Saturday 14 August 2010
Morningside survived two injury scares and a competitive hour of football by the Western Magpies to post a substantial 97-point win at Esplen Oval today.
The Panthers lost key playmaker Ryan Holman and gut-running forward Austin Lucy by early in the second quarter and scored just seven goals to five in the middle terms.
However, they were bookended by a 7.4 to 0.2 opening and a 9.2 to 1.3 finish that resulted in a big 23.12 (150) to 7.11 (53) scoreline.
The biggest concern for the Panthers was a hand injury to Holman, who was rushed to hospital for x-rays on his thumb after twice landing awkwardly.
The classy left-footer was cleared of any serious damage and is a chance to play in next Sunday’s final round clash with Redland at Victoria Point.
Lucy received a ‘stinger’ on his shoulder and was held back for precautionary reasons, but is expected to train as normal this week.
The Panthers placed an emphasis during the week on starting strongly, and they delivered just what the coaching staff were hoping for.
Nathan Kinch ran the ball superbly from half-back and never let-up, despite the Magpies working their way back into the contest.
With Jacob Gough dominating the hit-outs and Mark Rootsey winning plenty of clearances, Morningside looked set to kick a cricket score.
However, the Magpies steadied through the tireless work of James Rozynski and energy of Zaine Pringle and Scott Clarke.
Teenager Matt Green bobbed up with two goals and gave the forward line some spark, while Val Pope was busy around the ground.
The effort eventually took its toll on the Magpies, and Morningside steamrolled them in the final term.
It was similar to the Round 9 clash between the two clubs in Toowoomba, when the Panthers blew apart an even contest with a huge third quarter that yielded nine goals to nil.
Nick Tomlinson and Jack Lawler were major factors in the Panthers’ dominance this time, while youngster Josh Breukers continues to grow in confidence after an outstanding showing with the Brisbane Lions Reserves as a top up player several weeks ago.
The game also marked the Morningside debut of Luke Edwards, the 17-year-old son of triple premiership player Brad.
Edwards did some nice things, just as he has done in outings with the Lions earlier in the season as a top-up, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
Morningside went into the game without brilliant defender Aaron Rogers, who took the opportunity to attend a close friend’s wedding and rest a battle weary body that has absorbed plenty this season.
The Western Magpies saw outstanding draft prospect Jackson Allen play his first senior game of the season and being sidelined for most of the year with osteitis pubis.
Allen did not collect a massive amount of ball, but every time he gained a possession, he did something constructive with it.
