Clayton’s Matt Linke easily outrucks Murrumbeena opponent Drew O’Donoghue during the Magpies’ 102point thrashing of the Lions.Above: Magpies coach George Jones addresses his players at quartertime. By Glen Atwell
A CONFIDENCE-boosting win in the final round of the Southern Football League Division One season may just give the Clayton Magpies a winning edge in the first semi-final this Saturday.
During their 102-point belting of the bottom-placed Murrumbeena Lions at Clayton Reserve on Saturday, the Magpies could have been forgiven for nursing the side through the match.
Instead, it was pedal to the metal for the classy side, which has the poise and discipline to beat third-placed Chelsea Heights when the two sides clash at Springvale Reserve.
The Magpies had 13 goals on the board by half-time and enjoyed a healthy 66-point lead.
Refusing to reduce the pressure and cruise towards victory, the Magpies pressed on and booted another 11 goals in the second half.
Dave White, who has played just four senior games this year, headed the goal-kicking list with five and Matt Gallagher kicked four for the Magpies.
Victor Currie was unstoppable for Clayton, providing drive through the midfield and punishing the Lions on the rebound.
Magpies coach George Jones said it was a pleasing win.
“We put 24 goals on the board, so I can’t complain,” he said.
Jones said playing the bottom side before the finals could be good or bad. “It can go either way, last time we played terrible the following week. But I think, regardless of who we had played on Saturday, we would have won,” Jones said.
On paper it is hard to separate the Magpies and Lions.
At the completion of the season, Chelsea Heights had kicked just three goals more than the Magpies, who had conceded 29 points more than the Demons after 18 rounds. Both sides finished with 13 wins and are separated by just six percentage points.
Their last encounter was in round 14, when the Demons won by nine points. But the Magpies had six more scoring shots on the day.
“We kicked very poorly and that was the difference,” Jones said.
Jones said his side matched up well against the Lions and he expected a close encounter.
“It will be won in the midfield. Our ruckman Matt Linke will be very important for us,” he said.
Magpies deputy vice-captain Richard Szerszyn is injured with a broken jaw and, with captain Matt Crofts doubtful after straining his hamstring on Saturday, the Magpies will have to put in another faultless performance to dispose of the Lions.
“Crofts is a chance to play, we’ll just wait and see. Currie and Gallagher will no doubt have to stand up for us,” Jones said.
The game starts at 2.15pm this Saturday.
