Magpies’ class on show against Collie

Busselton oozed class and confidence during Saturday’s impressive 75-point victory over Collie Eagles at the Collie Recreation Ground.

The visitors, who bolted clear on the scoreboard from the opening bounce, punctuated their victory with sweeping runs off the half back line – often outnumbering the Eagles three to one in contests around the ground.

Reegan Mrsich (three goals) set the tone early for the Magpies by presenting himself superbly across the half forward line and leaving the Eagles defenders chasing non-existent shadows throughout the gloomy afternoon.

Despite the home side dominating the stoppages through excellent tap work from Jared Debenham, the Eagles’ mosquito fleet were routinely unable to execute once in possession.

Leading by 23 points at quarter time, Steve Lester’s men peppered the scoreboard in the second term, but had only 2.9 to show for their pressure.

However despite the inaccuracy, the Magpies supporters rugged up in the outer cheered on impressive youngster Tom Kusal, who showed he could have a big future in senior football with two superb run and carry goals in the first half, which drew praise from Lester post-game.

The Eagles were held goalless until the fifth minute mark of the third term, when Alex Tweedie crafted a clever snap across his body.

Unimpressed with the scrappy nature creeping into his side’s display, Lester reinforced fundamentals to his side at the final change – with the Magpies responding with 7.2 in the last quarter.

Jackson Arbon and Mitchell Tenardi were essentially unattended in the Busselton forward line during this onslaught – much to the ire of Eagles coach Seth White.

“The way they set up is as good as I have seen for a while – but in saying that, we were non-existent in effort and our attitude wasn’t right. Obviously we had key personnel missing but that doesn’t make up for a lack of effort,” he said.