Magro makes do with seven goals as Tahs destroy hapless Magpies
WARATAH has cemented its top-two credentials on the NTFL ladder, boasting far too many goal scoring options for a hapless Palmerston in a 75-point belting at TIO Stadium.
The Tahs made it three from three over the Magpies this season, despite the return of Eddie Betts and gun ruckman Matt Dennis on Saturday, as livewire Jayden Magro slotted seven majors.
Magro, an East Perth product, was happy with his showing but was disappointed for not hitting double figures.
“I missed three easy ones, very easy,” Magro said.
“I’m kicking myself … but I managed to snag a few. I just finished off the boys’ good work, especially the boys down back.
“I’m absolutely loving ( NT football), you get to play traditional footy and everyone you meet up here are here for the same reason.”
The game was locked up at 26 points apiece approaching quarter time before the Tahs suddenly kicked seven unanswered majors, partly through man mountain Shem Tatupu.
Earlier, Palmerston had dragged itself back into the contest through the left boot of Justin Cooper and a mark and goal from Brandon Ugle. And when Waylon Davey converted a free kick, the Magpies had suddenly pinched the lead.
Waratah effectively killed the contest in the opening minutes of the second, with five precise set shots as the Magpies could barely muster a clean touch.
Later, in a telling period of play, dominant forwards Corey Rich, Magro and Tatupu waxed the pill in front of goals for the Tahs’ 12th major as it quickly became a red and white procession.
Tahs coach Ryan Ayres was pleased with his team’s effort with up to 10 players missing from its two grades – including co-captains Brodie Carroll and Robert Turnbull – especially Magro.
“He’s a good little footballer … it was good to see the forwards as a group share the footy in the second half,” Ayres said.
WARATAH: 6.2 11.6 15.11 19.15 129 PALMERSTON: 4.2 6.4 6.5 8.6 54 GOALS
Waratah: J Magro 7, C Rich 4, S Tatupu, C Arnold, A Ankers 2, T Toma, T Goodwin,
Palmerston: J Cooper 3, B Ugle, W Davey, J Youle, R Warfe, L Marlin, BEST
Waratah: J Magro, C Rich, D Collis, J Crocker, J Munro.
Palmerston: M Dennis J Cooper S Lampton N Jetta L Marlin