Garland further boost to Reserves outfit
Andrew Thomson
Key forward Matt Garland makes a long awaited comeback from injury against his old club when the Pies Reserves play Labrador on Sunday.
Regular senior player Garland injured a knee in practice match in March and will be a key inclusion for the Pies as they challenge the ladder leading Tigers. With Matt Hockley promoted to the Seniors, Garland will be the Pies key forward for the match
The Pies are not without a chance of an upset despite being last on the ladder as they have been competitive for long periods in every match this season but have one period of a lapse in concentration for a quarter or so when their opponents are able to take control of the match. They will also need to cover for the loss of Riley Easton and Sean Mewing but the continued improvement of youngsters Grant Jennings , Matt Mazarolle and Logan Murray in midfield, James Page and Nathan Morrow on halfback and Monty Vine in ruck has meant the Pies have been more competitive in recent weeks.
The experienced Jadan Morton, Bryce Crossley, Gabe McKinnon and Jae Humphrey provide the hardness at the contest which will keep the Pies in the match.
Expect a close tussle despite the teams occupying opposite ends of the ladder.