Magpies go all out to keep finals contention alive

POOWONG welcomed Longwarry on Saturday in what was a very important game for the seniors firstly in trying to make the finals. 

And secondly to acknowledge two senior players Matt Cozzio 200 games and Jack Hazendonk 100 games, two players who are Poowong through and through coaching the U/18s and are great contributors for the senior side. 

Jack is captain, has won three senior league best and fairests and many club awards while Matt is vice captain and is involved in all aspects of the club’s social and match committees.

The seniors welcomed under 18 player, Tommy Burgess in for his first senior game as a replacement for the ill Rory Pattinson. 

Tommy handled the step up to seniors kicking a goal, worked well on the forward line and could have had a couple more goals, he has a bright future in football.   

The breeze was favouring the Drouin Road end where Poowong kicked first but teams were able to score at both ends.

Poowong were first on the board with goals to Zac Gray and Alex Henshall, Longwarry were working hard and came back with two goals as both sides battled to get a break, Will Robertson marked a kick across goal and ran around to kick the major to give Poowong a six point lead at quarter time.

The second quarter opened with a goal to Will Robertson, Longwarry’s long kick forward was touched on the line. 

Poowong managed two points before Jack Hazendonk, who was having a big influence around the ground went forward and kicked a goal from a mark at CHF and when Luke Close kicked a late goal on the run the margin was fifteen points at half time.

The standard of the game was good and both sides were striving to get on top and the third quarter would be vital for both teams as they chased for the four points. 

Poowong opened with a point to Alex Henshall, Jack Hazendonk had a chance but his kick was wide, Longwarry lifted for two goals and a kick out of bounds and the game was up for grabs. 

Poowong’s Damon Hansen goaled from a mark to steady things before Longwarry kicked another goal. 

Both teams missed opportunities kicking points until Jack Hazendonk goaled from a push in the back then Longwarry goaled from a mark and a 50-metre penalty.

Poowong were down to one rotation with Zac Gray and Micah Williams both ruled out, they moved Alex Henshall up forward and managed to find him some space, this proved a winning move.

The Magpies win allowed them to return to fifth place with Lang suffering a heavy loss at the hands of Buln Buln. 

Best players: Jack Hazendonk was best on ground with his three goals and strong play at both ends of the ground. 

Steve McInnes worked hard, Will Robertson with three goals, Zac Gray until injured, Kurt Newton worked hard in his tagging role and Alex Henshall was dangerous up forward with two goals and Matt Cozzio had a good game for his 200th.

Next week at home against Lang Lang with fifth spot on the line for both teams, three games to go, hopefully the injuries for Poowong are minor. We will regain Rory Pattinson who was playing well before missing Saturday.