PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES ON GUARD AGAINST HAWKS OUTFIT

The Western Magpies will be warm favourites when they host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer as the Pies wear their Commemorative Guernsey to celebrate 50 years of Senior Football and ex-captain Lachlan Woods 100th Senior match.  

The Pies are coming off a huge win over Morningside while Sandgate are last on the ladder with one win for the season. That said the Pies need to be on guard for an ambush as the Hawks have upended several favourites in recent seasons, defeating eventual Premiers Palm Beach in the final round last year and knocking Morningside out of finals contention the year previously, so the Magpies will be keen not to become another Hawks casualty.

As Assistant Coach Michael Nixon said last week as many of the Pies players turned their attention to the Surfers Paradise match, "it won't matter what happens against Surfers if we don't beat Sandgate". 

The Pies still look very strong with the inclusion of Matt Davis from illness and the Redlands listed pair of Sam Copland and Liam Dwyer from injury

Jake De Winter is unavailable for a wedding and Lachlan Dennis and Jack Austin were the unlucky two to be squeezed out after doing their jobs in the past 2 victories. Copland is almost a straight swap for De Winter and Dwyer is a straight swap for Austin, while Davis replaces Dennis.

The pleasing part of the Pies recent matches as been the evenness of the contribution from all players and the pressure they have applied all match. 

The backline has been miserly lately with Brady Allen, Luca Winton and David Lewis generally controlling proceedings and in recent matches Ryan Harwood as acted as a sweeper/quarterback to launch the Pies into attack from the half back line. Doug Lawrence got his mojo back last week and Jack Goodall can basically play anywhere and generally does it well.  

Jono Macanawai was another who got his mojo back last week after a number of flat performances and a week off a fortnight ago did him the world of good. Woods has been on fire in recent matches and Drew Mitchell and Ben Jaenke-Cain have been their usual consistent contributors.

Copland has several 5 goal hauls for the Pies this year and will be keen to get another handful while Riley Easton and Kale Reed have provided the forward pressure. Anthony Corrie will also look to hit the scoreboard after a strong return to the side last week. 

The Magpies cannot afford any complacency in this match and coach Brydan Morgan will have stressed to his players the need to focus on the Hawks before they can turn their attention to next week's match. And the Pies should  be eager to chair 100 gamer Lachlan Woods off the ground as a winner.

QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies v Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, August 18th 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: Aaron Maricic  Liam Dwyer Sam Copland 

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie Riley Easton

Foll:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt)  Ryan Harwood

I/C: Tom Ielasi, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Billy Johnson, Jono Macanawai

In: Matthew Davis, Sam Copland, Liam Dwyer

Out: Jake De Winter (unavailable), Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis (both Reserves)

Emerg: Harry Marshall, Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis, Brenton Saunders 

Cross Fit Disposition - Reserves Match Preview

The Western Magpies Reserves must be ruthless against the winless Sandgate today at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer to keep them in the race for a final five berth. 

The Pies will start favourites but coach Des Lashman will stress the need to be hard at it all match to try to close the 15 percent gap that separates them from Morningside, both on 28 points. 

The Pies have been strengthened by the inclusion of the unlucky Lachlan Dennis and Jack Austin, both squeezed out of the Seniors by returning players, Gareth Crawford, the joint Bill Peirce Medallist of last year returns after a short holiday and lively forward Sempitake Kwizera comes back in after missing last week with illness. 

Out goes skipper Sean Mewing with family commitments, while Nathan Congram has been rested and Jordan Bonney and Matt Mazerolle have unluckily missed out, showing the enormous depth at the Magpies this year with the 3rds securing a Grand final berth last night.

Chris Hunt has been rewarded for a fine season with the captaincy for the match and he and his fellow defenders have been miserly recently.

Gerard Moore was superb in ruck last week and Val Pope returned to the form we all know he is capable of.  Dennis and Crawford boost the midfield and with Brodie Easton and Logan Murray form a powerful midfield unit and Austin gives the Pies another tall target up forward to complement the strong marking Jeremy DeRooy. 

At ground level the Pies have plenty of goalscoring potential in Sam Parker, Kwizera and Brenton Saunders.

