Magpies fall under lights at Kyabram

IN a welcome to return to local football, the Euroa Magpies senior side took to the ground in Kyabram under lights at the far from traditional time slot of 6pm. A good crowd was in attendance. Newly appointed coach Dave Gleeson named a Euroa side that had a number of debutants - namely Archie Wilson and Nic Asquith. Wilson is a bottom age under 18 player whose ability to slot into the side and senior GVL football certainly caught the eye of many. An interesting fact was that the team which ran out on the ground for this match had all 22 players being rated as a ‘one-point player’ under the player point system - a first for Euroa and maybe even a first for the GVL in recent years. Young guns Cohen Paul, Will Creevey, Ryan Hill, Mitchell Walters and Nic Burke were again selected in this team as they looked to get their season off on the right foot. Nic Burke’s older brother Tom was a very welcome return to this team after playing elsewhere for a few years. Reserves co-coach Declan Redfern looked very impressive in this side as did bothers Zac Gleeson (playing his 50th senior game for the club) and Jacob Gleeson. Jacob celebrated playing his 150th senior games of the club in fine style – being one of the better performers in a very good team effort. With Darby Wilson and Nate Trotter out injured this meant the side ‘only’ had four sets of brothers playing instead of six – this is something the club is very proud to acknowledge and is a wonderful reflection on the families of the boys involved. Kyabram began very well and immediately put scoreboard pressure on the 'Pies. Captain Jett Trotter underlined his class with excellent midfield and forward play – setting up plenty of opportunities at scoring goals. Veterans Andrew Bell and Marcus Varley again defied their birthdates with outstanding contributions throughout the match - their leadership will no doubt be a vital component to the teams endeavors throughout the season. Linc and Jack McKernan shouldered much of the ruck duties throughout the match with some support from Cohen Paul. The mid-field use of the ball from the likes of Jayden and Jacob Gleeson, Andrew Bell, Lachie Hill and Will Creevey meant the forward supply was consistent throughout the match. Nic Asquith celebrated his first senor match with his home club in style, bagging a couple of goals. Wonderful defensive efforts from Jake Penman, Jack Frewen and Keily Jager throughout the match were evident despite the immense pressure put on by the Kyabram outfit. With more than 80 tackles for the game the intensity the boys brought was impressing coach Gleeson and assistant coaches Neale Poole and Chris Burke. This side looks forward to taking to the ground next weekend in their first home game for the season against the reigning premiership team Echuca – the boys are up for the challenge. With a 2pm start time all are encouraged to get to the ground, purchase a membership ticket and maybe a Coridollar ticket or three (only $50 per ticket this year) and enjoy an afternoon of local sport. Go Pies. Euroa – 8.9.57 defeated by Kyabram 14.10.94 Best players: Cohen Paul, Nic Burke, Jacob Gleeson, Will Creevey, Jake Penman Bell Goal kickers: Andrew Bell (2), Nic Asquith (2), Will Creevey (1), Marcus Varley (1), Ryan Hill (1), Jacob Gleeson (1)