RESERVES DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST

The Western Magpies Reserves were defeated by Mt Gravatt in a tight contest, going down by 6 points, 8.16-64 to 8.10-58. 

The Magpies fought back from a 4 goal half time deficit to close the gap to 2 points early in the last quarter and looked to be about to overrun the Vultures but the visitors regrouped and held on for the win.

For the Magpies, it was a vast improvement after they had lost the round 1 clash by 101 points.

The pleasing aspect for the Pies was the effort of several players who were unlucky to be left out of the Senior side with Macauley Lonergan getting plenty of the football in the midfield and across half forward, Jordan Bonney in the centre (also booted 2 goals) and Jayden Gallagher used his strength to win plenty of ther contested football in midfield. Ben Jaenke-Cain reminded selectors of his abilities with another prolific game, Joel Workman showed what he is capable of after an interrupted season and Sam Hartog was excellent at halfback and then on a wing. 

Harrison Kerr also played well at half forward to finish with 3 goals. 

A highlight of the match was Sean McEvoy playing his 200th club game for the Magpies in a career which commenced with Auskick in 1994 through juniors to Colts and then into senior ranks in 2007. He was a late call-up to the side when Brady Allen was a late withdrawal and he was solid in defence for the Pies. 

The Pies have a big challenge when they play the ladder leaders Surfers Paradise and although out of finals contention will be keen to finish the season on a high note with a big scalp. 

Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 3.3 - 21 | 7.7 - 49 | 8.10 -58

defeated by

Mt Gravatt 2.2 -14 | 6.9 - 45 | 7.13 - 55 | 8.16 - 64

Best: Lonergan, Jaenke-Cain, Bonney, Hartog, Workman, Gallagher

Goals: Kerr 3, Bonney 2, Johnson, Jaenke-Cain, Jenkins 1