Magpies swoop on reserves premiership against Sharks

By Andrew Paloczi

UNDERDOG Tarwin took it up to Toora in a spirited start to the MGFNL reserves grand final, leading by a point at the first break after a tough term characterised by stoppages and strong tackling.

That created hopes of an enthralling contest for the remainder of proceedings, but the Magpies tore that script to shreds, assuming control thereafter and claiming a 6-goal win.

While Tarwin’s backline soldiered on stoically and kept Toora’s halftime advantage to a manageable three goals, the Magpies were right on top around the ground throughout the second term.

They opened the floodgates early in the third stanza, goaling in the opening seconds and backing up with another major shortly after.

Big Lukas Jenkins created abundant opportunities for his Toora midfielders throughout the game, despite the determined efforts of rival ruckman Harrison Cumming.

Josh Griffin was one of the Magpies onballers to benefit from Jenkins’ work, winning heaps of the Sherrin throughout the day to pick up the best-on-ground medal.

Teammate and co-coach Linden Dyson can’t have been far behind him, contributing a perfect blend of skill and physicality to create numerous opportunities for other Toora players.

Jake Mabilia was a dangerous presence for the winning team, doing an excellent job of driving the Magpies deep into attack.

James Maurilli-Pullin’s class shone through up forward, booting five goals for Toora, with the co-coach leading by example.

Bryce Litchfield worked tirelessly for the beaten Sharks, often repelling the Magpies and prepared to win the hard ball.

His efforts were highlighted by a strong contested mark from which he played on and goaled in the final term.

However, that was Tarwin’s first major since the opening quarter, with the winner long-since certain.

Travis Cameron was another solid contributor for the outclassed Sharks, providing much needed muscle around the ball and winning a healthy share of it.

Flynn Brosnan was another who helped hamper the Magpies’ momentum at times.

For the victorious Toora, hoisting the premiership cup capped off a spectacular season in which the only blemish was a round 1 loss to eventual minor premier Newborough.

The grand final was played in slippery, breezy conditions, with Tarwin enjoying the initial wind advantage.

While blue skies were sighted, greyness and rain returned.

Toora’s grey jumpers matched the bleakness of conditions, but there was nothing dull about the Magpies’ performance, with the side the deserving 2022 premier.