Australian Football

Match Report

At Alberton Oval, the Magpies were about to get the biggest shock of their season at the hands of the visiting Bloods. 

It didn't look that way early on in the piece, the Magpies led by 10 points at quarter time after a 4.3 to 2.5 first term. But the signs of a Bloods' takeover showed in the second term as they outscored the Pies and snatched a one-goal lead, 5.5 to 3.1. Slowly but surely the Bloods showed more fight than at any point in the last two seasons as they restricted a Magpies defense that was clearly hurting from the loss of back-man Steven Eichner who copped a gruesome looking injury in the state match, later they would lose Jeremy Clayton to an ankle injury. After the long break, the Bloods would extend their lead to 22 points. Inaccurate shots on goal by the Bloods kept the door slightly ajar, but the Magpies forward just failed to fire up after half time and Westies just romped away. In the second half, the Pies only managed 2.3 compared to the Bloods' 6.12. It was enough to see the visitors home by 39 points, finally giving 'Weed' a reason to smile a bit. 

Ben Haynes was best afield for West, Mark Baird was named best for Port.