The Pies should win well and will have one eye on the Chelmer scoreboard but the other eye will be on the Labrador v Morningside match as that game has a big bearing on the Pies' season.

QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, August 18th at 11.30 am

B:  Tristan Dowdy  Harry Marshall  Kurt Vine

HB: Zach Collison Chris Hunt (Capt) Peter Kilroy

C:  Rory Johnson  Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF: Brenton Saunders Jack Austin  Val Pope (vc)  

F:  Sempatike Kwizera Jeremy De Rooy  Sam Parker

Rucks: Gerard Moore Logan Murray Gareth Crawford

I/C: Lachlan Dennis,  Sean McEvoy (Capt), Sam DeNys, Monty Vine

Emerg: Matt Mazarolle, Jordan Bonney

 In: Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis, Gareth Crawford, Sempatike Kwizera

Out: Sean Mewing (unavailable), Nathan Congram (rested), Matt Mazarolle, Jordan Bonney (both omitted )

GUT FEELINGS XIII - A COLLECTION OF DEEP THOUGHTS FROM INFLUENTIAL MINDS DEEP INSIDE THE NEST!

• Sherwood and the Western Magpies will celebrate 50 years of senior football this Saturday, August 18th when the Magpies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer.
• The celebrations will be semi-formal with several speeches and finger food and will commence at 6 pm in the Sports Bar at the club. Cost will be $30 per head which includes food and a drink or two.
• The club has a Commemorative Guernsey with the names of all players and coaches to have played or coached a game in Seniors, Reserves, Thirds and Woodsmen  and will be worn during the Seniors and Reserves matches. The guernseys are for sale at $100 each and can be purchased at the reunion.

• The club is in a position to order more guernseys if required.
• Ex players who are returning after many years will notice the club's new Honour boards which were erected last year. You might notice a few gaps in the record and the club hopes ex-players will recall who won what and when, especially in the Reserves and Western Warriors days. Please let Greg Thompson or Kevin Kluver know if you can fill any gaps.  
• Plenty of discussion between AFLQ and QAFL Clubs about a QAFL salary cap and revised player points system in 2019.  Labrador Tigers were quoted in the Courier Mail as being opposed to the proposed $70k cap in 2019 and $60k in 2020 but would settle for an $80k cap.  No doubt all clubs have their challenges, but as a known footy nursery - the Magpies will not be impacted
• Luca Winton might feel aggrieved from the Pies report on the club's Facebook page  of the win over Labrador as co-defender Doug Lawrence was credited with keeping Tigers star forward and ex -AFL player Bryce Retzlaff to 2 goals when in fact it was Winton who kept the big full-forward quiet. It is no surprise he did the job as Winton has been a sensational pick-up for the Pies and has not had a bad game this year.  He would be well in the mix in the Pies' Bill Peirce Medal voting.
• Well, well the practice of jumper punches and blocking well off the contest and holding off the ball, which Gut Feelings thinks is a blight on the game, has come home to roost.
• The Seniors had a grinding win against a negative opponent last week and unfortunately the niggle cost the Pies their young key position player Aaron Highlands who was reported for striking. Vision shows a forceful push during the mid second quarter push and shove and Highlands was offered 2 weeks with 1 week for an early guilty plea. The club decided to go to the AFLQ Tribunal but he was found guilty and then given 3 weeks!! Interesting !!!  gut Feelings can only assume there was some vision not available to the rest of us!
• Senior coach Brydan (or should that be Bryan?) Morgan was quoted in the Quest Newspapers Westside and South-West News about how even the competition is and the Pies "could finish from third to sixth, we just need to keep winning. We can finish in third and are more than capable of winning our two remaining matches.
• The Reserves remain on life support after another close win over Morningside on the weekend keeps their finals aspirations alive.  Having now beaten all other finals contenders, if they get there - nobody will want to play them!
• The Pies Colts won a tough contest against Labrador to go a game clear on top of the QAFL Colts ladder, before easily accounting for Morningside to consolidate tops spot ahead of their bye. The Colts depth was again on display as they had a number of key players out but still were able to come up with consecutive wins.
• The Magpies had a big day out last Saturday with victories in all grades on the day over Morningside. The seniors had a 101 point victory, a margin that no-one saw coming, The Reserves held on for a 4 point victory to keep their finals hopes alive and the Colts had a comfortable 44 point win to stay on top of the ladder. And to round out the weekend, the Woodsmen secured top spot on the ladder and a home Second Semi Final tomorrow night
• The Pies inflicted the worst defeat on Morningside in living memory with as comprehensive a victory as you could imagine. Panthers coach Steve Wildschutt said his side were beaten in every facet of the game and Magpies coach Brydan Morgan said he thinks his team has finally realised how good they are and what they are actually capable of when they click into gear.
• The Pies won all the stats that matter but for Morgan it was the contested football which included the defensive running, the tackling, the pressure at the contest and smothers that pleased him the most. 
• The Reserves had a narrow win that keeps their season alive, although they still need results to go their way. The Pies are still in sixth place trailing Morningside on percentage. Both clubs play cellar dweller Sandgate and the Pies have Surfers paradise while Morningside have a tough assignment at Labrador. It could be that all three clubs finish on the same points and percentage will be the decider.
• The Colts were tradesmanlike in a comfortable victory which cements them at the top of the ladder and a guaranteed rest in the first week of the finals. The Pies enjoyed getting one back on Morningside as the clubs have had a healthy rivalry at Colts level for many years and also have had many a battle over many years of junior football. 
• The Woodsmen are in the Second Semi Final in QFA Friday Night Footy after a strong win over Queensland Uni last Friday night which secured them top spot and a home semi final tomorrow night. The match commences at 7.30 pm at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer 

