ARABON FINANCIAL - VINTAGE VAL POPE FIRST QUARTER SETS UP RESERVES WIN OVER GRANGE
Andrew Thomson
The Western Magpies Reserves set up their 34 point win over Wilston Grange Saturday week ago with a 7 goal to nil first quarter.
It was vintage dual Bill Peirce Medallist Val Pope who set the scene for the Pies with 3 first quarter goals as he went on the boot 6 goals in the 15-7-97 to 9-12-66 victory.
The only downer on the win was that the Pies were outscored by 9 goals to 8 goals after quarter time.
However the first quarter was close to the best the Pies had played this season with the midfield gaining early ascendancy with youngster Zane Lovell and ex-Southport player Rhett Lloyd winning plenty of the ball to remind the selectors that are still about and ready for a Senior recall.
Jayden Gallagher was also an imposing presence in the midfield to also remind selectors he is starting to regain his early season form.
Brady Allen had a strong game at CHB then fullback against some tall opponents and his long clearing kicks opened up play for the Pies. He was well supported by half back Zac Collison, who was solid across half back and also returned to n=his fine early season form. Jesse Hampel booted 3 goals when moved forward after starting in defence to be another good player.
The Magpies have a tough encounter in a fortnight against Mt Gravatt but the Pies would like nothing better than upset their long time rivals.
7.5-47 10.6-66 | 14.7-91 | 15.7-97
0.2-2 | 3.7-25 | 8.9-57 | 9.12-66
WESTERN MAGPIES
Goal Kickers: V. Pope 6, J. Hampel 3, J. Austin, Z. Lovell, B. Allen, C. Jenkins, J. Gallagher, R. Lloyd
Best Players: V. Pope, Z. Lovell, R. Lloyd, B. Allen, J. Gallagher, Z. Collison