Bloods outclass Magpies

Trafalgar jumped to second on the ladder after outplaying Poowong in a 36-point win.

The Bloods' craft and skill moving forwards proved the difference in the 12.8-80 to 5.14-44 scoreline.

However, the Magpies would have got closer if not for inaccuracy in front of goals and skill errors deep in defence.

A five-goal burst in the second quarter set the game up for the Bloods at Poowong, with veterans Matthew Swenson and Klay Butler kicking two apiece.

The game started with a low-scoring opening quarter as neither side could get value for effort on the scoreboard. Trafalgar led 2.2-14 to 1.1-7.

Up against a good midfield, Trafalgar were directed to not enable any loose players at the stoppages, control the play and drop their eyes when kicking forwards.

This advice paid handsomely, the Bloods leading 7.4-46 to 2.4-16 at half-time.

Magpie captain Jack Hazendonk was everywhere trying to lift his side, but silly mistakes - including two goals left

to dribble through by the defenders - made the task more difficult.

Trailing 4.6-30 to 10.6-66, Poowong could be forgiven for packing up shop. But they didn't.

Poowong peppered their goals in an outstanding final half. The only thing missing was accuracy, as the Magpies kicked just one goal amidst eight points.

The cohesive Trafalgar defensive unit was praised for

holding on, with several impressive intercept marks.

Swenson ended up with a game-high four goals for Trafalgar, with Butler's two goals in the second quarter proving important.

Damon Hansen kicked two for the Magpies to be the only multiple goal kicker.

Mitch Virtue was a standout for Trafalgar. The Bloods were also well served by Daniel Baker, Jamie Hines, Butler, Mathew Devon and Swenson.

Defender Thomas Robertson was judged best afield for Poowong, with Conor Cunningham, Steven McInnes, Micah Williames, Matthew Cozzio and Michael Robertson putting in good games.