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The 2018 Bill Peirce Medal will be awarded on Friday 12 October. We will feature plenty of previews this week as the count approaches.
Full Senior Presentation Night will also include all major awards including the JB Medal for Reserves B&F, the Maurie Macnamee Medal for Colts B&F and the Nipperess Medal for the Woodsmen B&F.
The Western Magpies Colts go into the QAFL Colts Grand Final at Yeronga on Saturday as a complete unit, with basically a full strength squad to pick from, resulting in a very strong 22 and some hard luck stories at selection as a result.
The Pies have won the last two encounters between the sides with a 33 point win in the wet at Currumbin a fortnight ago and a 43 point win in Round 14 at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer.
The Lions bounced back from their recent loss to win easily over Wilson Grange in the Preliminary final so the Magpies will be in for a tough battle if they are to triumph in the Grand Final.
The Pies have made one change to the side that won a fortnight ago with half forward Abdullah Haddad recovering from a fractured cheek a month ago to take his place back in the side. As is often the case in a Grand Final, there is selection heart ache and in this case it was half forward Lachlan Pearson who made way after a fine season.
The Pies midfield have been dominant this year and they held sway a fortnight ago. Ruckman Samson Ryan has been a consistent performer and polled well in the QAFL Colts B & F despite missing many games due to representative duties. Jacob Sheath has been consistent in midfield and Zane Lovell has had a good 2 months of footy with strong play around the packs. Skipper Noah Resuggan is often overlooked in the best players but he leads from the front and he can rotate through the midfield and when forward offers another option. Rover and small forward Sean Ryan is a smart footballer and uses his pace to advantage.
Other speedsters around the middle of the ground include Bruce Reville, who just looks like a class act with pace and clean ball handling skills, Dan Edwards who work hard both ways and Deng Arok, who also polled will in the QAFL B & F.
Up forward big men Cam Ferguson and Finn Collison provide the tall targets and if they don’t mark they bring the ball to ground where Ryan, Resuggan, Sam Mehari and the returning Haddad love nothing better than to swoop on the loose ball in search of goal kicking opportunities. The Pies forwards also work hard to apply forward pressure when they don’t have the ball with a number of players with pace to harass opposition ball carriers.
The defence has been generally miserly this year and work well together as a unit. With key position defenders Whitlam Bishop and Chris Moloney rock solid all year and with the medium sized flankers in Chris Jenkins, Aiden D’Roza, Charlie Thorpe and Ethan Sivijs, the Pies have a well-oiled back half. The midfield also work hard defensively so the Magpies will make their opponents work hard for their goals.
A large number of the Pies players featured in last year’s Grand Final and will know a good start and scoreboard pressure are vital if a Grand Final is to be won. This was proved a fortnight ago when the Pies got on top early and coaches Jake Fuentes and Kiran Verma will be stressing to their players that the pressure does ramp up in the premiership decider and to be ready to embrace it, win the early hard ball get the side away to a good start.
the coaching and leadership group have moulded a tight knit group of young men who play the game in the right spirit and are also good citizens off the field and great clubmen.
The Pies start favourites but this does not count for much on Grand Final Day and the young Pies will need to bring their best to overcome what is expected to be a strong PBC challenge as the Lions begin there day looking for Premiership Glory in all 3 grades.
QAFL Colts Grand Final: Western Magpies v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Yeronga on Saturday September 22nd, 2018 at 09.00am.
B: Chris Jenkins (vc) Chris Moloney Charlie Thorpe
HB: Aiden D’Rosa Whitlam Bishop (vc) Ethan Sivijs
C: Dan Edwards Jacob Sheath Deng Arok
HF: Jayden Johnson Cameron Ferguson Sam Mehari
F: Noah Resuggan (Capt) Finn Collison Sean Ryan
Foll: Samson Ryan Zane Lovell Bruce Reville
I/C: Jacob Aurich, Abdullah Haddad, Ritti Batilimoyo, Ryan Cherry
In: Abdullah Haddad
Out: Lachlan Pearson (omitted)
Emerg: Lachlan Pearson, Harrison Radcliffe, Harry Keenan, Cooper Crowell, Tom Slatter
Unavail: Mitchell O’Dea (fractured clavicle)
The Colts were fantastic in the semi final in wet conditions to defeat Palm Beach-Currumbin on their home ground. The Pies executed wet weather skills brilliantly on the smallish Salk Oval and it was really a class display in unfamiliar rainy and muddy conditions.
The Pies established the ascendancy early and after going to a three goal lead early were able to maintain control of the game to advance to this week's Grand Final, ironically against Palm Beach again after they defeated Grange in the Preliminary Final
Coach Jake Fuentes and his Assistant Kiran Verma have developed a team first ethos and the Pies share the footy and play a very team orientated brand of football.
They have an impressive hand and foot skills and work hard at the contest then run hard offensively and defensively.
There are few if any weaknesses in the side with a tight knit defensive unit headed by CHF Whitlam Bishop, FB Chris Moloney and tough and skilful half backs in Chris Jenkins, Aiden D'Roza, Charlie Thorpe and Ethan Sivijs.
The midfield is headed by Jacob Sheath with Deng Arok and Dan Edwards on the wings to provide plenty of pace through the centre of the ground. Sheath, last years Maurie McNamee Medal winner has been a model of consistency again this year and he loves the contest and uses the ball very well.
Samson Ryan has been a revelation in ruck with brilliant tap work giving his on ballers better than even chance to win the ball. Sean Ryan, Zane Lovell, skipper Noah Resuggan and the silky Bruce Reville form a very strong engine room with toughness combined with polish.
Up forward big men Cam Ferguson and Finn Collison don't mind crashing the pack and if they don't mark the football then the likes of Jayden Johnson, Sam Mohari and Ritti Batilimoyo are ready to pounce on the loose ball.
Last match the Pies had some good players starting on the bench which gives the side plenty of depth. Strong bodied Jacob Aurisch and Ryan Cherry provide options forward or back and Lachlan Pearson can be dangerous up forward.
The QAFL Grogan Medal count was held at the Gabba on Sunday evening where Riley Easton was the winner of the 2018 QAFL Rising Star, Jake de Winter won Mark of the Year and Ryan Harwood was surprisingly the only Magpie in the QAFL Team of the year.
Former Magpie favourite sons Jimmy Rozynski and Luke Scott met Newbridge in the Loddon Valley League Grand Final where they went down by 44 points. In true Rozynki fashion he was one of his sides best, but to show its a small world - he was up against current Club President Andrew Thomson’s cousin in Jack Fowler who was named best for the Premiers on the day after a superb performance in the midfield.
The Loddon Valley League is located to the north and west of Bendigo about 2 hours drive from Melbourne. The Queensland boys flew to Melbourne early each Saturday morning to then drive to matches then drive back to Melbourne on Saturday night and catch a red eye home.
Another ex-player in a Grand Final was Joel Workman who lined up for Park Ridge Pirates when they defeated Beenleigh Buffaloes in the Division 2 Grand Final at Yeronga on Sunday.
