Mack Truck Match Review - Catch Up Footy Costs Pies Again
Andrew Thomson
CATCH UP FOOTBALL COSTS PIES AGAIN
The Western Magpies again had a one quarter lapse which proved costly and for the third time this season -- and second against Wilston Grange-- the Pies fell short playing catch up footy.
The Pies were in the contest at half time, trailing by 10 points, but had been rocked halfway through the second quarter with a knee injury to half back David Lewis, who had been playing well at the time and is enjoying a standout season. This seemed to unsettle the Pies, who looked to lose focus in the third quarter to allow the Gorillas to jump clear to lead by 20 points at three quarter time.
Wilston Grange then swept to a 26 point lead at the 20 minute mark of the last quarter before a late 3 goal rally from the Pies closed the gap to the final margin of 9 points. Final scores were Wilston Grange 15-5-95 to Western Magpies 13-8-86.
Jake de Winter returned to his early season form to boot 6 goals, using his pace to create space and goal scoring opportunities. de Winter has 28 goals for the year and is in equal second on the QAFL goalkicking list 1 goal behind the current leader. Val Pope in his 199th match for the Pies was again dangerous up forward and finished with 3 goals in another irrepressible game. Drew Mitchell and Tom Ielasi worked hard in the midfield but it was a lack of consistency through the match that cost the Pies.
In addition the Magpies lack the big strong key defender and Gorillas big forward Matt Trewella proved a handful for the Pies’ defenders. Medium sized defenders Chris Hunt and Harry Marshall have been good for the Pies but lining up on bigger bodied players week in-week out eventually takes its toll. And this was compounded with David Lewis’ injury. Likewise without a big strong marking key forward the Pies do not have the “get out of jail” option going forward and with a long kick forward opposition defenders can zone off and clear the defensive area.
The Magpies drop to sixth on the ladder and meet old rivals and fourth placed Mt Gravatt at Chelmer on Saturday and coach Brydan Morgan will again stress the need for a four quarter consistent effort. The Pies are on three wins and Mt Gravatt on four wins so a victory in this match will lift the Pies back into the five. The Magpies will also be up for Val Pope’s 200th Senior match in the black and white.
4.1-25
9.2-56
12.3-75
15.5-95
4.2-26
7.4-46
8.7-55
13.8-86
WESTERN MAGPIES
Goal Kickers: J. De Winter 6, V. Pope 3, J. Goodall, B. Saunders, D. Lewis, T. Ielasi
Best Players: J. De Winter, D. Mitchell, V. Pope, T. Ielasi