It would be fair to say that results didn't go the way we'd have liked for any of our teams competing on the weekend and, although they gave it everything they had, all four teams wearing the magpie jumper this weekend failed to get the win.
We started the weekend with an Elimination final for our women's team against Maribyrnong Park Football Club. We started the game brightly and speaking to Troy after the game he said that the first quarter was possibly our best quarter of the season in regards to winning hard, contested footy and providing plenty of run, the only problem was that we didn't put the score on the board. We held the Lions scoreless, but with the breeze behind our backs failed to convert in front of goal, kicking only 2 behinds for the quarter. In the second quarter the effort was still there but Marby used the ball better with the breeze at their backs and kicked 3.1 to one behind to lead by 16 points at half time - 3.1-19 to 0.3-3. Our girls knew it was all on the line and gave it everything they had in the third quarter, again controlling the ball and keeping the Lions scoreless but we were again wasteful and only added 1.1 for the quarter. At 3/4 time it was 5 scoring shots to 4 but we trallied by 9 points - 3.1-19 to 1.4-10. Kicking against the breeze it was always going to be a struggle to keep our season alive and it proved one mountain too big to climb as Marby piled on 4.4 to run out winners 7.5-47 to 1.4-10. Shelby kicked our only goal of the game and ended the year as our leading goal kicker and 6th in the league overall with 16 goals. In our best were Reggie, Shelby Rainbow, Buckets, Pale and Waino. As has been mentioned here before, it was a MONUMENTAL effort for Troy, his coaching staff and the players to get a finals berth. After our captain and vice captain walked out following last season, and other key players leaving, it was looking like being another tough year. However, the new players we added to the side as well as the Youthies stepping up into the side this year we've seen some great performances and found some new leaders going. It's been a pleasure to watch the group unite as one under a supportive skipper and to see the improvement in the group over the season. Let's all get back for Pre-season and keep working hard - and bring some mates along to get those numbers up again as well. Again, Congrats to Troy for everything he's done this season with the side - we know the ladies appreciate it
Later that morning the men made the short trip up Bridgewater Road to take on Craigieburn Football Club. The Ressies had a very tough day out, conceding 14 goals to nothing in the first term and they went into the first term 86 points down and a record drubbing looked on the cards. To the boys credit, they really knuckled down in the second quarter and showed that they would fight it out, as they restricted the hosts to 2.6 but were only able to add 1 behind, so the margin was 103 points at half time. The Eagles added 7.6 in the third term to lead by 151 points at 3/4 time. The home team added 4.8 in the final term while we kicked 1.2, our only goal of the game coming from Under 17s player Nath B. just about on the siren. Finals scores were 26.22-178 to 1.3-9. In the best players were Under 17s player Billy, Buzza, Nath Mc, Beany, Dylan, and Verga. Phil wanted to give a wrap up to Billy who gave plenty of run and kept finding the ball in a great display for a young fella. Well done Billy
The seniors had a tough task against the Eagles, having lost to the same opponent in Round 5 by 113 points. The hosts had the use of a good breeze and held a 25 point lead at quarter time but it was 8 scoring shots apiece, 6.2 to 1.7 so we'd matched them and were able to get the ball inside 50, it was more about the delivery and how wide we were trying to hit up target. With the in mind and with the use of the wind in the second term, hopes were high that we could get back in touch before half time. Unfortunately, the Eagles really got on top in the second quarter and ran the ball into the breeze, kicking 7.3 to 2.2 and at half time the home side held a 56 point lead. The 3rd quarter was our best in terms of attacking play as we kicked 5.1, however, we leaked goals at the other end, conceding 8.3 to enter the last quarter 76 points down. It was all Craigieburn in the last quarter as they put on 5.6 to 1.2 to run our convincing winners by 104 points - 26.14-170 to 9.12-66. Moshy and JC kicked 2 each while H, Bmac, Jay and Pitty kicked one each. In the best on the day were Ahmed, Jay, Pitty, H and Stoney
The weekend started with an Elimination final and ended with an Elimination final as our Youth Girls took on Tullamarine Football Club on Sunday afternoon. Tullamarine started with plenty of attack but could not put the score on the board so we were well in the game at quarter time as we trailled by 3 points - 1.3 to 1 goal. We got on top in the second quarter and took the game up to the Demons, taking a 3 point lead as we added another 2 goals straight to 1 goal. As we went into half time the vibe was positive and it looked like Richard might still have another game in charge. An injury just on half time saw us down to 17 players for the second half so it was going to be tough but we had the lead. Another injury in the second half meant we were (literally) hamstrung with low numbers and Tulla were able to get on top, kicking 2.1 to nothing in the third quarter before adding 3.3 to 1 behind in the last to win by 30 points - 7.7-49 to 3.1-19. Goal kickers on the day were Junior, Emma and Shelby with Shelby ending the season as our leading goalkicker with 9 goals. In the best were Angel, Ash H, Shelby, Danielle, Emma and Rema. I know everyone at the club would like to thank Richard for the amazing work he's done coaching the group over the last 2 years. We made a Grand Final last year and with an even younger list this season made finals again so it is testament to his ability to lead and coach a group of girls that we've achieved these results. Enjoy nice quiet Sundays with the family mate but don't be a stranger either! Thanks team manager Belinda and to all of the helpers throughout the season. Again, let's tell all of your friends about how great girls footy is and get more of them down to Lakeside to play for the Magpies in 2020.
There is no football this week due to the bye for the senior men's sides and all other teams no longer in competition
This weekend’s wrap is bought to you by long time club sponsor Mowers & More. Erwin and his team have a massive showroom full of mowers and garden care gear at their shop in Campbellfield at 5/23 Cooper St. They are also the best place to go if you need your mower or whipper snipper serviced. Give them a call on (03) 9303 9000 or visit them online at https://discountmowers.com.au