While on past players popular ex-Pie Matt "Clock" Thompson was on fire for Ainslie Reserves in their Premiership win over Queanbeyan at Manuka Oval last Sunday. After going down by 5 goals in the Second Semi Final, Clock came out and put the game beyond doubt with 5 first quarter goals and 7 for the match as the Tricolours reversed the semi final result to win by 6 goals. He was named man of the match. His brother Andrew was co-coach and also played well at centre half back. Ainslie scored the trifecta in winning all three grades and it was three in a row in Seniors and Reserves.
The Magpies are more than the Western Magpies and while Gut Feelings primarily concentrates on the Senior side of the club, the Pies have a strong junior division--after all the club is still officially named "Sherwood DAFC Incorporating Western Magpies AFC" and started as a junior club.
Sherwood have the following teams in the Brisbane Juniors competition.
--Under 8s - 4 teams
--Under 9s - 3 teams
--Under 10s - 3 teams
--Under 12s - 2 teams
--Under 14s - 2 teams
--Under 16s - 2 teams
Great to see so many current and former Senior players involved in coaching throughout the various age groups.
Thanks to the 3 people who commented on Gut Feelings on the Facebook page and the enjoyment they had reading the inside stories from the Nest. Well there are a few more stories to come and I and my colleagues inside the Nest trust there are plenty of the Magpie family who have had a few more insights into the Pies this season.
The Western Magpies Colts have won their way into their second successive QAFL Grand Final after an emphatic victory over Palm Beach-Currumbin in the Second Semi Final at Currumbin on Saturday morning.
The young Pies won handsomely in the wet and heavy conditions by 33 points, 9.9-63 to 3.12-30.
The Magpies now await the winner of the PBC v Wilston Grange Preliminary Final after Grange defeated Broadbeach in the First Semi Final.
The Pies were on-song from the first bounce and their cleaner ball skills in the wet and in and around the contest enabled them to establish early ascendancy. Getting on top early in wet conditions is vital and the Pies did just that with a three goal lead at quarter time that in the conditions even then was going to take some reeling in by the Lions.
The Magpies defence was well on top and kept the Lions goalless to half time and to one goal by three quarter time. Even then the Pies only led by 19 points at the final break but went on with the job to boot a further 4 final quarter goals to win comfortably.
Ruck rover Zane Lovell relished the tough going to win plenty of contested football and fellow on-baller Bruce Reville had a clean pair of hands in the wet to show his class with a polished display. Smaller speedsters in winger Dan Edwards and rover Sean Ryan were in their element with the ball on the ground more than usual and they continually drove the Pies forward. Ethan Sivijs was solid across half back and Cam Ferguson and Jayden Johnson both booted 2 valuable goals when goals were double normal value.
It was another strong team effort from the Pies and even saw key defender Whitlam Bishop kick a goal for the Pies.
The Magpies have another week off and no doubt training intensity will be high as the danger facing them is playing only 2 matches in 5 weeks going into the Grand Final.
The Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, September 22nd at 9am at Yeronga.
Western Magpies. 3.3-21 | 4.3-27 | 5.4- 34 | 9.9-63
defeated
Palm Beach-Currumbin. 0.2-2 | 0.6-6 | 1-9-15 | 3-12-30
Best: Z. Lovell, B. Reville, E. Sivijs, D. Edwards, S. Ryan
Goals: C. Ferguson 2, J. Johnson 2, W. Bishop, S. Mehari, N. Resuggan, J. Sheath, F. Collison
REGIS CHELMER JOIN THE MAGPIES AS COMMUNITY PARTNER
Regis Chelmer have confirmed their support as a community partner of the Sherwood Magpies / Western Magpies AFC.
Regis Chelmer is a purpose-built aged care facility inside a faithfully restored 1890s mansion, topped with a magnificent rooftop lounge located on Victoria Avenue, Chelmer.
Regis Chelmer Facility Manager, Clyde Black announced the partnership today at McCarthy Homes Oval.
“Regis is committed to building strong relationships in the local community. It all comes down to a shared set of values and a belief in getting involved in the local community. We pride ourselves on providing top quality care for not only residents at Regis Chelmer but also care for the wider community.”
“After getting to know the Magpies, we identified a terrific opportunity for Regis to get involved and support our local grassroots footy club,” announced Clyde Black of Regis Chelmer.
The partnership is welcome news for the Magpie faithful and will enable the club to continue to provide a top-quality grassroots football programme in the Western Suburbs.
“It’s terrific to have Regis Chelmer onboard at the Magpies. They focus on quality relationships and it’s the care for people not just as customers that really resonated with us in terms of our own footy club and how we want to look after each other,”
“The costs of putting teams on the park just keep rising and it’s simply not possible to run the club effectively without the support of local business’s like Regis Chelmer,” Western Magpies President, Andrew Thomson.
Please support those who support the Magpies!
If you or a loved one is considering aged care now or in the future, please contact Regis on
1300 998 100 or VISIT https://www.regis.com.au/residence/regis-chelmer/
The Western Magpies Colts are the lone survivor of the past 2 weeks of football for the Magpies and will fly the flag for the club when they play Palm Beach-Currumbin in the QAFL Colts Second Semi Final at Currumbin on Saturday morning.
The Pies are almost at full strength but have one forced change to the side that played a fortnight ago, with half forward and goalsneak Abdullah Haddad out due to fractured cheekbone suffered in an unsavoury incident at Surfers Paradise a fortnight ago.
In comes speedster Ritti Batilimoyo to the interchange bench after missing with a slight niggle last match.
The results against PBC are one each with the Pies going down by 17 points their round 4 clash at Currumbin then the Pies had a convincing 43 point win in the return bout in round 14 at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer. The loss early in the season was the first of only two losses the Colts suffered during the season.
The Pies were impressive in their last few hitouts and their ball movement with hand and foot has been precise and allows them to move the ball quickly forward where big forwards Cam Ferguson and Finn Collison can get off the leash. It they fail to take the grab then smart medium and small forwards in skipper Noah Resuggan, rover Sean Ryan, half forwards Sam Mehari and Jayden Johnson are ready to pounce on any loose ball.
The midfield looks particularly strong with Samson Ryan in ruck in good form and then able to drift forward to boot a goal or two. Jacob Sheath has had another consistent season in the centre and with the silky skills of Bruce Reville and the non-stop running of Dan Edwards and Dane Lovell the Pies have a very solid engine room.
The Pies defence has had cursory mentions this year because they usually go about their jobs with quiet efficiency and they have largely kept the opposition to single goal figures in most matches. Key defenders Whitlam Bishop and Chris Moloney have rarely had their colours lowered and with Ethan Sivijs, Chris Jenkins, Charlie Thorpe and Aiden D’Rosa in support and to provide run and carry out of the backline the Pies are well equipped to keep PBC to a losing total.
Coach Jake Fuentes as his charges primed for a big effort but has emphasized that finals are another step up in the pressure department and to be ready for an early Lions onslaught. The Pies have the form on the board and the talent to advance to their second straight Grand Final but the win will only come from hard work at the contest and from good ball use under pressure.
