The Magpies were competitive for two quarters against the rampant Hawks but for the remainder of the game we were blown away.
The Hawks have a very young and exciting team of youngsters which exposed our lack of leg speed through the centre. They were able to break the game open with sheer pace. The Pies started the game full of promise but unfortunately the wheels fell off and we struggled to withstand the constant pressure that was applied to our defence. The Hawks have now consolidated its position in the top five and can look forward to playing finals footy whereas the Pies can now start planning for next year, that is after we come face to face with the 09 premiership favorites South Bendigo at the Camp.
The Pies have endured a very disappointing year but at the same time we have played some very good football in patches, but unfortunately for the team we have not produced a high quality of form on a very consistent basis. Last week we again witnessed the highs and lows but we did however have many very good players. There was none better than the consistent Adam Culvenor, Jason Cordy, Nathan Pope, David Taylor, Orry Cross and Brodie Culpitt.
The Reserves battled hard all day but at no time did they present as a possible threat to the Hawks. The second quarter was a killer for the boys as they failed to trouble the scorer in this quarter. Good players were Jaryd Millard, Jason Smith, Loch Brennan, Callum Cross, Lachie Maltby and Nathan Mitchell.
The Under 18s were beaten by 45 points but considering they were playing a team that sits third on the ladder their performance was very pleasing. The Under 18s will not be part of the September action, however from a club perspective they have at times shown that they can match it against the very best. The talent is there and the Club is more than confident that a lot of the boys will progress to senior football in 2010. Good players last week were Nathan Mitchell, Tom Ruggles, James Rowbotham, Matty Wootton, Harley Wilson and Lachie Chapman.
Today is the Pies last game of the 2009 season. The boys have an opportunity to knock the ladder leaders South Bendigo off the perch and finish the season with a big bang. The Bloods have been the dominant team all the year and to be competitive for 100 minutes would be a big plus for the supporters who have followed the Club through thick and thin in our 150th year.
All supporters and players are reminded that tonight at the Clubrooms we are holding the annual David McCann Special Effort. Please be there and enjoy a meal, quiet drink and maybe walk away with one of the 19 prizes on offer.
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