PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES TAKE ON WOUNDED TIGERS

The Western Magpies should be fresh after another bye as they host a Labrador team that has potentially lost some of its lustre from recent seasons, but remain a dangerous opponent.

However. which Labrador team will the Pies play? --the Tigers had 9 team changes 2 matches ago and then 10 changes to their team last round and with a quality list, will be searching for consistency.

Labrador have 2 wins against the bottom 2 teams in Sandgate and Wilston Grange and have been well beaten in other losses. Two of the Pies wins have been over the same teams plus a resurgent Surfers Paradise and the Pies losses have been close so the home team's form line looks a lot better, but 4 points are harder to come by than that!

Labrador have featured in the last 4 QAFL Grand Finals, for 2 wins and despite their luke warm start to the year, they are a formidable opponent with talent on every line.

The Western Magpies have had to make six forced changes and as expected Ryan Harwood slots back into the team as a straight swap for Tom Ielasi, who is in Europe visiting relatives.  The Pies also lose Jack Goodall (Redland) and Doug Lawrence (Aspley), both  back to the NEAFL and Caleb Franks also to Redland in the NEAFL after joining them this week as a rookie. Gareth Crawford is also on an overseas trip and Brodie Easton is unavailable with a uni exam. 

Also in are Will Fletcher after missing with unavailability last match, Liam Dwyer returns from an injury he sustained at Redland, Billy Johnson is back for his first game for the Pies this year as the Brisbane Lions NEAFL, where he has been playing, have a bye and it will be his first run for 3 weeks after sustaining an ankle injury.  Meanwhile, experienced veteran Sean Mewing earns a recall to Senior ranks through weight of form and Aaron Maricic is also promoted after good Reserves form.

The Magpies forward line looks potent with Jake De Winter, Anthony Corrie and Ryan Harwood  all capable of plenty of goals but the pies will  need their kicking boots on as inaccuracy in this match could prove costly.

Drew Mitchell was back to his best last week and leads the midfield with another bull in Jono Macanawai, who has been superb in the clinches this season. 

Brady Allen has been good at centre half back since his return and David Lewis has been his usual composed self in every match.

If the Magpies are to consider themselves genuine premiership contenders then it is these matches they must win and with the Tigers a bit of an unknown quantity coach Bryan Morgan will need his charges switched on from the first bounce. 

QAFL Round 9 - Western Magpies vs Labrador - 2pm Sat 16 June @McCarthy Homes Oval

B: Will Fletcher - Luca Winton - Billy Johnson

HB: David Lewis (VC) - Stephen Mills - Brenton Saunders

C: Luke Mitchell - Ben Jaenke-Cain - Aaron Maricic

HF: Jake De Winter - Aaron Highlands - Matt Davis

F: Brady Allen - Anthony Corrie - Riley Easton

Foll: Jack Austin - Drew Mitchell (C) - Ryan Harwood

Int: Liam Dwyer - Jono Macanawai - Sean Mewing - Kale Reed

In: Will Fletcher, Ryan Harwood, Liam Dwyer, Sean Mewing, Aaron Maricic, Billy Johnson

Out: Tom Ielasi, Gareth Crawford (both overseas), Doug Lawrence, Jack Goodall, Caleb Franks (all NEAFL), Brodie Easton (exam)