Magpies back in finals contention
• The Gee family had split allegiances with representation in both the Scottsdale and George Town senior teams. Brady has notched up more than 80 games for the Magpies, while younger brother Mason is in his first year with the George Town seniors. They are pictured after the game with parents Simon and Michelle.
By Nick Fysh,
MAY 19, 2021
A resounding 20-goal victory over George Town on Saturday night was just the response Scottsdale coach Ethan Petterwood would have wanted after the disappointing loss the week before.
The win promoted the Magpies back into fifth position on the ladder, and just a game from top spot.
With Petterwood and Elliot Tyson out injured and ruckman Brad Tuffin unavailable, the midfield took on a different complexion, but Brady Gee accumulated 43 possessions to lead a dominant on-ball division.
Gee was everywhere and his aggressive tackling and smooth disposal ensured the forwards were given an armchair ride.
Certainly full forward Kyle Lanham was the beneficiary of the dominance up field, and his eight goals and exuberant celebrations were enjoyed by the good crowd, who were well rugged up for the arctic temperatures which marked the evening.
Shane Baker booted four goals against his former club.
His challenge now is to kick goals against the better teams in the competition.
Another positive sign was Zak Kerrison sneaking forward and booting two goals.
While there was much to be satisfied about the victory, there were still a few issues which persisted.
George Town, admittedly undermanned, completely dominated the early part of the third term, until Scottsdale regained the momentum.
But an eight-goal final term, while keeping their opponents scoreless, was a good way for the Magpies to finish and prepare for the last home night game of the year against ladder leaders Longford.
The women's team welcomed back some very experienced players, and while they took their time to find their feet, a 63-0 scoreline was a good result.
A seven-goal second half painted an accurate picture of their superiority. Bonnie Farrell, back for her first game of the season, booted two goals along with former North Launceston team mate Maggie Cuthbertson, while Georgie Dare announced her return with a bag of three.
Molly Cornish, Alex Hall and Georgia Knight were other constructive members of the team, which meets Hillwood on Saturday in an important match.
The reserves team welcomed back some old players who wanted an opportunity to reunite and pull on the jumper once again.
Former senior coach Mick Rainbow was still in fine fettle, while Nigel Thompson with three goals and Andrew Cowley with four led the way for the Dad's Army regiment.
Captain Mainwaring (aka coach Jonty Mullins) was not required to join the fray and watched contentedly from the trenches.
The Under 18s trailed by just 16 points at half time but couldn't manage a goal after that and lost by 10 goals.
Liam Hall and Bradley Milne again played well for the young Magpies as did Healey Mather and Hamish Auton.
While the team is doing it tough this season, they have a hand full of players who may soon deserve elevation to the seniors.
This week the three male teams are at home. Seniors at 6pm; reserves at 4pm; and Under 18s at 2pm.