CK Group - Colts Review

IMPROVED EFFORT SEES COLTS WIN WELL

This week the young Magpies had the opportunity in the twilight match against Sandgate to make it 3 from 3 for the club in front of the 2006 premiership reunion.

After a huge win by the Reserves and a gutsy victory by the Seniors it was pleasing to see the Colts produce in front of a nice home crowd.

Fielding a very different side that was without virtually all its senior core, all three first choice ruckman , and a bit of silk at both ends of the ground, it was true test of the squad’s depth of talent. Calling upon two under 17's in Jordon Bonney and Tristan Dowdy (who unfortunately tweaked a groin in the warm up) and a surprise homecoming from long time Magpie junior Jimmy Hardess , recently stationed with the Air Force out at Amberley, it was going to take a full 22 man effort to earn the win.

It was extremely pleasing to see Rory Johnson take the captaincy and produce his best game of the year. The back to back B&F winner has been solid without standing out this year, but with the side needing every player to stand up, he was outstanding for the full four quarters. He wasn't alone though, with Jimmy Gainford, Kurt Vine in the ruck, Damon Allen, Tom Roderick and Ash Gore all working  together to win the midfield battle. They were well supported by Jake Farrell, Matt Mazerolle (both backing up from Reserves duty) Cal Grant and Conner Green, playing a new role as a backup ruckman. Dom Morrison was superb across half back and is developing very quickly in his new role . Has more than a little bit of Will Fletcher about his play and is one to watch in the future.

Backline leader Cam Smith,  Jordon Bonney, Josh Senescall , Jimmy Hardess, & Mark Adamsonwere very solid and show potential to be a quality group.

A make-shift forward set up worked extremely well considering they have never played together as a unit. Big Jeremy DeRooy had a day out and his 6 goals could have been 10 if he had the radar on, Chae Lawson continued his excellent season, and Johnston-Bates continued his improvement . With Pat Renner playing deep to help provide another option, the midfield gave these players nice service. It was good to see Jack Simonson get some touches his second game for the squad and finally be able to sing the song.

On face value it was just a regulation win, but after an ordinary month of football, an absentee list that stretches to 9 players and the need to finish the day off for the club in style, this win was full of merit.

The Colts would like to also thank the increased help from the senior footy department and also the off field support given to the squad from our legend of a manager Gregg Misso and Rob Lawson, Richard Smith and Vanessa Renner. Great to see the players who were not playing also helping out with off field job, running the water etc... It's meant the squad can now focus on the upcoming finals series and doing our club proud.

Western Magpies 12.9 - 81 def Sandgate  5. 3 – 33

Best : Johnson, DeRooy, Morrison, Vine ,Gainford, Johnston-Bates

Goals : DeRooy 6, Renner 2, Johnston-Bates, Johnson, Farrell , Roderick