By Nicholas Creely
OUTER EAST FOOTBALL
PREMIER DIVISION REVIEW – ROUND 5
It was a midfield masterclass.
The Narre Warren engine room sliced and diced its way through Wandin with precision at home on Saturday, inflicting the Dogs with another heavy loss on the vast south-east grounds – but it’s not as if the visitors didn’t put in a strong effort, the Magpies were just simply too good.
Looking at the raw numbers, the Magpies had 11 individual goal kickers, including five with multiple majors, in their 22.14 (146) to 8.7 (55) victory.
But this was a win set-up by more than just what happened in the front-half – it was about their ball movement and ability to use the width of Kalora Park to their advantage.
The first quarter was an almighty scrap, with the Dogs up for the challenge despite missing big-man Daniel Gorringe.
The Dogs were the first on the board after a superb set-up from young gun Patrick Bruzzese, before a couple of quick goals – one after a lovely launch from Brad Scalzo – saw the home side steady and take a 10 point advantage at quarter time.
Skipper Dylan Quirk – in the midst of a brilliant season – gave the first sign that the game was shifting towards the home side – with a strong grab and goal in the opening minutes of the second quarter, but a freakish effort from Justin Van Unen got the Dogs back into the contest.
Isolated deep inside 50, Van Unen kicked a miracle goal out of mid-air in the middle of a marking contest, with many Magpies needing a few seconds to actually register that it was in fact a goal.
But that’s where the highlights seemed to end for the visitors, with the returning Mitch Cox proving a menace in attack as the home side extended their lead to 23 at half time.
And from there, it was simply domination, with the Magpies looking irresistible with ball in hand, skipping away with a dominant third term, running the Dogs off their feet with razor-sharp foot skills and great transition off half-back.
In attack, the Magpies had a ruthless edge, with Cox slamming on another three for the term, while the class and strength of Michael Collins (three goals) and Daniel Jackson (three goals) came to the fore, with Collins slotting an absolute beauty on the run deep in the pocket.
To the Dogs’ credit, they fought hard to keep the final margin under 100 points, but once again, the Magpies showcased their blistering speed and ability to pile on massive scores.
Narre Warren coach Matt Shinners said it was pleasing to have overcome a sluggish start to continue on their winning form.
“The first half of footy wasn’t one of our best, and they certainly took it up to us and made us work for it (the win),” he said.
“It was one of things, they had a few back, but still some missing we understand, and they put pressure on my young group, and you’ll have ebbs and flows.”
The midfield group, consisting of Brad Scalzo, Trent Cody, Dylan Quirk and Nathan Foote – as well as great run and carry from Josh Tonna and Ryan Quirk – were in vintage form, dominating the clearances and also spreading hard on the outside to completely flatten the visitors in the end.
“They’ve (the midfield group) been really good, pretty much week in, week out since the season started, and we did get dominated in there last year, but more so with Berwick, but the boys have worked really well and are gelling,” he said.
“I sort of leave it up to them coming up with some moves and strategies, and the key is winning the ball out of the middle.
“Bailey Delves has been doing a terrific job in the ruck, and sometimes he’s getting dominated in the air, but our onballers have been up to the challenge and clearing the ball out.”
Once again, Foote was simply everywhere, playing yet another brilliant game in a season that would have him right up there with the league best and fairest after a blistering campaign to date. However Shinners isn’t surprised with the midfielder’s strong form.
“He did start prior to Christmas going down the path of VFL again, but in the end, he decided he’d had enough and wanted to get back and enjoy his footy,” he said.
“When he made that decision, away from footy he’s been doing the things he didn’t prior, like catching up with mates and doing things he would have sacrificed with the VFL.
“He’s a bit more relaxed, and the pressure’s off a bit, but he’s just enjoying his footy, and he does not have to be so much regimented.”
Generating 22 goals and 36 scoring shots was another pleasing aspect of the Magpies’ win, with returning VFL-listed forward Mitch Cox returning to local footy with plenty of vigour after an injury, snaring six goals and proving a nuisance both in the air and on the ground.
“We only found out at 8pm on Thursday night that he was available – as far as medicos were concerned at Frankston, he might have been available the following week, but he trained really well, and the doctor cleared him,” Shinners said.
“With us losing Aaron Wilson, we needed a forward that can attract the opposition defenders, and give us a target, and our other boys have been fantastic, but to add Mitch into that gives us a bit more flexibility.
“He’s a dynamic player, and he came in with the right attitude and it was a blessing that we could have him.”
In an improved effort, the Dogs were well-served by young star Patrick Bruzzese – who floated around the ground and did some brilliant things – while Van Unen slotted seven of his eight goals in a reminder of just how dangerous he is around the big sticks.
With the Magpies now set for the bye after also having to sit out the regular season with interleague last week, Shinners said it wasn’t ideal for momentum, but will be looking to make the most of it.
“We gave them a week off last week with interleague, and they went and did some clinics at junior clubs, and you hope it gives them a freshen up,” he said.
“We had a normal week leading into Wandin, and this week we’ll train on Saturday even with the bye.
“We’ll work on some of our structures and a couple of areas that we’ve been falling down, but also to bring some of the younger guys up to speed with the structures and stuff.
“That’s the key, some of our Stingrays boys aren’t always at training, and we’ve got a couple of VFL players, so they’re available this weekend which will be good.
“We’ll try and continue to improve our game structures and plans.”