QAFL Second Semi Final: Western Magpies Colts v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Salk Oval, Currumbin on Saturday, September 8th at 9.00 am
B: Chris Jenkins (vc) Chris Moloney Charlie Thorpe
HB: Aiden D’Roza Whitlam Bishop (vc) Ethan Sivijs
C: Dan Edwards Jacob Sheath Deng Arok
HF: Jayden Johnson Cameron Ferguson Sam Mehari
F: Noah Resuggan (Capt) Finn Collison Sean Ryan
Foll: Samson Ryan Zane Lovell : Bruce Reville
I/C: Jacob Aurisch, Ritti Batilimoyo, Lachlan Pearson, Ryan Cherry
In: Ritti Batilimoyo
Out: Abdullah Haddad (fractured cheek)
Emerg: Harrison Radcliffe, Cooper Crowell, Harry Keenan, Mitchell O’Dea, Tom Slatter
The past two weekends haven't been very good for the Magpie family as the anticipation coming toward the finals was high but the Pies hopes have been dashed in three of the four grades.
The Woodsmen went into the QFA Division 4 Grand Final at Coorparoo on Friday night as warm favourites against Maroochydore but were on the back foot from the first bounce and just could not get themselves into the contest. The Pies were prepared for a tough battle as despite winning the three contests during the season they got progressively closer from a 39 point win earlier in the year, before winning away by 6 points and again by 6 points in the Semi final.
Maroochydoore got first use of a 5 goal breeze and at quarter time, trailing by just 7 points the Woodsmen were very happy with how things were going, but they then failed to take their chances with the use of the wind themselves and were outscored to go into half-time goalless, but still miraculously only down by 16 points and still in it despite a poor first half.
After the break however, the wind had switched to a tricky cross breeze making kicking at goal difficult and even hitting targets in general play hard work. The Woodies were their own worst enemy, gifting the Roos 3 of their 4 goals in the 3rd quarter via 50m penalties, taking them to the goal-line, taking tough conditions out of the equation.
In the final quarter the wind had largely died down, but the superior fitness and speed of the younger Roos outfit was telling on the big ground, and only poor kicking for goal kept the score even mildly respectable.
The Pies just could not match the pace and precise ball use of the Roos and try as they might just had a bad night when it counted most. Missing Sam Banim hurt the Woodies, even more so when youngster Braydon Thomas suffered a devastating ACL tear early in the game after getting through the full season unscathed after returning from an ACL 2 years prior
The Reserves surged in the latter half of the season to force their way into the Elimination Final against PBC at Surfers Paradise last Sunday, but like the Woodsmen were off the pace physically and metaphorically. The Palm Beach-Currumbin players were pacey and used that to their advantage and except for the first 15 minutes of the match when the Pies could have had 3 goals on the board the Pies looked slow and reactive. The Pies were held to 2 goals in the blustery conditions, by far their lowest score for the year. Seems the Magpies aren't find of windy conditions!
The Reserves had a roller coaster ride to the finals and this may have caught them out last Sunday. After a round 11 loss to Broadbeach the Pies were 3 games outside the five. But the Pies regained some key players and then won 6 of the last 7 matches to surge into the finals. But like the Seniors, the stress of continually having to play do-or-die matches week in, week out probably had them not quite right mentally and after the first 15 minutes were not able to establish any ascendancy at all.
Interestingly though, the Magpies were able to defeat every single Reserves side in the competition at least once other than Labrador and good judges have noted the enormous lift in standard across the board in QAFL Reserves in 2018
Coach Des Lashman commented that it was the Magpies first Reserves finals appearance in 4 seasons and many of the younger players will benefit from the experience. The irony of last weeks loss to a youthful Lions team was that the Magpies best players were the experienced players with Peter Kilroy the Pies best player and the oldest player on the ground. Skipper Sean Mewing was busy especially early and Gareth Crawford also scrapped hard.
Disappointment is probably an understatement after the Seniors saved arguably their worst performance for the year in the most important match of the year to date.
For the past 5-6 weeks the Pies looked to be up their with the best in the QAFL and after defeating Morningside 2 weeks prior had sent a shiver through the other QAFL finals bound clubs. On talking to many Pies players and coaches when watching the Reserves on Sunday, missing the finals burns deep and leaves a "gnawing feeling in the guts" about what the possibilities were had the Pies made the five.
The 0-3 start to the season in matches the Pies could have won came back to haunt the Pies as they were always playing catch up on the ladder and the inability to win any of the 5 close matches they played proved their undoing. Just one win out of these close losses and the Pies would have finished third and preparing for a Qualifying Final on Saturday. Catch up football on the ladder but also in many of their matches this season
The Pies play a tough attritional style of football and were unable to match Surfers outside run and pace and at times the Pies players looked tired from a season where they had to play catch up on the ladder and also catch up in many of their matches this season, not to mention having all 3 of their byes in the first 12 rounds, resulting in playing the last 7 games consecutively.
The Pies missed the pressure and pace that Riley Easton usually provides after he was injured midway through the second quarter. Riley injured an ankle and could not return and with Will Fletcher nursing a sore head and on and off the bench the Pies were down on rotations and this probably told in the last quarter.
The Pies defence was superb all season and the mantra in the club was that if the opposition could be kept to 11 goals then the Pies would win 90% of their matches. The Pies had 12 goals or more kicked on them in only 4 matches with the highest goal tally kicked against them of 14 goals against Broadbeach. But the Pies also struggled to kick goals and in several matches poor kicking for goal cost them dearly.
On a positive note 16 of the 22 players in the Senior team and 18 of the 22 Reserves players that the Pies put on the field last Saturday all came up through the ranks at Chelmer which is a phenomenal effort for the club and its player development.
In retrospect the Pies missed Aaron Highlands in the loss to Surfers Paradise and the versatility he provided to start him at CHB then throw him into the ruck if needed was sorely missed. Such are the small things that can make or break a season.
The Pies went down to Surfers by 21 points in the final round yet did not play well. The Demons won by 6 goals over Mt Gravatt in the Elimination Final to underline how close the Pies were to the top this year. Bugger!!
The Magpies Colts had a solid victory at Surfers in the final round, leading from the fist minute and never in any danger of defeat. The Pies locked in top spot on the ladder with the win and played an attractive brand of football with slick use of the ball by hand and foot.
The game was marred by several ugly incidents with Pies players the targets and the QAFL has investigated the incidents, one of which left Pies player Abdullah Haddad with a fractured nose and cheekbone.
Colts now fly the flag for the Magpies as they travel to Currumbin to take on the home team in the QAFL Second semi final. The winner goes straight into the Grand Final and the scores are one win each this season. The Pies went down by 17 points, 8-8-56 to 5-9-39 points in round 4 on the coast but had an emphatic 14-12-96 to 8-5-53 win at Chelmer in round 14.
The Pies had one eye on a quartet of popular ex-players in Chris Devlin, Nick Barling, Jaike Bowen and the ageless Michael Lyons (QAFL Reserves League B & F in 2004 and 2005) as they lined up with Ipswich in the QFA Division 3 Grand Final at Wilston Grange last Saturday. The Eagles went down to Carrara by 6 goals after they defeated the same opponent by 6 goals in the Second Semi Final. Carrara then downed Kedron in the Preliminary Final. Ex Pies player and coach Craig St John was helping out on the coaching bench at Kedron where his son Sam St John has been playing. It was Ipswich's second Grand Final loss in a row-maybe third time lucky next year.
