Australian Football

Match Report

Game number three now and we're heading over to the Hisense Stadium in Richmond, where the Magpies had to take their home match against the Bloods due to the works in progress at Alberton Oval. Earlier this year in Round 7, these sides headed to the Loxton Oval in the Riverland region to pay tribute and homage to the origins of the late Russell Ebert. The Magpies ran off to a six-kick lead by half-time and though the Bloods came back at them in the second half, would walk away with a four-goal win in front of one of this year's best turnouts. This was one that truly got away from Westies, having drawn Port back to just two straight shots early in the final term. The Magpies have been nothing short of woeful over the last three weeks, they went down against the Eagles at Woodville by 10 goals, while the Bloods couldn't hold back the Bulldogs at home. However, despite that loss, there was some endeavour shown. Was this week the one that the Bloods faithful have been waiting for? Not one Westies fan would look a gift-horse in the mouth, given they've had opportunities before. But by quarter-time, there would have been some excited folk as the Bloods found their bite, kicking to a 17-point lead with a tally of 5.2 to 2.3. The Magpies attempted to answer back in the second term, but a quartet of behinds were answered with two Westies goals before the 'Pies put two through themselves. What perhaps should have been a Port lead at the long break would still be a three-kick gap for West, albeit reduced to 13 points. When play resumed, the Bloods were all over the Magpies like flies to uncovered food. What was lacking in this term was a real knockout blow, it was now the Bloods' turn to have some accuracy issues. But their defenders helped keep Port to just 1.2 in the third quarter, the Bloods managing to score 2.5 to take their lead out to 22 points at the final change. The first half of the final term was saw the Magpies throw everything at the Bloods and nine minutes in, had drawn the gap back to seven points with their 2.3. Then there was a seven minute struggle where neither side could put ball through posts. But then the prayers of the Bloods' supporters were answered, their charges ruling the remaning period and scoring 3.2 to put the result beyond doubt. West were victorious by 27 points, their first victory in over 440 days. Hamish Harlett was the Bloods best, with 30 disposals, nine tackles and six marks. For the Magpies, it was Sam Mayes with 28 disposals and 12 clearances.