• The Woodsmen's Matt Hockley has kicked 50 goals to win the Division 4 goal kicking by a fair margin. Hockley has been a classy player for the Pies since crossing from Springwood 9 years in 2013. He captained Springwood as a 20 year old to underline his class and leadership abilities and played Seniors for the Pies and he still shows the way at the Woodsmen. 
• Club Legend Chris Mihalopoulous also plays for the Woodsmen and was the 2017 competition leading goalkicker, he's also joined by multiple Senior Premiership teammate Chris Judson and two current footy club Directors in President Andrew Thomson and Director Mitchell Merritt
• Gut Feelings understands it was a firey selection debate this week at the Woodsmen, showing there is depth at all levels of senior footy in 2018!
• Premiership players Val Pope, Gerard Moore and Sean Mewing turned back the clock on Saturday as all three were in magnificent form and were influential players  in the Pies win.
• Pope won plenty of contested football and has regained the form many Pies supporters recall from his heyday, Moore dominated the ruck and was a steadying influence in the tense final quarter and Mewing mopped up brilliantly across half back and on a wing then used his long left foot to devastating effect.  
• Jake de Winter booted 4 goals to go to 42 goals for the season and he now trails ex Magpie and current Broadbeach full forward Matt Fowler by 10 goals.  

McCarthy Homes Milestone - Lachlan Woods Notches 100th Senior Game

Lachlan Woods will play his 100th Senior match for the Western Magpies when the Pies host Sandgate on the weekend of the club's celebration of 50 years of Senior football.

Woods is in fine form leading into the match, being named in the best players in recent matches for his strong work in the clinches and hard ball gets. That is no surprise as                 Woodsy has been noted for his attack on the ball and ball carrier and is renowned for his ferocious tackling and fearless style of play. He throws himself at the contest with no thoughts for his own safety and that is why his teammates love him --there in no backward step in the Pies Number 27!! 

No 27 has an illustrious history at the Pies, being worn by 10 year skipper, 3 time premiership captain and 200 Senior game player Chris Mihalopoulos. Micka bequeathed the no 27 to Woodsy and he wore it proudly as a co-captain for a further 4 years from 2013 to 2016, leading the Pies to 2 finals series in that time. 

Due to work and other commitments, Woodsy had a year off senior footy in 2017 - spending the season with the Woodsmen playing about 10 games and gaining plenty of wise words from his older teammates who immediately encouraged him back to QAFL Footy in 2018.

He was able to devote more time to training this year and after a late start to the season then a foot injury, he fought his way back into the Seniors mid way through the year and now would be one of the first players penciled in at selection each week.