At the risk of missing any number of Pies ex-players who may be in finals a few come to mind with Luke Scott and Jim Rozynski playing key roles in Mitiamo's two finals wins to date in the Loddon Valley League situated just north of Bendigo. Also in the SuperRoos team is ex QAFL players Matt Trewhella (Grange), Michael l'Ansen (PBC) and Lucas Matthews (Noosa).
Popular Pies player Matt "Clock" Thompson won the Canberra Leagues Reserves B & F this week. Clock is running around for Ainslie and is happy playing in the twos, which is coached by his brother Andrew, also an ex-Pie. Ainslie are aiming for their third Reserves (and Senior flag) in a row on Sunday at Manuka. Andrew also won the League B & F last year to keep it in the family. Clock is also training for the javelin at the Institute of Sport and is targeting the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2020 and is making progress as he nears the qualifying mark.
The Western Magpies Reserves crashed out of the finals, and much like the Senior side - saved their worst performance till last. It was their second biggest loss of the year when defeated by a slicker and more polished Palm Beach-Currumbin in the Elimination Final at Surfers Paradise on Sunday.
The Pies were on top for the first ten minutes of the match and should have had 3 goals on the board from the early exchanges but did not get reward for effort and from then on they were chasing their tail and the PBC players for the rest of the match.
The Pies went down by 9 goals, 11.9-75 to 2.9-21. You have to go back to round one when the Pies were defeated by Mt Gravatt by 65 points to find a bigger defeat this season.
Played in blustery conditions, the Magpies started brightly enough with skipper Sean Mewing and the ageless Peter Kilroy pumping the ball forward but the Pies could not raise the two flags.
PBC were able to put 2 quick goals on and then with the Pies favoured by a flukey cross wind could not trouble the scorers in the second quarter while the Lions kicked 4 goals, one after the siren, to hold a commanding 5 goal lead at half time.
It was more of the same after half time as PBC used a pace advantage and growing confidence to continually outnumber the Pies at the contests and find a running team-mate at will as the Pies looked to be chasing for most of the third quarter. The Pies were made to look slow by the Lions slick ball use and run and carry. The Magpies were only able to score 1 point for the entire second and third quarters.
The final quarter saw coach Des Lashman throw his side around in an effort to find some spark and the Pies did dominate the forward entries and even up the contest but the horse had well and truly bolted. The Pies could only add 1-5 for the quarter to boot their lowest score of the year.
As would be expected with the scoreline it was the defenders who figured in the best players as they were continually under the pump. Chris Hunt worked overtime at CHB and Harry Marshall at fullback and and Kurt Vine across half back competed hard all game but were often overwhelmed with the Lions charging forward in numbers.
Peter Kilroy had plenty of the ball, especially in the first half and was the Pies best player and Sean Mewing also tried hard to lift his teammates on a wing. Ironically Kilroy was the oldest player on the ground but it was the Lions youth and pace that brought the Pies undone.
Other experienced players in Gareth Crawford and Gerard Moore battled hard all game in midfield and Brodie Easton also tried hard to stem the tide.
It ended a horrible week for the Pies, who 8 days ago were looking forwards to a positive finals experience but the Seniors went down to miss the finals, then the Woodsmen were defeated in the Grand Final on Friday night and then Sunday's loss in the Reserves.
This leaves the Colts as the Magpies only team still in contention as they begin their finals campaign Saturday morning at 9 am when they take on Palm Beach-Currumbin in the Second Semi Final at Palm Beach. (despite finishing on top of the ladder!)
Palm Beach Currumbin 2.0-12 | 6.4-40 | 9.8-62 | 11.9-75
defeated
Western Magpies 1.3-9 | 1.3-9 | 1.4-10 | 2.9-21
Goals: S. Mewing, L. Murray
Best: C. Hunt, P. Kilroy, B. Easton, S. Mewing, H. Marshall, K. Vine
HUNT AND MURRAY KEY INS FOR PIES RESERVES IN FIRST FINAL
The Western Magpies Reserves continue their run of do-or-die matches when they contest thn QAFL Elimination Final against old rivals Palm Beach-Currumbin at Surfers Paradise on Sunday.
The Pies won 6 of their past 7 matches but due to a slow start to the season it was still up in the air if they would qualify for the finals until they won in the final round. The season gradually built pace throughout the year as the Pies depth is very strong, with 19 of the Reserves 22 on Sunday having Senior football experience and the 3rds playing off in a Grand Final tonight (an unable to utlise a number of players who miss out on the reserves team this weekend)
The Pies have two quality ins with vice captain and centre half back Chris Hunt returning after a missing dude to a family event last week and hard-nut midfielder Logan Murray comes back in after missing last week with a knee complaint.
Out are Monty Vine and Tristan Dowdy, both named as emergencies. Both are nursing some sore spots and have largely been rested but both could play if there are any late withdrawals.
Hunt is a big in for coach Des Lashman as he organises the backline and ensures the defensive structure remains steady and he also takes the key opposition forward and rarely has his colours lowered. With the irrepressible Peter Kilroy on one side and Kurt Vine the other they form a sold half back line and then with Harry Marshall at fullback and Zach Collison in the pocket the Pies have a strong defensive unit that will make the Lions forwards work hard to score.
Murray adds to a strong midfield mix and with his bullocking style of play is suited to the increased intensity of finals football. The midfield looks particularly strong with Val Pope striking rare form, Lachie Dennis having a good run of high quality matches, Brodie Easton providing the link through the middle and Gareth Crawford enjoying a new lease of life and picking up a bit of zip along the way. Add Aaron Maricic and Sam DeNys to the mix and the Pies rotations now have plenty of depth.
The ruck division also looks good with Gerard Moore turning back the clock with vintage ruckwork and Nathan Congram has been a model of consistency this year.
Up forward Jeremy DeRooy and Jack Austin provide the tall marking options and both are not afraid to hit the packs and at ground level the livewire Sam Parker and Rory Johnson have the pace and good reading of the play to create goal scoring opportunities.
The Pies have come into the finals in good form but as all know finals football is a different kettle of fish and the intensity goes up a notch and the pressure, real or imagined, can be overwhelming. How the Pies handle the pressure of the first quarter will go a long way to determining the outcome. The Pies went down narrowly to PBC in their first encounter on the coast in a match the should have won then won the easily on the return bout at Chelmer.
The Lions will be a strong unit so it will be a tough and typical finals encounter but the Pies have the side to prevail and keep the momentum going for another week.
QAFL Elimination Final: Western Magpies Reserves v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Surfers Paradise on Sunday, September 2nd at 11.30 am
B: Sam DeNys Harry Marshall Kurt Vine
HB: Zach Collison Chris Hunt (vc) Peter Kilroy
C: Rory Johnson Brodie Easton Sam Hartog
HF: Val Pope Jack Austin Sean Mewing (Capt)
F: Nathan Congram Jeremy De Rooy Sam Parker
Rucks: Gerard Moore Aaron Maricic Gareth Crawford
I/C: Lachlan Dennis, Matt Mazarolle, Logan Murray, Sean McEvoy
Emerg: Sempitake Kwizera, Monty Vine, Tristan Dowdy
The Woodsmen will take on Maroochydoore tonight in the QFA Friday Night Footy Grand Final in what promises to be hard fought battle.
