On a day that had some warning bells ringing up against the undefeated Lions on their home ground, the under -manned Magpies missing up to 10 first choice players had to stand up and despite the final scoreline, the young Magpies did exactly that. A 43 point loss at face value looks like a bit of a thumping but the Magpies played determined football throughout and matched their opponents in most places on the ground but the Lions were more efficient going forward, particularly through star ex Fremantle & Collingwood forward Jack Anthony

The Pies featured 9 teenagers plus several other youngsters with less than 10 games to their name, but were not overawed and gave the undefeated Lions a solid workout. The Magpies took no backward steps and showed the club that the future and development is underway and will continue to see the club successful.

It is high praise for the performance and character of the Western Magpies from the  opposition coach Jess Sinclair who conceded

"the Magpies controlled the game most of the time but just could not apply scoreboard pressure.

In a frank assessment Sinclair said it was the first time this season his side had been ‘beaten up around the football’.

“We had some nice ball movement at times but I think they controlled the game most of the day and the scoreline probably flattered us a little bit"

The early clinches saw the Lions on top  and the scoreboard did not take long to start ticking over for the Lions and their star forward John Anthony certainly left a mark and it could said his 6 goal performance was the difference on the day. The Lions are a well drilled side but credit must go to the young first gamers for the Magpies who can be very proud of their first senior games for the club.

Teenage ruckman Samson Ryan did a great job in the ruck and exceeded expectations with an outstanding performance on the day in his senior debut, that confidence and performance certainly did not go unmatched by efforts of 17-year-old Cade Scott who also had an outstanding debut in the midfield and upforward, and despite his light frame the youngster was not afraid to throw his weight around in the clinches.

19 year old Jack Austin met the challenge set for the young forward and proved a great focal point in the forward line to boot 3 goals and he was well supported up forward by key forward Brody Lumber with 3 goals and around ground by Aaron Highlands, Drew Mitchell, Luca Winton and Jack Goodall .

We’re not in the business of celebrating losses, but the performance is one that sets a minimum benchmark for effort, a challenge was well and truly put on the table and the undermanned young Pies certainly bought a strong team performance that can set an standard for the remainder of the season.

However, a loss was not what the doctor ordered and the Magpies show up to every game expecting a win, so will be looking to getting players back and continue to build for the remainder of the season with the knowledge that the young Pies are up to the mark. The Magpies take on another close foe in Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Sunday in the club’s Indigenous Round and will wear a custom guernsey designed from original artwork commissioned by Chris Hunt in conjunction with Aaron Maricic and club stalwart Wil Ivinson. This is shaping as a season defining match which the Magpies must win to remain in touch with the five.

Palm Beach Currumbin Lions 7.1 - 43 | 9.8 - 62 | 14.11 - 95 | 16.14 - 110

defeated

Western Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 4.2 26 | 7.4 - 46 | 10.7 - 67

Best: Ryan, Winton, Goodall, Austin, D.Mitchell, Highlands

Goals: Lumber, Austin 3, Edwards, Highlands, Lonergan, Reed 1