Woodsy started at Auskick in Gladstone at Boyne Is-Tannum Sands (BITS) as an 8 year old due to the influence of his step-father Kent Honour, who had played as a junior at Sherwood. His family moved to Brisbane as a 9 year old and it was only natural he join the Magpies and some of his coaches included Chris Fozard, Des Lashman, Chris Arnold  and Tim McEvoy. He played in an Under 12 premiership under Chris Arnold  and then played in an Under 16 Flag under Des Lashman.

He started playing some Reserves matches in 2010 under Peter McClennan and recalls his first training run for the Seniors. The players trained in club jumpers and they were hanging on the fence and players grabbed their guernsey as they ran onto the ground. He says " I grabbed the first guernsey as I did not have a number and later on I got a tap on the shoulder--I had taken No 4 and Val Pope wanted his jumper back--I quickly ripped it off and gave it to him and then had to get another guernsey. You realised quickly that you had to earn your stripes at the Magpies".

He earned his stripes pretty quickly and graduated to Seniors and  played on a half back flank in the Pies 2012 Senior premiership triumph over Palm Beach-Currumbin, by then coached by McClennan. The Pies half back line of Woods, Ed McDonnell and another youngster Conrad Hudgton was superb that day and Woodsy reckons he was best on ground in the first half!! 

His teammate in that side was Tim McEvoy, who had coached him as a junior. He rates T-Mac highly and says while he was not the flashest or best player, but he absolutely loved playing next to him. " T-Mac never let you down and I learnt so much off him as a junior then as a Senior teammate. He was and still is a mentor and a good mate on and off the ground".

Another mentor who had a major influence on him was Peter McClennan, who coached him as a young player starting out in Senior Football. "Peter was not only a football coach but he has been a life coach to me who has helped me when I started my personal training business and always had time for me in all aspects of my life". 

Paul Grentell also influenced him when he was a teenager and Craig St John showed faith in him when he was appointed co-captain of the Magpies Senior side with Gerard Moore as a 21 year old in 2013, so he has had many great role models at Chelmer. 

The Pies win over Morningside on Saturday (he was among the best players) recalls the first win the Pies had over the Panthers for many years in 2015 when he had injured his shoulder badly in the third quarter. It was a tight contest with finals on the line so coach Glenn Humphrey asked Woodsy if he was OK to go on early in the last quarter. Woodsy, despite being seriously winged, gave the only reply anyone knows he would give and that was "yes". In a masterstroke, Humphrey put him in the goal square and told him not move too far. His opponent gave him little respect as he only had one arm working and Lachlan snagged four last quarter goals to lead the Pies to a famous victory.

He says he has loved playing with his teammates over the years and it wouldn't matter if it was table tennis or soccer if he was with his mates. That said he says he is "more Black and White than you could ever know" and loves the club. 

He still stays in contact with his father Dale, who was a rugby league player but takes an interest in his games. " It was from my Dad that I suppose I developed the physicality to my game".  

His Mum Melissa has been his greatest supporter over the years and his girlfriend Kaitlyn, who is a paramedic, also has given great support. He says she has helped patch him after most matches and as all Pies supporters know there would not be one game he does not need patching up!!

He is loving his football now under Brydan Morgan and believes the flag is there for the taking--the Pies just need to win their last 2 matches to secure a finals spot. One thing is for sure-- the Magpies No 27 will leave nothing in the tank in the Pies quest for their first ever top level QAFL premiership.

Congratulations to 'Duck' on 100 Senior games, a genuine heart and soul player, a natural leader and a player the Magpie fans and players love to see pull on the #27.

SHERWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SENIOR FOOTY

Sherwood Football Club (incorporating the Western Magpies) will celebrate 50 years of Senior Football this Saturday when the Magpies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer.

The Magpies are hosting a function after the match and have designed a Commemorative Guernsey with the  names of every person to have played or coached for the Pies in all senior grades of the club. The commemorative Guernsey will be worn by the Senior and Reserves players in Saturday’s match against Sandgate. The guernsey will be available for purchase at $100 each.

Sherwood Districts Australian Football Club formed in 1956 and played junior football until it was decided that there were so many players wanting to continue to play on that it was decided to field senior teams.