Having met twice in the home and away season, and again in the major semi final - these 2 teams are well matched with the Woodsmen emerging victorious by 33 points in Round 5, 6 points in Round 14 and again by 6 points in the major semi final.
Fielding arguably their strongest side all year, the Woodsmen will be looking to keep a clean sheet of 4-0 in 2018 against the Roos, with one forced change to the side in Sam Banim being unavailable and replaced by Will Lloyd, while the duo of life member Gabe McKinnon and mercurial Shayne Baldwin also force their way back in after missing the first final through injury.
The Woodsmen are well rested after a weeks break, a godsend for some of the aging stars in the side, while also giving a few of the younger players a chance to recover from any niggling injuries. With ages ranging from 19 to 39, its an eclectic mix that forms this team with a great mix of youth and experience.
Long the strength of the Woodsmen is a very stingy backline, and this week will be no different with the Woodies having a good mix of defenders able to play tall and small to counter the Roos tall forwardline, but also ready to counter attack when the chance comes. In one pocket is Jamie Page, who plays a hard nosed defensive game, but loves to lay the foundations for attack with his run. In the other is 'Mr Composure', Travis Young - not blessed with sublime speed, he never appears rushed, finds options via hand and foot and is superb in the air. In the key defensive posts will be Magpie stalwarts in Scotty Matthews and Gabe McKinnon, both highly experienced players who offer great footy smarts. On one flank is the 'Minister of Defence' himself, David Jackson who at 39 plays like a 19 year old, single handedly getting the Woodies over the line in the Round 15 clash against Maroochydoore and the 2nd of the two Young brothers, Josh who is an attacking half back, brilliant in the air and not afraid to take the game on.
Across the centreline, the Woodies have the hard-working Tom Roderick, who as a first year Woodsmen has quickly become one of the more popular teammates for his supreme work ethic and team first attitude, not to mention his great skills off either foot. On the other wing is the (former?) speedster Kiran Verma, offering plenty of chat and direction for his teammates and in the centre is the experienced Chris Judson who is an absolute wrecking ball around the contest to continually drive the Woodies forward with his unique ability to win the ball in tight.
Up forward, its a touch of class across the arc with the mercurial Shayne Baldwin on one flank, and the hard working Chris Davis on the other applying plenty of tackling pressure to go with his pin point ball use going inside 50. At centre half forward is the spearhead, competition leading goalkicker - Matt Hockley. A beautiful set shot for goal, Hockley also has a strong work rate and sure hands both in the air and at ground level to be a constant threat around the goals. Coming out of the square is the big left footer in Jason Evans, with explosive speed and strong hands he is hard to stop if the Magpies can get their delivery right, and should he bring the ball to ground he will have Ben Ness and Braydon Thomas at his feet ready to pounce. Thomas is capable of bags of goals when he's up and going, and can also push up to the wing if needed, while Ness also forms part of the midfield rotation where he often gets leather poisoning.
Finally, the ruck division where a couple of older heads in Andrew Thomson in the ruck and Captain/Coach Chris Mihalopoulous are complimented by the superstar, Sammy Curtis. Curtis is the king of the chase down tackle with his elite speed, but also wins the ball on the inside and outside with his clean hands and acceleration through the contest, while Mihalopoulos bodylines the footy and the experience of 300+ games sees his footy smarts play a key role at stoppages and he uses the ball beautifully. Thomson gives a good honest contest at the centre bounce, but comes into his own around the ground, usually winning plenty of ball in the back half and proving a nuisance for the opposition sitting a kick behind the play.
Starting on the bench will be the versatile Tim Green who will provide a chopout in the ruck, but can also play key position at either end of the ground. The oldest player in the side is defender Chris La Burniy, who ironically is also probably in the best shape! This gym junkie has great composure and can easily match up on talls or smalls thanks to his great speed, and incredible vertical leap. Rounding out the interchange bench are Brenton Hocking, who forms part of the main midfield rotation but can easily push back or forward on the flanks as the match unfolds, while Will Lloyd will be deployed both forward and in the midfield where he can be extremely damaging around stoppages with his excellent vision and superb tackling pressure.
It promises to be a great night of footy as the Woodsmen do battle with Maroochydoore who are new to the competition after winning back to back flags in the Sunshine Coast / Wide Bay League and will be looking for the 'threepeat'.
Get down to Coorparoo to support the Woodsmen in the first Grand Final of 2018 to be contested by a side from McCarthy Homes Oval.
The Western Magpies have saved their worst performance of the year for their biggest game of the year to date to go down to a slicker Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise. As a result, a season that promised so much has seen the Magpies drop to sixth on the QAFL ladder and out of the finals.
It was a bitter end to what could have been a great year but the Pies paid the price for several narrow losses throughout the year, any one of which could have been the one extra victory that would have secured the double chance for the Pies. The reward for winning on Saturday would have been third place but the Magpies appeared to feel the pressure of a do-or-die game and did not bring their A game on the day, while their opposition certainly did.
The Pies fought hard but went down by 21 points, 10.9-69 to 7.6-48, which was the second largest loss for the year and the Pies lowest score for the season
After starting in energetic fashion to boot the first three goals of the match, the Pies were not able to match the Demons in the midfield and the home team were cleaner in their hand and foot skills to pick their way through the Pies defence to level the scores by quarter time.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle and scores were level at half time but the Demons were looking more dangerous when going forward and it was only stout defence from Doug Lawrence, Brady Allen and Luke Mitchell which kept them at bay. The Pies also lamented several missed goal chances with crucial fumbles and poor execution and had they converted may have edged them in front at halftime and a different mindset going into the second half. An ankle injury to Riley Easton in the second quarter took some sting out of the Pies forward pressure and his pace was missed.
With the match up for grabs it was the home team which dominated from the outset in the third quarter, killing the Magpies around the ball as the young Surfers ruckman did as he pleased and Surfers subsequently dominated the inside 50s. The Pies just could get the ball out of their backline and when they did the Demons loose man across half back chopped the Pies attacks off. The home team held a 20 point lead at the final change which probably flattered the Pies and with only 5 goals o the board it was going to be a big ask to win from that point.
Coach Brydan Morgan threw caution to the wind with Doug Lawrence up forward and he did provide a target and the Pies managed to narrow the gap to 16 points and give hope to an unlikely win. However, Surfers kicked a sealer and the match finished without much sting as the Demons were finals bound and the Pies looked to 2019.
The Pies were beaten on the inside, in the air, lost the midfield contested ball and were beaten on the outside. The clean skills of just 2 weeks ago went missing under the pressure of a finals like match and perhaps the attrition of the past 6 weeks and having to keep on winning just wore the Pies down--they certainly looked tired and sore well before the siren sounded.
