the first 2 goals of the match in an even opening 15 minutes but itwas all PBC from then on as they controlled all facets of the game to run out 23.19 -157 to 9.10-64 victors.

One thing can be said for the young Magpies--they never gave up and worked hard all game but had no answer for a Lions team who had several strong-marking key position players, some impressive run and spread and other than in front of goal were efficient in their ball use. The Pies were also hampered with a first quarter injury to midfielder Joe Murphy and illness just prior to the match to young half forward Dom Misso so the Pies were effectively two players short for 3.5 quarters.

The ground was damp and the centre wicket area heavy and the Pies were guilty too often of over use of the ball and short kicks to a contest only for an error to result in a turnover. The home side would often quickly transfer the ball to a loose man who would link up with teammates and kick long to the forward line putting the Pies back six under constant pressure. The Lions were outstanding in their transition of the football into their forward line. 

PBC employed an extra man in defence and with the Pies often under pressure when kicking, the loose man proved a defensive barrie, but also a source of the Lions attacking thrusts. 

Val Pope was good on his return from a work trip overseas and worked hard up forward and in the middle. Gareth Crawford relished the heavier going and won plenty of the ball in his best game for some time and captain Drew Mitchell was in and under all match trying to lift his side. Logan Murray used his burly frame to good effect in the clinches and laid a number of good tackles. 

Aaron Highlands was not afraid to mix it up in ruck and just keeps going all match and Harry Marshall at fullback kept his opponent to three goals in a strong display in the face of a rampant Lions barrage. 

Coach Brydan Morgan was philosophical after the match noting his side was outplayed but he washappy with the endeavour of the team and that they fought the match out for the entire 120 minutes. The coaching group felt the Lions were by far the best side the Pies have played this year.

The Magpies need to regroup for a crucial re match with Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday. 

It is a logjam from fourth to seventh on the QAFL ladder and this is another big match and a test of the Pies resolve and resilience after a big defeat.

Palm Beach Currumbin   5-7-37   9-11-65   17.14-116   23-19-157

Western Magpies           2-3-15   3-4-22      4-5-29          9-10-64

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: L. Dwyer 2, D. Mitchell, A. Maricic, W. Johnson, V. Pope, G. Crawford, C. Pershouse
Best Players: D. Mitchell, L. Murray, H. Marshall, G. Crawford, V. Pope, A. Highland