Sherwood formed a team in 1968 and played in the Metropolitan league as it was known then, finishing 5th in its first season and runners up the following year.

Sherwood joined the SQAFA when it was formed in 1970 and won the Premiership that season and again in 1973.

Sherwood then went on a Golden run to win eight premierships in a row from 1975 to 1982. The Reserves competition was formed in 1972 and Sherwood also won five premierships in the SQAFA.

Some of the great players  of that era were Rob Blank, Ziggy Mateja, Gary Glazebrook, Dennis Hogan,  Warren Selvage, who played in all 8 premierships and coached 2 of them, current Reserves coach Des Lashman who played in 6 premierships,  Greg Butler, Ian Anderson, Craig St John, Grogan Medallist and 7 time club captain Bill Peirce, 100 goal full forward Alan Giffard and 3x time club Best and fairest Steve Rippon.  Among the Pies coaches were VFL legends Les Foote and John Rantall , while Queensland legend Lindsay Jacob was regarded as one of the best coaches at the club. Club doyen Kevin Kluver also coached the club for a number of years.

Sherwood then joined the QAFL in 1983 and retained their Magpie moniker after a coin toss to decide with the Southport Magpies, now known as the Southport Sharks as a result.  The Magpies did not meet the same successes and in 1988 joined the Gold Coast league for 3 years.

In 1991 Sherwood and Western Districts amalgamated to form the West Brisbane and they won the 1996 QAFL premiership.

Sherwood Football Club were again fielded as a standalone side in 1999, but were now known as The Western Magpies  and played for 2 seasons in the Sth Qld League before promotion to the QAFL. The club was competitive without making finals and after 5 years, just as they were coming good, AFLQ decided to relegate the Magpies to QAFL Division 2 despite having 2 players drafted by the Brisbane Lions (Marty Pask and Pat Garner), 1 to St Kilda (Ed McDonell) and Reserves and Colts being regular finalists, including multiple Division 1 Colts Premierships and a Reserves Premiership, showing the club was building nicely.

The Magpies won Premierships at this level in 2006 and 2008 under Paul Grentell  and 2012 under Peter McClennan. There was a 2 year stint back in the QAFLState League in 2009-10 (which was at the time equivalent to the current NEAFL level) that was unsuccessful and the Pies reluctantly returned to the Pineapple Hotel Cup on the formation of the NEAFL in 2011.

Chris Mihalopoulos has played over 300 games for the Magpies and captained  the club for ten years for three premierships (likely close to 500 if you include junior games). Other players to shine during the early years of the Western Magpies were Michael Blackmore, Dean Parkin, Matt Taylor and Scott Hedley.  

With several ex-QAFL clubs dropping out of the NEAFL in 2014, the Magpies again joined the QAFL top level and have been successful since then without adding to the premiership list. The Pies have figured in the top 3 twice in 4 completed QAFL seasons and are now holding down fifth place on the ladder in a tight 2018 season.  More recent champions have been Val Pope (three time Bill Peirce medallist), Jim Rozynski, Tim McEvoy, Ed McDonnell, Ben Heffernan-Roper, Luke Scott and 2015 Grogan Medallist Callum Carseldine.

Of the current players skipper Drew Mitchell, 150 game player Ben Jaenke-Cain, Matt Davis, Lachlan Woods and Anthony Corrie are leading the Pies charge up the QAFL ladder

The Magpies have had 11 players picked or drafted to VFL/AFL clubs. 

SHERWOOD DAFC SUMMARY  1968- 1990

1968 -- 5th Metropolitan League

1969 -- 2nd Metropolitan League

1970 -- PREMIERS SQAFA

1971 -- 3rd SQAFA

1972 -- 3rd SQAFA

1973 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Under 17s

1974 -- 3rd SQAFA

1975 -- PREMIERS SQAFA

1976 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers Reserves and Under 17s   

1977 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Thirds

1978 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves and Under 17s.  

