CHAD CORNES came away from Saturday’s qualifying final with mixed emotions, despite winning through to the second semi final.

The Magpies had led by 45 points late in the second term, but saw that lead swiftly brought within two points by the Double Blues in the third and fourth quarters.

Late goals to Tom Gray and Brett Eddy sealed the win.  

“If you had told me before the game we would win the game fifteen points I would have been ecstatic, but I have mixed emotions about it,” said Cornes.

 “I think we have shown how good we can be when we stick to our game plan, and when we drift away from that we’re not too good so there is a lot to learn from which will help us go deep into finals.”

The Magpies kept the Double Blues goalless for 51 minutes of the game, but Cornes said the high-pressure game that his side brought in the first half disappeared after the major break.

“We became way too cute with the footy instead off attacking deep and getting the ball into the forward line,” said Cornes.

“Our forwards are pretty dangerous they showed that in the first half, but we fell away from that in the third quarter and that allowed Sturt to get their own on the net, they are a great team if you give them the chance they will make the most of it.

“Jarman Impey did some really big spoils and showed he can work at both ends [of the ground], Tom Gray hadn’t had a great day, but to bob up and have a great moment was important it shows your never out of the contest.”

Cornes is now looking ahead with excitement to next weekend’s challenge when Port Adelaide takes on Woodville-West Torrens on September 10 at 3.10pm at Adelaide Oval.

“They were clearly the best team in the competition throughout the year they beat us twice,” Cornes said.

“But we have won six in-a-row now and are in very good form too and if we can get thing right from today it should be a great match up next week.”

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