Luca Winton fought hard in defence despite copping a few solid knocks and Kale Reed was busy all game. Ben Jaenke-Cain had plenty of the ball especially in the first half, Doug Lawrence was strong in defence and kept Danny Green to 3 goals and Liam Dwyer battled hard at CHF and then when in the ruck.
The Pies had losses of 6, 18, 12, 18, 26, 4 and 21 points and did not win any of the close matches they contested this season. In five of the losses, the game was in the balance 25 minutes into the last quarter but the Pies could not edge in front in any of the close games. The average losing margin was just 14 points in a season that leaves many thinking 'what could have been?'
Surfers Paradise 3.2-20 | 5.3-33 | 8.7-55 | 10.9-69
defeated
Western Magpies 3.1-19 | 5.3-33 | 5.5-35 | 7.6-48
Best: B. Jaenke-Cain, L. Winton, K. Reed, L. Dwyer, D. Lawrence
Goals: J. De Winter 2, W. Johnson, K. Reed, B. Jaenke-Cain, L. Dwyer, D. Lawrence
RESERVES SECURE FINALS BERTH WITH SOLID VICTORY
The Western Magpies Reserves took until the third quarter to shake off a determined Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast on Saturday to secure fifth place on the ladder and an Elimination Final clash with Palm Beach-Currumbin back at Surfers Paradise next Sunday.
The Pies were guilty of playing nervous football in the first half with overuse of the football and held a narrow 1 goal lead at half time.
Des Lashman asked his side to play simpler football and they started to be more direct and move the ball quickly into the forward line and it opened for the Pies. Matt Mazarolle played his best game this year with strong leading and marking to boot 3 goals and Jeremy De Rooy provided a forward target, while Val Pope was clean with his skills to also boot 3 goals but also pick up plenty of possessions around the ground.
The Pies had a more comfortable 21 point lead at three quarter time and they controlled play in the last quarter to run out 28 point victors, 13.12-90 to 9.8-62.
Gerard Moore dominated in the ruck and his work at the stoppages was first class as well as taking some telling marks, Gareth Crawford worked hard around the clinches and was strong when the game was in the balance and Brodie Easton collected over 30 possessions in the centre.
Sam DeNys kept the Demons small forwards quiet from a back pocket and Kurt Vine continued his good form across half back with good spoiling and tackling. Monty Vine did well in ruck and then booted 2 last quarter goals to seal the contest for the Pies and Nathan Congram was solid when moved to CHB after half time.
It's a great achievement for the Reserves to push into the finals after a difficult start to the year, but with their form recently to win 6 of their last 7, including victories over several fellow finalists - only half the battle is won with the team determined to go deep.
Western Magpies 1.2-8 | 5.6-36 | 9.9-63 | 13.12-90
defeated
Surfers Paradise 0.1-1 | 4.6-30 | 6.6-42 | 9.8-62
Best: G. Crawford, M. Mazerolle, B. Easton, G. Moore, S. de Nys, K. Vine
Goals: V. Pope 3, M. Mazerolle 3, J. DeRooy 2, M. Vine 2, J. Austin, T. Dowdy, S. Parker
COLTS SECURE MINOR PREMIERSHIP IN POLISHED PERFORMANCE
The Western Magpies Colts secured the QAFL Colts minor premiership for the 2nd consecutive year with a polished 59 point victory over Surfers Paradise on Saturday.
The Pies led from start to finish and were never troubled by the Demons, winning 13.12-90 to 4.7-31.
The Pies were good with their use of the ball and their hand and foot skills were excellent, and they also maintained composure as the 2nd half descended into a particularly physical battle that unfortunately sometimes ventured outside the spirit of the game. As a result, in a blow to the team - Abdullah Haddad is now out for the season after suffering a broken nose and cheekbone due an unsavoury incident.
In more positive news, ruckman Samson Ryan dominated at the stoppages and was effective when resting forward to boot 3 goals. Rover Sean Ryan was busy on ball and winger Dan Edwards and ruck rover Zane Lovell contributed to the Pies midfield dominance.
Before his injury, Abdullah Haddad and Sam Mehari worried the Surfers defenders with their pace and forward pressure while Bruce Reville and Jacob Sheath were their usual polished selves.
Finn Collison booted 4 goals despite a dislocated finger a week ago and Cam Ferguson used his height and big body to advantage.
The Pies have another week off before they take on the winner of Saturday's Broadbeach-Palm Beach-Currumbin clash. The second semi final will be at the Salk Oval at Currumbin on Saturday week at 9am
Western Magpies 13.12-90 def Surfers Paradise 4.7- 31
WESTERN MAGPIES
Best: Samson Ryan, Dan Edwards, Zane Lovell, Sean Ryan, Abdullah Haddad, Sam MehariGoals: F. Collison 4, Samson Ryan 3, Z. Lovell 2, C. Ferguson 2, J. Johnson, A. Haddad
COLTS LOOK TO SECURE MINOR PREMIERSHIP
The Western Magpies Colts return to the fray after another week off when they take on the sixth placed Demons on Saturday morning. The Pies will be warm favourites to win and secure the Minor Premiership as they easily defeated Surfers in an evening fixture mid-year.
The Magpies are strengthened with the return of Queensland under 17 players Samson Ryan to ruck and half forward Bruce Reville and also welcome back Chris Jenkins from injury and Abdullah Haddad from family commitments.
Ryan will give the midfield brigade of Jacob Sheath, Sean Ryan and Zane Lovell first use of the football and despite the predicted wet weather the Pies big forwards in Finn Collison and Cam Ferguson will still cause the Demons’ defence some concern. However when the ball hits the deck, Sam Mehari, Lachlan Pearson and skippe Noah Resuggan will be ever ready to pounce.
Down back the Pies regain Jenkins who can mop up well with Aiden d’Rosa, Charlie Thorpe and Ethan Sivijs who all provide plenty of run out of the backline. Key defenders Whitlam Bishop and Chris Moloney have been rock solid and should keep the Demons’ key forwards under wraps.
The Pies will want a tough hit out but will be hoping for a win to lock in top spot and a week off in the first week of the finals, but that does pose its own problems for coach Jake Fuentes as the Pies will only have played 2 matches in a month.
QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies Colts v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise on Saturday August 25th at 9.30am
B: Chris Jenkins (vc) Chris Moloney Charlie Thorpe
HB: Aiden D’Rosa Whitlam Bishop (vc) Ethan Sivijs
C: Dan Edwards Jacob Sheath Deng Arok
HF: Jayden Johnson Cameron Ferguson Sam Mehari
F: Noah Resuggan (Capt) Finn Collison Lachlan Pearson
Foll: Samson Ryan Zane Lovell Sean Ryan
I/C: Jacob Aurich, Abdullah Haddad, Bruce Reville, Ryan Cherry
In: Chris Jenkins, Samson Ryan, Abdullah Haddad, Bruce Reville,
Out: Harrison Radcliffe, Harry Keenan, Mitchell O’Dea, Tom Slatter (all omitted)
Emerg: Harrison Radcliffe, Cooper Crowell, Harry Keenan, Mitchell O’Dea, Tom Slatter
The Western Magpies are in an Elimination Final 1 week early when they take on the sixth placed Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise in the last round of QAFL home and way football this season.
