BodyKey Chiropractic - Reserves Preview
Andrew Thomson
PIES RESERVES LOOK TO CONSOLIDATE
The Western Magpies Reserves have reshuffled their line-up for their clash with Broadbeach on Saturday. The Pies lose 5 goal CHF Jack Goodall and on baller Mitchell Stallard to the Seniors but welcome back regular senior player Richard Wenham returning from injury.
Broadbeach are winless this season but have gone down narrowly to Morningside and Mt Gravatt so will be tough opponent for the Pies.
Wenham goes into the centre and Chris Devlin to the ruck rover role so the Pies still have some serious mid-field muscle and with Hunter Heath and Jae Humphrey both in good form last week the Pies midfield looks good. The backline has a mix of experience and youth with Luke DeNys knocking on the door of a Senior debut and Todd Billing playing consistent football with skipper Gabe McKinnon moving to CHB.
The half forward line is youthful with both Lachie Dennis and Charlie Pershouse adapting well to senior football and Joel Workman starting to gain form after an interrupted start to the season. The forward line has also been reshuffled with Warwick recruit Trent Walker to full forward after several weeks in the ruck.
Geoff Gibb is also finding his feet at this level and has improved in each match and Brodie Easton has been the sides leading ball winner in each match this year.
Coach Quentin Johnson has not had a stable team this year but will ask his young forwards to keep presenting as targets and will look to experienced players in McKinnon, Billing, Humphrey and Devlin to provide leadership for the team.
A third victory will set the Pies season up and they will be keen to start well at home.
Reserves vs Broadbeach at HOME - 1130am, Sat April 23
B: Todd Billing - Sean McEvoy (VC) - Jamie Page
HB: Ricky Dudley - Gabe McKinnon (C) - Luke DeNys
C: Jae Humphrey - Richard Wenham - Hunter Heath
HF: Lachie Dennis - Charlie Pershouse - Joel Workman
F: Stuart Hubbert - Trent Walker - James Gainford
Foll: Geoff Gibb - Chris Devlin - Brodie Easton
Int from: Matt Mazerolle - Jesse Pukallus - Josh Burton - Troy Hartman - Sam Donovan - Michael Hyndman