Pearce falls to injury in hefty loss to Kangas

Denmark-Walpole could be without Clancee Pearce for their next encounter with Mt Barker after the former Fremantle Docker reinjured his heel in the Magpies’ disappointing 71-point loss against North Albany on Saturday.

The much-hyped Magpies were buoyed by the inclusion of Pearce but the Kangas stifled the home side from the start and ran out easy winners, 14.11 (95) to 3.6 (24).

Starting in the midfield, Pearce gathered 18 possessions mainly across half-back but left the field to have his ankle retaped before limping from the ground in the second term and was not seen after half-time.

The Magpies were kept to only one goal for three quarters as the Kangas proved impenetrable because of their willingness to apply consistent pressure and they sweated on the mistakes of the home side.

While the Magpies were content to move the ball slowly, which inevitably broke down, the Kangas produced the run and carry that has yielded four straight premierships.

The Kangas had set up the win by half-time, leading by 31 points, and rammed home the advantage to lead by 54 points at the final change.

Athletic ruckman Jacob Hobbs proved his effective best in the air as well as on the ground, roaming free to link up with his midfield brigade in a best-on-ground display.

Youngster Taj Williams enjoyed his best day at league level, booting four majors, while co-captains Graham Ross and Luke Cameron in his 100th match each chipped in with two goals apiece, along with inclusion Nathan Komene.

The Magpies struggled to find winners across the park, with only improving defender Luke Hutcheson, who chopped off countless attacks, new recruit Jayden Guidi and workhorse Tyler Stone battling hard for four quarters.

Magpies coach Matt Candy confirmed Pearce was in doubt because of the heel injury.

“He went and had another go and couldn’t walk on it at the end,” Candy said. “He’s the only one who is going to be a bit of an issue leading into next week.”

“It was just a bad day at the office where we were outgunned by a better team.”

Kangas assistant coach Rod Gillies, who stood in for the absent Craig Dew, said he was pleased with the reaction from his side after a round 1 loss on Anzac Day.