The stakes are high, as the winner can grab third on the ladder and ironically a double chance the week after a virtual elimination final, while its curtains for the vanquished.
For the Pies, who are arguably the form team of the competition, a loss would be more shattering than they can imagine given the talent and desire within the group. On the other hand, a win puts them into serious premiership contention so it cannot not be any more do or die than that. The tightness of the QAFL ladder can be seen by the fact that Surfers were beaten last week by Mt Gravatt with a kick after the siren and dropped from third to sixth on the ladder.
To add to the intrigue a potentially wet weekend has been forecast with up to 50 mm of rain forecast for the Gold Coast on Saturday and a breeze that could gust to 20 km/hr.
One thing in favour of the Pies in that scenario is that they have some big strong bodied midfielders who can muscle their way to win the contested ball and get the Pies going. However, it will still be the smart footballers who thrive in wet and windy conditions and the Pies have plenty of those so they will be up for the challenge.
The Pies have made 2 changes to last week's team with Brenton Saunders winning promotion from the Reserves and Jake De Winter comes back in after missing last week. In a good omen for the Pies, Saunders booted 7 majors vs Surfers on this ground last year in an amphatic win. Out go Sam Copland (hamstring) and Aaron Maricic to the Reserves.
If it is wet the Pies have plenty of small options up forward with Riley Easton on fire recently, and Kale Reed and Saunders all potent at ground level. De Winter can also excel on the ground as well as in the air and the Pies can expect Ryan Harwood and Tom Ielasi to sneak forward as well.
Jack Goodall and Doug Lawrence hold the key defensive posts and Lawrence with get the dangerous Demons forward Daniel Green but will have Luca Winton and David Lewis to help out while the long boot of Brady Allen can be used to break the defensive lines, especially on a wet day.
The Pies form leading into this match has been good, but they need to bring their A game on Saturday if they are to down a tough Demons outfit. The Pies are up to their necks in a chance for a flag but they must win on Saturday to remain in contention.
QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise on Saturday, August 25th at 2.00 pm.
B: Will Fletcher Doug Lawrence Luca Winton
HB: David Lewis Jack Goodall Brady Allen
C: Matt Davis Lachlan Woods Luke Mitchell
HF: Brenton Saunders Liam Dwyer Jake De Winter
F: Kale Reed Anthony Corrie Riley Easton
Ruck: Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood
I/C: Tom Ielasi, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Billy Johnson, Jono Macanawai
In: Jake De Winter, Brenton Saunders
Out: Aaron Maricic (Reserves, Sam Copland (Redland)
Emerg: Aaron Maricic, Harry Marshall, Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis,
DO OR DIE FOR THE RESERVES - FINALS PLACE AT STAKE
The Western Magpies Reserves must win vs Surfers Paradise today to secure a finals berth in 2018.
The Pies appear stronger 'on paper' this week than when they lost to the Demons mid year and but more importantly, the Pies are on a roll and their form is solid.
The Pies this week welcome back skipper Sean Mewing, ruckman Nathan Congram and half forward Matt Mazarolle after a week's rest and Aaron Maricic boosts the midfield after being omitted from the senior side.
Out are Brenton Saunders to the Seniors, Logan Murray injured, Chris Hunt (unavailable) and Sempatike Kwizera (Omitted). The ins largely counteract the outs but the loss of Hunt hurts the Pies as he has controlled the key defensive position. Sean McEvoy moves to CHB and has the inform Peter Kilroy on the flank and Harry Marshall again fills another important key post.
Congram adds to the Pies ruck stocks with Gerard Moore giving the Pies first use of the football in recent matches which has enabled Val Pope, Brodie Easton and Gareth Crawford to drive the Pies forward.
Crawford should relish the potentially wet conditions and will be a key player for the Pies, while De Rooy and Austin will provide solid targets regardless and Sam Parker will be electric at ground level.
The Magpies will be primed for a big effort to make sure they win to secure a finals berth.
QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies Reserves v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise on Saturday, August 25th at 11.30 am
B: Tristan Dowdy Harry Marshall Kurt Vine
HB: Zach Collison Sean McEvoy Peter Kilroy
C: Rory Johnson Brodie Easton Sam Hartog
HF: Val Pope (vc) Jack Austin Sean Mewing (Capt)
F: Nathan Congram Jeremy De Rooy Sam Parker
Foll: Gerard Moore Aaron Maricic Gareth Crawford
I/C: Lachlan Dennis, Matt Mazarolle, Sam DeNys, Monty Vine
Emerg: Jordan Bonney
In: Sean Mewing, Nathan Congram, Aaron Maricic, Matt Mazarolle
Out: Brenton Saunders (Firsts), Logan Murray (injured), Chris Hunt, Sempatike Kwizera (both unavailable)
The Western Magpies moved to fourth on the QAFL ladder with one round remaining after a workmanlike victory over the last placed Sandgate in front of the Pies' 50th year of senior football celebration crowd.
The scoreboard will show a 62 point victory but the Pies were made to work hard for the 4 points by a determined and far from intimidated Hawks team. The Hawks made the Pies fight for every goal in the 16.23-119 to 8.9-57 victory.
The match was played in blustery conditions which made attractive football difficult and the Hawks certainly came to play.
It was the Magpies stronger bodies and extra class that enabled them to run out comfortable victors. The Pies goal kicking accuracy again let them down highlighted by a 2.9 final term.
Riley Easton had another good match winning plenty of football in the middle of the ground and across half forward and continually harried and harassed his Sandgate opponents into errors which resulted in turnovers. By the end of the match he was certainly a fan favourite with the celebratory crowd
Dylan Adkins played his best game for the Pies in ruck and his recent form has been improving every week leading up to this game.
Midfielders Jono Macanawai and Drew Mitchell were strong at the contest all day and provided overlap run through the middle of the ground. However, Mitchell blotted his copybook with 1.6 on the scoreboard. Ryan Harwood won plenty of hard ball gets and his pace was used to advantage to break away and set the Pies goalwards. He will go close to winning the QAFL Syd Guildford Award as his recent form has been superb.
Luca Winton was again a tower of strength in the back half and his reading of the play and clean ball handling skills were a highlight. He and Harwood have been the recruits of the year.
Sam Copland had his third 5 goal haul for the season to be leading goal kicker on the day.
Lachlan Woods was his usual hard at it self with several strong tackles in his 100th Senior match for the Pies.
Despite the win the Pies face a virtual elimination final when they play Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast on Saturday. The way the ladder is, the winner may grab third place and the loser almost certainly will miss out.
The Magpies form in strong, and it is an incredibly tight and committed playing and coaching group. With the double chance up for grabs, and the ability for all senior sides to bring home some silverware - the vibe is fantastic at McCarthy Homes Oval as we come into the game against Surfers.
