The Magpies won convincingly for the second week in a row, ending the game with a final score of 13.15 (93) to 5.5 (35).
Senior Coach Tony Bamford was pleased with how the team maintained the high standard of football set last week, as well as their ability to address their own weaknesses.
“I was pretty happy with the players today, just like last week,” Bamford said.
“Their ability to follow instructions and stick to the plans was really good. The fact that we get through the game without injury is a bonus for us, the last thing you need is an injury in pre-season.”
It was a slow first term for the Magpies and the boys had trouble kicking accurately, despite play flowing well through the midfield.
The second quarter saw the Magpies return to true form and defence stepped up dramatically to reduce the Eagles to seven points for the quarter.
Eagles’ midfielders appeared to stumble under pressure, fumbling the ball and failing to find free players in their forward 50 and the Magpies capitalised on this.
Following half time Port Adelaide (SANFL) came out guns blazing and adopted a very aggressive defensive style to earn themselves a 49-point lead at three quarter time, which they maintained throughout the final term as well.
Matthew Gates had a sensational game in the backline, not only with his strong defence, but also moving the ball down the ground with ease.
Power-listed midfielder Mitch Banner was also a standout for the Magpies with three goals and the game also saw the return of Jacob Surjan from injury.
Bamford was impressed with the playing style adopted in the second quarter onwards, something they had been working on in the past weeks.
“We have practiced a lot over the preseason about how we move the ball out of defence, and the fact that we got about 44 inside 50’s today suggests that’s working quite well,” Bamford said.
“Not only the backline, but for that to happen the midfield has to be in the right spot at the right time and I think we’re doing that at the moment.”
In the reserves, the Magpies convincingly sent the Eagles packing with a margin of 76 points.
The boys kicked well and fed the ball down accurately to the forward line, the game ending at 19.13 (127) to 8.3 (51).
All players played a solid, team-oriented game and special mention to the backline for applying relentless pressure to the game.
Next weekend Port Adelaide (SANFL) has a bye, then a tough match against South Adelaide at Alberton the following Saturday.
League
Magpies 13.15 (93)
Woodville-West Torrens 5.5 (35)
Best: Matthew Gates, Mitch Banner, Sam Gray, Jarrod Young, Daniel Lees, John Butcher, Luke Slattery, James Meikleojohn
Goals: Banner 3, Gray, Eckermann 2, Stanley, Lees, Thurgood, Paget, Harder, Tim Milera
Reserves
Magpies 19.13 (127)
Woodville-West Torrens 8.3 (51)
