Westpoint Autos Colts Grand Final Match Report

COLTS WELL BEATEN IN GRAND FINAL

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be for the Western Magpies Colts in 2017 coming up against a far superior Morningside Panthers in the Grand Final played in very warm conditions at Southport on Saturday.  The Colts battled gallantly all day but were no match for the bigger bodies and superior ball movement of their highly fancied opposition going down 18-10-118to 4-8-32.

The Magpies kicked into a three goal breeze in the first quarter and managed to hold the Panthers at bay, going into quarter time only a few goals behind. Unfortunately, the Pies failed to make use of the windand their dominance in the second quarter. The Pies had the football in their forward half for long periods without making an impact on the scoreboard and then Morningside would make them pay with rapid transition into an open forward line. Morningside were able to go into the main break 32 points up. From here on in Morningside controlled the game, out-bustling the Magpies around the contest and using the ball clinically when going forward.

Sam Hartog and Caleb Franks worked tirelessly through the midfield all day. Both boys were able to win their fair share of footy around the stoppages and used it well when they had their opportunities. Once again Hamish Campbell was a shining light up forward, leading up at the ball hard, providing a contest and working ferociously when the ball hit the ground. Tristan Dowdy was again solid as a rock down back and was well supported by the ever reliable Whitlam Bishop. 

Whilst it was a disappointing end to the year for the Magpies it has been a really successful season for the Colts. The young Magpies had several players involved in the State U17's and U18's Lions Academy competitions, a host of players made their Senior and Reserves debuts and the boys finished the regular season on top of the ladder after a nasty mid-season slump. A fantastic group of young men, the club looks forward to them remaining at the club, getting stuck into pre-season and forming a core group of the Western Magpies Senior football team in coming seasons.

Morningside 5.3, 7.5, 12.10, 18.10 (118) d Western Magpies 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 4.8 (32) 

Western Magpies

Goal Kickers: J. Commons, C. Franks, H. Campbell, Z. Stegmeyer

Best: C Franks, T Dowdy, S Hartog, W Bishop, H Campbell, C Smith