Western Magpies 4.5 - 29 | 11.10 - 76 | 14.14 - 98 | 16.23 - 119
defeated
Sandgate Hawks 2.1 - 13 | 5.5 - 35 | 7.6 - 48 | 8.9 - 57
Best: Easton, Adkins, Macanawai, Harwood, Winton, D.Mitchell
Goals: Copland 5, Johnson 3, Woods, Harwood, Goodall, Easton, Corrie, Jaenke-Cain, Ielasi, D.Mitchell 1
PLANETS BEGIN TO ALIGN FOR RESERVES AS BIG WIN PUSHES THEM INTO 5
The Western Magpies Reserves have moved into fifth place on the ladder after a big win over Sandgate on Saturday.
The Pies were keen to boost their percentage to enable them to go past Morningside which they achieved but the equation is now much simpler after the Panthers went down to Labrador.
The Reserves, like the Seniors, simply have to win to secure a finals berth-- a loss and they miss out.
The Pies won by 161 points, winning 26-22-178 to 2-5-17 and boosted their percentage from 106 to 123.8%.
The Magpies largely controlled proceedings all match.
It was the veterans who put a show, with Val Pope back to vintage form with a skip in his step as he reminded everyone of his skills and one touch football.
Gareth Crawford returned after a two week break to win plenty of ball around ground and Gerard Moore again dominated in ruck giving vintage silver service to his on-ballers.
Peter Kilroy ranged up and down the ground to continually drive the Pies forward, while Sam De Nys was everywhere.
Brodie Easton had leather poisoning in the centre and Jeremy DeRooy finished the day with 5 goals and some strong marking late in the game. Sam Parker bobbed up with 4 goals, Jack Austin bagged 3 goals and Brenton Saunders was also in good form with 3 goals.
The only dampener for the Pies was a knee injury to ruck-rover Logan Murray.
The Reserves will be further strengthened next week in a must win match with the return of Sean Mewing and Nathan Congram and one from the Seniors to make way for the return of Jake De Winter. This team is getting stronger and stronger and they are more than capable of four wins, all in elimination matches, to reach the Grand Final and then who knows!!!
Western Magpies. 7.6-48 | 11.11-77 | 19.16-130 | 26.22-178
Sandgate. 1.1-7 | 1.4-10 | 1.5-11 | 2.5-17
WESTERN MAGPIES
Goal Kickers: J. DeRooy 5, S. Parker 4, V. Pope 3, J. Austin 3, B. Saunders 3, G. Crawford 2, G. Moore 2, L. Dennis, B. Easton, P. Kilroy, R. Johnson
Best Players: V. Pope, G. Crawford, B. Easton, G. Moore, P. Kilroy, J. DeRooy
The Woodsmen have progressed to the QFA Friday Night Competition Grand Final with a tight 6 point victory over Maroochydoore on Friday night at McCarthy Homes Oval.
In what was a tight match, with the lead never being greater than 12 points, the Woodies recovered from a slow start to hold on for a narrow victory.
It was a frenetic opening 10 minutes with the Roos zipping the ball around, running hard and managing to camp themselves in their attacking 50 to apply pressure to a shell-shocked Woodies outfit. The Woodsmen defenders were tackling, spoiling and defending well, but when they won control of the ball the decision making was slow and poor as they looked to kick to short contests, often waited for spare men that weren't there and turned the ball over several times with short kicks. In the end, a goal to the Roos was the ultimate circuit breaker, finally allowing the Woodsmen to get out of their defensive 50 and settle into the game. However, the Roos were still willing to run harder and spread and seemed to outnumber the Woodies at every contest as their flankers often pushed up to stoppages to gain control and neutralise the strong Woodies on-ball division. The quarter time siren couldn't come quick enough and the the Woodsmen were perhaps fortunate to be down by just 8 points after struggling to control the ball for any significant period.
After some frank quarter time discussions and a reset, the Woodies came out strongly in the second quarter, missing two relatively simple set shot opportunities before kicking 3 quick goals in a 4 minute burst to take control of the game. Hockley and Evans were proving a handful in the air, while the dangerous Banim also hit the scoreboard with some trademark crumbing work. Ben Ness was carrying on his form from the previous week, getting a severe case of leather poisoining, Judson was typically strong in tight, while Roderick's work rate continued to be a huge plus for the Woodies as he relentlessly patrolled the wing. Thomson and Green began to get on top in the ruck, particularly around the ground - however the Roos responded by sending their ruckman deep forward where he proved difficult to contain, managing to kick 2 quick goals inside 2 minutes to level the scores. In a quarter where the Woodies enjoyed huge advantages in possession and field position, this could have been a killer blow - however another thrust forward and the ball landed in the dangerous hands of Banim, who once again made no mistake as he gave the Woodsmen a 6 point half-time lead.
The 3rd quarter proved to be somewhat of an arm-wrestle, with the Woodies enjoying dominance in field position but failing to create much opportunity as the Roos showed strong defensive attributes, as the ball was continually pushed forward for the Woodies. With the Woodies talls set up down the line, the Roos repeatedly kicked to their advantage allowing the Woodies to control the ball, but unfortunately unable to influence the scoreboard too much. Mihalopoulos on-ball was becoming influential but a series of simple skill errors continually cost the Woodsmen scoring opportunities before a rare push forward resulted in a goal against the run of play for the Roos, who were able to capitalise on a rare deep entry through their hard running and work-rate to create a much needed goal. However, the Woodies responded almost immediately as Mihalopoulos sharked a centre tap, got it forward quickly before Davis was able to finish neatly with a checkside for the Woodies to regain a 7 point buffer going into the last break.
The final quarter started poorly for the Woodsmen, with another simple opportunity gone begging before the Roos pushed forward to kick 2 quick goals and take a decisive lead at the 10 minute mark of the final term. However, once again the Woodsmen responded with some clean work out of the middle resulting in a mark and another goal to Evans who was proving a handful coming out of the goalsquare, particularly as players tired and the arcs had a little more room to move for the talls. Holding a narrow 2 point lead the Woodies again won a crucial centre clearance to get the ball forward and again Evans marked about 30 out on a slight angle with a chance to put the Woodsmen ahead by more than a straight kick. However the resultant shank was marked next to the behind post by the ever alert Hockley, a Roos player who was eager to prevent Hockley opening up the angle encroached on the mark to put Hockley on the goal line for a certain goal and an 8 point lead.
With at least 5 players now suffering from cramp, the Woodies had to hold on for a desperate last 5 minutes. Hockley went deep in defence, while Green and Thomson shared ruck duties with one floating across the defensive half. The Roos pushed the ball deep forward multiple times, but couldn't really gain clean possession as the Woodies clogged up the defensive 50, forced repeat stoppages and locked the ball down. A rushed behind gave the Woodies clean possession and the ability to reset before yet another simple skill error set hearts racing, however as the Roos pushed forward again the siren sounded with the Woodsmen holding a 6 point margin to progress to the Grand Final on Friday August 31 at Coorparoo.
Scores:
Woodsmen 0.1 - 1 | 4.3 - 27 | 5.5 - 35 | 7.6 - 48
defeated
Maroochydoore 1.3 - 9 | 3.3 - 21 | 4.4 - 28 | 6.6 - 42
Best: Ness, Thomson, Mihalopoulos, Roderick, Davis, Judson
Goals: Evans 3, Banim 2, Davis, Hockley 1