Pretty Black and White Wrap Up West Coast Fever V Collingwood Magpies Round 12 Monday 12 August 2019 RAC Arena

Fever had a nervous start and conceded a goal in the first minute. Sinclair started and Medhurst was on the bench desperate to get on court against her old team after being dumped by them. Bruce (Fever) intercepted a pass from Sinclair to Nelson. This helped Fever settle and start scoring with their easy movement of the ball up court. The game took on a fast pace with both sides eager to gain the lead. The scores were level at the first break, so no bonus point was awarded.
The start of the second term saw Fever off to a good start but the Collingwood defensive pressure made their task difficult. The combination of Brazill in Centre and Ravaillion in WD gave Fever an absolute headache. Brazill’s athleticism caused a turnover and resulted in a goal for the Pies. The Magpies led by 2 and Fever called a time out. Ball efficiency was 55% the Pies way and it showed. Medhurst was back on and had great vision into Nelson settling her and giving Collingwood another goal. Fever led by one goal and called a time out. Collingwood scored immediately after the time out and it was goal for goal. The bonus point went to West Coast and the Pies trailed by 1 point.
The main break was advantageous for Collingwood as they continued to plug away with strong defence and good ball movement. Fever racked up the unforced errors and call a timeout with the Pies leading by 2 goals. The Pies had their momentum and just kept coming. The Bonus point went to Collingwood and they led by 7 goals.
The final quarter started and finished with Collingwood who took control of the game and showed no signs of letting up. Mentor took some great rebounds and the Pies showed patience in attack helping them maintain their strong lead. It also showed that Collingwood can travel and win.
The bonus point went to West Coast, but Collingwood ran away with the game by 7 goals.
 
Final score    Fever 57   Magpies  63            Magpies by 7 points
Player of the match: Ash Brazill, Collingwood
My Take
Collingwood came flying out of the blocks this week and looked good for most of the game. Nelson still struggles with catching. Something that needs a lot of work and attention. I think she is probably thinking about her next move and not watching the ball into her hands. Her shooting was better this week, but she does take a bit of time to settle when she plays with Sinclair. That is probably because Medhurst is so easy to play with and is such a skilled and talented player.
Mentor and Brandley were a fantastic combination in defence and I really love the pressure that they jointly apply. I’m also loving the combo of Brazill in Centre and Ravaillion in Wing Defence. It works beautifully and Brazill always looks like she has more in her tank.
I was also really impressed that even though the team travelled they managed to rack up the win; which was important, especially given the previous treatment of Medhurst by Fever. We are currently sitting in 5th place on the ladder but I’m hopeful we can get the win against the Swifts this week.
his team is getting better and could be a real contender in the finals. Go Pies!
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