General News
7 May, 2021
Magpies remain positive despite close loss
CAMPERDOWN is on the “right track” according to coach Neville Swayn despite suffering a second consecutive defeat last Saturday.
CAMPERDOWN is on the “right track” according to coach Neville Swayn despite suffering a second consecutive defeat last Saturday.
The Magpies were unable to overcome North Warrnambool in a thriller at the Leura Oval, with the Eagles recording a 13.8 (86) to 12.11 (83) victory.
The home side pressed hard in the last 15 minutes after finding itself 25 points down.
It kicked three quick goals and missed several other opportunities to get within three points and was entering forward 50 when the siren rang.
“We were disappointed not to get the result because we probably outplayed them for the majority of the game,” Swayn said.
“It was probably just a 10 minute lapse at the end of the second quarter and another 10 minute lapse in the third term and then we had to play catch up from there.
“We still take a heap of positives out of it that we can respond. Even when we were four goals down in the last quarter we still responded which was great.
“It’s disappointing but we take the positives and learn from it going forward.”
Swayn said his side was pleased to be in fifth position ahead of this week’s bye but was lamenting missed opportunities against North and South Warrnambool.
“Ideally we wanted to be three and one,” he said.
“Although we haven’t achieved that in the last two games we came away from them being in positions to win.
“If we keep working hard we know we’re going to be on the right track so that next time we get in those positions we can win.
“We know we’ll keep improving so it’s really positive at the moment. There’s a really good feeling in the group.”
Sam Gordon was once again best on ground after he kicked seven goals, while Fraser Lucas, Cameron Spence and Hamish Sinnott also caught the coach’s eye.
Swayn said Gordon kicked 7.4 and once again created a “real focal point” for his side.
“He doesn’t get beaten too often and when he does, he’s bringing those around him into the contest and we know a lot of opposition will know give that attention so we’ll have to work through that,” he said.
“Fraser Lucas’ last fortnight has been terrific and his ball use and stoppage work has been one of the reasons we’ve been getting on top of sides.
Spency played a little bit of a different role as a forward but it worked really well and he looked dangerous down there.
“Hamish Sinnott’s work rate has really stood out over the last two weeks. It’s been great to have him back.”
The Magpies have enjoyed a lighter week on the track ahead of Saturday week’s clash with Warrnambool.
The side is a chance to be bolstered by the return of a number of key players but one Magpie is set for an extended stint on the sidelines.
“Unfortunately Will Lord suffered a nasty injury to his wrist so at this stage he’s likely to be out for 12 weeks,” Swayn said.
“He had surgery on Sunday so we’re hoping for a speedy recovery and our fingers are crossed he plays a couple of games later in the year.”