By Nick Creely
AFL OUTER EAST PREMIER DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 4 (SPLIT ROUND)
There’s probably no better way to kick off a title defence.
It may well be a new and exciting era for Narre Warren, but it was still the same old Magpies.
Ruthless, disciplined, scattered with talent and pace to burn – Shane Dwyer’s group look as hungry and primed as ever.
Yet in many ways, this Magpie unit which kicked off the Premier Division season with a barnstorming win against Olinda Ferny Creek was different – still with a similar club DNA, but just some new names that really shone in the 18.15 (123) to 5.11 (41) victory.
It was an important day for all involved at Kalora Park as the Magpies unfurled its 2019 premiership flag – remembering a day to never be forgotten, but to always signal the new era unfolding in the famous.
”We were really pleased to walk away with the win, the boys played really well,” Magpies coach Shane Dwyer said of the occasion.
“It was (a really important day) for the committee and all the people that volunteer to get back down and do what we do every Saturday during winter.
“We had a good crowd in, and everyone was just happy to be back at local footy – heaps of people enjoyed a few beers and cheered us along which was great.”
The Magpies were never threatened after skipping out to a four-goal lead at quarter time, extending its margin out to a whopping 55 points at half-time.
Despite some brief fight by the Bloods in the third term, the Magpies were in utter control as its young and exciting group moved the ball with speed and precision.
With Tom Miller starring and the likes of Jake Richardson, Tom Toner and defender Jesse Davies all playing vital roles, it was important to start the season off on the right foot against a side many have tipped to be a major improver.
“You always go in confident you can get it done, but they’re (Olinda Ferny Creek) an unknown – we knew little about them outside of Matty Scharenberg, so it was an unknown, so you just have to concentrate on yourself and what works for you,” Dwyer said.
“For the best part of the weekend the boys did that – up in the forward line we were great, the pressure was good, but the midfield and the backline did enough work to give the forwards enough looks at goal.”
Registering 33 scoring shots in its ultra-impressive start to 2021, Dwyer said the forward line functioned beautifully.
Tom Toner was electric, snagging five goals for the Magpies, Hamish West booted four as he enjoys some opportunity in the seniors, while the versatile Jake Richardson (three goals) was his usually influential self.
“It would have been nice to kick a bit straighter, but that will happen early in the year – like anyone else we’ve only played three games in twelve months so to get enough looks was positive,” Dwyer said.
“Tommy kicked straight, Westy missed a few but was a great and Jake Richardson was super so everything panned out the way we hoped on Saturday.”
The Magpies were also blessed to have the talents of VFL-listed Cory MacHaya, who snagged two goals and was his usual classy self.
“Cory was very handy, whenever he’s not involved at Casey we’ll have him, he’s a very good player,” he said.
“We haven’t seen much of him over the last few years obviously with injury and being a regular at Casey.
“When he’s up and running he’s a regular (at VFL level) so we’ll make the most of when he’s available for us.”
On a tough start to the season for the Bloods, Matt Scharenberg slotted two on debut, while Cam Horner was named best.
With a monster Anzac Day Round blockbuster against Beaconsfield in the proper season opener on Saturday, the Magpies are expecting to welcome in recruit Kurt Mutimer for the first time after he missed Saturday with a niggle, while 2019 grand final best on ground Nathan Foote is a chance to also play his first game of the season.
Dwyer expects the clash to be a cracking contest, and one not to be missed.
“It’s always a massive game against Beacy whether its Anzac Day or not, but it’s definitely a big occasion and it’s a huge challenge for us,” he said.
“They’ll be fresh, raring to go, so we’re expecting them to be a very good side this year.”
In an action-packed opening round of Premier Division action, Doveton plays hosts to Wandin at home on Saturday, Olinda Ferny Creek will be looking to bounce back against Upwey Tecoma, while Cranbourne travels up the hill to play Woori Yallock. Pakenham has the bye.
