Poor first half costly for Reserves

A poor first half proved costly for the Western Magpies Reserves at Labrador on Sunday, trailing by 9 goals against the ladder leaders at half time. The Pies lifted in the second half to outscore the Tigers and finished with a dominant last quarter before going down  16-17-113 12 to 8.6-54. 

The young Pies allowed Labrador to dictate terms of play in the first half and were  punished on turnovers as the Tigers scored many goals from disposal errors from the Pies.  

Coach Quentin Johnson challenged his players at half time to play tighter and more contested football and they responded to match their more highly fancied opponents after half time. He was happy with the way his players responded to the challenge.

Young midfielder Matt Mazarolle continues to grow in stature with another fine game and Gabe McKinnon was solid across half back and is yet to play a bad game this season. On-baller Hunter Heath had his best game for the year and ruck man Rob Mohr also competed well and was rewarded with 2 goals. Joel Workman was hard at the contest all match and also finished with 2 goals and Matt Garland's timing was out across half forward early, but he worked his way into the match in a pleasing return from a long term injury.