AFL Sydney Men’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review

Men’s Premier Division Match of the Round – Manly Warringah Wolves vs Inner West Magpies

RECAP
What a match to start the Men’s Premier Division season! In a twilight fixture at Weldon Oval, the match did not disappoint with a kick in it at the end of the day. Inner West travelled to Manly full of confidence off the back of solid 2020 which saw the Magpies in the hunt for the top 5 all season only to fall just short of an elusive finals birth. No doubt Magpies’ playing Coach Ben Klemke, will have his team’s collective sights on September action. The Round 1 match up with a Manly Warringah Wolves side looking to build from within with several talented youngers added to the team, looking to improve and lead a revival with the hopes of a similar run to the Manly Warringah teams of 2012-2014.

FIRST QUARTER
The first contest of the game set the tone for the match with Tenzin Tenkyong collected in a solid contest on the clubhouse wing within a minute of the match beginning. Tenzin was assisted of the field but returned and compiled a serviceable game, especially considering the early knock. The early dominance, at least in general play, was with Inner West. Luke Jamieson (coming from an elite Basketball background) provided the Magpie midfield with first use of the footy via superb ruckwork. Despite this, it was the Wolves who hit the scoreboard first with what can only be a called a speculative kick out of mid-air by Kieran Lejeune. However, after seeing the excellent performance and display of skill from Lejeune during the entire match you could be convinced, he does that sort of spectacular play on regular occasions. The goal was finished off by Anthony Robertson, and with another added very soon after by Nicholas Marsh and the Wolves had jumped the Magpies and led 2.0.12 to no score. Inner West then hit back with two goals in a row from Joshua Robertson and a long bomb from Brandon Lagana. Manly Warringah kicked away once again with the final goal of the quarter after a standing the mark infringement from Yannick Milligan-Saville made it a certain goal from the boot of Aiden Butler. At the end of the first quarter, it was Manly Warringah 3.0.18 to Inner West 2.4.16.

SECOND QUARTER
Jack Hawkins opened the scoring in the quarter with a very smart piece of work which saw him gather in traffic and snap truly 15 metres out. Despite the early goal the second quarter was highlighted by the emergence of Braydon Bux (two goals for the quarter) who pounced on a long bomb from Jacob Bauer and snapped truly. We did not need to wait long for the next goal with Bux once again in the action after a clearance from Nicholas McCormack, he was the recipient of an incorrect disposal free kick and another 50-meter penalty before kicking the goal. Manly Warringah added a further two goals for the quarter and at the main break the match was evenly poised with Manly Warringah up by seven points.

THIRD QUARTER
As the teams emerged from the break it was clear the tempo had lifted and the pressure on the ball carrier created a somewhat messy start to the half. However, it was Inner West who appeared the most likely to take control before a fantastic team play saw Manly Warringah’s transition the ball before a selfless handball from Alexander Fraser set up Anthony Robertson for his second goal – the Wolves had moved clear and the pressure was on the Magpies. To the pleasure of the Magpies’ coaching staff, they responded to this challenge and via playmakers Lucas Lam and Aydin Bremner along with goals to Ben Zoppo, Bauer and a classy finish from McCormack, the Magpies managed to take a slender lead into the final change.

FOURTH QUARTER
The tempo of the game was clearly having an impact as both teams appeared worn down from a physical contest during the last quarter. The bigger bodies of Inner West started to get on top, but a wonderful transition play from Manly Warringah backline saw the Wolves hit back with the first goal of the final quarter. It was Jack Field who looked calm and in control as he finished superbly from 40 metres out directly in front. Just when the crowd at Weldon was starting to believe the four points would remain in Curl Curl, Luke Jamison snuck forward, marked strongly and finished accurately. It was to be the final goal of the match and handed the Magpies a well-deserved five point win and the four points to commence their 2021 season.
The Wolves were not disgraced in any way with fantastic performances from Alexander Fraser, Tyler Rodgers and a player to watch in season 2021, Zachary Youtlen. From Inner West, Ben Klemke had an impact all day and was supported well by Brandon Lagana and Nichlas Pleming.

MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Goal Kickers: A. Robertson 2, J. Field, N. Marsh, K. LeJeune, A. Butler, A. Fraser, J. Hawkins
Best Players: A. Fraser, N. Marsh, T. Rogers, J. Field, R. Wearne, R. Stubbs

INNER WEST MAGPIES
Goal Kickers: B. Bux 2, J. Robinson, J. Bauer, B. Zoppo, B. Lagana, L. Jamieson, N. McCormack
Best Players: J. Robinson, B. Lagana, A. Bremner, B. Klemke, L. Lam, N. Pleming

PREMIER DIVISION MEN’S MATCH OF THE ROUND – NEXT WEEK
East Coast Eagles vs. Manly Warringah Wolves Saturday April 17 – 2pm Kanebridge Oval

 

Photo: Merrillie Redden