The Western Magpies put on a strong first quarter to avoid the spectre of an upset loss to Labrador with a strong start, dominating general play and hitting the scoreboard early.

The Pies were able to win the ball out of the centre and with Drew Mitchell, Ryan Harwood and Riley Easton up and about early the Pies were never headed as they won in business-like fashion by 28 points, 12.12-84 to 8.8-56. 

For the second week in a row the Pies found themselves against an opponent out of finals contention intent on off the ball hits and constant niggle, rather than trying to win the game.  The Magpies were able to put this to one side and dominate the contest with 60+ i50 etnries to just 27.  However, the Pies made it tough for themselves up forward with some sloppy disposal keeping the scoreline respectable.  The win keeps the Pies in the finals hunt with three rounds to play and with a few big matches coming up. 

The Pies withstood a physical Tigers in a fiery second quarter when several spot fires broke out but it was the Pies who capitalised and a yet another late hit on 100 gamer Matt Davis resulted in a 50 metre penalty and Doc slotted the goal to kick the Pies 6 goals clear.

Labrador played a defensive game after half time flooding the Pies forward line  which made scoring difficult but the Pies held a comfortable lead to ensure the 4 points were safely in their keeping.

Aaron Highlands played a fine game at CHF negating the influence of Tigers key defender Wayde Mills, who is often the playmaker for the Tigers with his reading of the play. Riley Easton was like the Energex bunny, bobbing up everywhere in a superb display, laying tackle after tackle and giving his opposition a lesson in hard footy and non stop effort. Ben Jaenke-Cain and Drew Mitchell were on top through the middle of the ground and Will Fletcher was solid on a wing.

Doug Lawrence kept Tigers big fun forward Bryce Retzlaff to 2 goals and he received good support from fellow backmen Luca Winton and Brady Allen.

Matt Davis was good in his 100th game and Ryan Harwood was busy across half forward with 3 goals and Jack Austin celebrated his recall toe the Seniors with 3 goals. Sam parker did not look out of place in Senior football and he booted a goal on debut and showed plenty of zip.

The Magpies now set themselves for what is a classic 8 point game against Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday.

Western Magpies  5.3-33 | 9.7-61 | 11.8-74 | 12.12-84 

Labrador                1.2-8  |   4.4-28 |  6.7-43 | 8.8-56

Goals: J. Austin 3, R. Harwood 3, B.Allen, M. Davis, A. Maricic, A. Highlands, S. Parker, R. Easton
Best: A. Highlands, R. Easton, B. Jaenke-Cain, L. Winton, D. Lawrence, W. Fletcher