Western Storm10.9 (69)

THE class and depth of talent of State League ladder-leader Glenorchy won out in the end as the Southern Magpies recorded a 33-point victory over the Western Storm at Aurora Stadium on Saturday.

But considering the gap between the two teams on the ladder, the Western Storm had a red-hot crack and were far from disgraced in the 15.12 (102) to 10.9 (69) scoreline.

The Southern Magpies led by 11 points at quarter time, extended their lead to 21 points at half-time and 35 points at three-quarter time but the Storm never threw in the towel at any stage of the game and matched their more fancied opposition in intent and effort throughout.

Glenorchy’s pressure around the contests and on the ball-carrier was good and their speed and quick ball movement by hand and foot impressive.

The Western Storm players fought out the game bravely with purpose and determination but in the end it was the difference in depth of talent and skill level that resulted in the final 33-point margin.

Daniel Muir and the experienced Shane Piuselli both kicked four goals for the Magpies with Jay Bowden kicking three.

Jordan Arnold was Glenorchy’s best player with Piuselli, Bowden, Rhys Mott and Brayden Webb all playing well as they have throughout the year.

Zane Brown was a livewire small forward for the Storm, kicking six goals in a standout performance with the Storm’s experienced campaigners such as captain Jay Blackberry, Jobi Harper, coach Mitch Hills, Thane Bardenhagen and Clinton Drake in their best players.

Despite the loss, Hills was pleased with the performance of his team after the game in what has been a big week for the club and a tough year so far.

‘‘We said during the week that we want to take a couple of scalps during our last six weeks before the end of the year and we thought our last effort at North Hobart Oval was not acceptable and not what we wanted at our footy club,’’ he said.

‘‘Today was trying to atone for that and really about having a crack and setting a standard for our club going forward and that will win us games in the next few weeks.

‘‘It was 10th versus first and a pretty big mismatch in terms of performances so far this year but I thought it was a pretty good even game of footy and both teams had a real crack and it was a good contest.’’

Hills said he was rapt that their match stats showed that they had won in clearances, tackles and hard-ball gets.

‘‘It was also about getting 22 guys contributing on the day which we haven’t had a lot of the year which has been our downfall,’’ he said.

‘‘But I think we got that today which is why we were able to stick with the top team for so long.

‘‘Basic skill areas and turnovers against the top team is going to result in scoring opportunities for them and that is what happened and let us down at the end of the day.’’