METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES PREVAIL IN SCRAPPY AFFAIR

The Western Magpies won a scrappy contest when they prevailed in a mistake riddled and tough contest by 9 points at Sandgate on Saturday.

It was a 'Steve Waugh victory' --an ugly win, better than a sparkling loss!

The Pies won 9.8-62 to 7.11-53 in a tight finish.

The Pies now move into 5th place on the ladder with a 2-1 record and face another tough contest at home against Broadbeach next Saturday. 

A tricky cross wind did not help the skill level of either team and Sandgate obviously turned up to play on their big home ground after 2 disappointing losses to start the season. 

The Magpies won plenty of ball early in the first quarter and should have had a 4 goal lead but after 2 early goals squandered numerous chances, which set the tone for the day. 

The Magpies were guilty of overusing the football and again missed targets proved costly and slow ball movement into the forward line resulted in congestion which was the order of the day.

In fact Sandgate missed several shots at goal in the final quarter that could have cost the Pies dearly but they were able to hold on to a valuable win and lock away the 4 points. 

The defence led by Luke Mitchell, Luke Scott and Chris Hunt repelled numerous Hawk attacks and Mitchell in particular was superb in mopping up and made some telling intercept marks and tackles and without his contribution the Pies may not have won the game. 

Callum Carseldine and Gareth Crawford won plenty of contested ball to drive the Pies forward and both also were good as link players when the ball came out of the back line.

Redlands listed Matt Sondergeld had his best game for the Pies with plenty of possessions on the wing and across half forward and he was a busy player all match.

Another Redlands listed player in Liam Dwyer played also played his best match for the Pies at CHF and in the ruck. His was a brave effort as he kept running and presenting all match despite a foot injury suffered in the first quarter. X-rays later confirmed a broken bone in his right foot and he will miss for 6 weeks. 

Ruckman Nick Barling was reported for striking and will be in doubt for the next match, depending on the Tribunal hearing. He played under duress suffering back spasms in the match. 

Senior Coach Glenn Humphrey had this to say:

“It was a scrappy contested football game, where neither side really got any flow going.

“It was a struggle for most of the day. We are happy to win ugly, but if it was any uglier I wouldn’t date it.

“The important thing is we got the four points on the board, and we will take a few things out of the game in terms of structures, some things we didn’t do well, and some things we did.”

The Pies will look forward to playing their first match at home at Chelmer next Saturday against Broadbeach with a 1-2 record. 

Western Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 6.3 - 39 | 8.5 - 53 | 9.8 - 62

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 3.2 - 20 | 5.5 - 35 | 4.7 - 37 | 7.11 - 53

Best: L.Mitchell, C.Carseldine, G.Crawford, M.Sondergeld, L.Scott, C.Hunt

Goals: A.Dickfos, D.Mitchell 2, D.Lewis, G.Crawford, C.Carseldine, V.Pope, B.Allen 1