1979 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves and Under 17s

1980 -- PREMIERS SQAFA

1981 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves and Under 17s  

1982 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves

1983 -- 7th QAFL

1984 -- 8th QAFL

1985 -- 9th QAFL

1986 -- 5th QAFL

1987 -- 8th QAFL

1988 -- 6th Gold Coast AFL

1989 -- 5th Gold Coast AFL

1990 -- 3rd State Association

WEST BRISBANE  1991-1996

1991 –

1992--

1993 –Premiers --Under 17s

1994 –

1995. --  Premiers Under 17s

1996 -- PREMIERS QAFL, Premiers --Under 18s

1997 --

1998 –  Premiers --Under 18s

WESTERN MAGPIES AFC SUMMARY  1999-2018

1999 -- 5th QSFL

2000 -- 5th AFL Sth Qld;  Premiers Under 18s

2001 -- 9th QAFL

2002 -- 9th QAFL

2003 -- 8th QAFL; Premiers Under 18s

2004 -- 8th QAFL

2005 -- 3rd SEQAFL Div 2;  Premiers Reserves and Under 18s

2006 -- PREMIERS SEQAFL Div 1, Premiers in Reserves

2007 -- Runners Up SEQAFL Div 1; Premiers in Reserves and Thirds

2008 -- PREMIERS SEQAFL Div 1

2009 -- 12th QAFL; Premiers Woodsmen

2010 -- 12th QAFL; Premiers in Under 18s

2011 -- 3rd SEQAFL Div 1;

2012 -- PREMIERS SEQAFL Div 1

2013 -- 3rd SEQAFL Div 1

2014 -- 8th QAFL; Premiers Woodsmen

2015 -- 4th QAFL;  Premiers in Under 17s 

2016 -- 3rd QAFL 

2017 -- 6th QAFL

Significant club history was lost in the 2011 floods, so unfortunately not all records are available as a result.

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - PIES SET RECORDS IN PANTHER DEMOLITION

The Western Magpies have enjoyed a day out at Jack Esplen Oval, coming home with the chocolates in all 3 grades after convincing wins in the Colts and Seniors, and a nailbiter in the Reserves. This was a return of the 'favour' from earlier in the year when the Magpies took on the Panthers in 4 grades, with only the Woodies prevailing on that occasion after the Colts played their worst game of the year, the Reserves soundly beaten and the Seniors kicking themselves out of it to go down by 18 points.

This Senior win moves the Magpies to fifth on the ladder and with a real chance to grab third place on the ladder, with the Pies being masters of their own destiny coming home in the pursuit of a double chance.

The Seniors were on song from the first bounce and blew Morningside away with an impressive first quarter.  Despite some inaccurate kicking, the Pies peppered the southern end of the ground kicking 6.8 - 44 to 0.2 - 2.  Such was the Pies dominance, they could have gone scoreless in the final 3 quarters and still enjoyed a 5 point win!

In the midfield, Dylan Adkins was competing hard against a strong 3 pronged Panther ruck division, and was ably supported by lionhearted Jack Goodall who would haven been giving away 20+ kg in a few centre bounce contests!  Up forward, the Pies relished the return of Anthony Corrie as he roamed the forwardline with great purpose, hitting the scoreboard himself and bringing teammates into the game, while Billy Johnson showed his versatility having a superb game up forward, whilst also roaming up the ground.  Johnson barely wasted a disposal in general play with several goal assists, whilst also kicking 3 himself which could have been 6 or 7 had he finished cleanly.  Reed was busy to kick 3 of his own, while De Winter again showed he knows where the big sticks are, finishing with 4 goals despite carrying a niggle and not having his usual 'zip'.

Kicking into what appeared to be a strong breeze after the Magpies first quarter demolition, the Magpies outscored the Panthers in the 2nd term to hold a 49 point half-time advantage, 10.10 to 3.3.  Interestingly, the Pies kicked an identical 2nd half score again peppering the goals to register 10.10 and finish with 20.20 - 140 to defeat the Panthers by 101 points, who finished with 5.9-39. 

Other pleasing aspects for the Pies was their dominance of inside 50s-- at half time it was 37-10 --and also despite controlling the football for a majority of the day the Pies had more tackles then the home team and had at least 10 smothers in the match. The Magpies swarmed at the contest, ran hard to space and their inside work with handball was impressive. The pressure they applied all match was suffocating for the Morningside players. Some poor finishing with missed targets and at goal were the only negatives from the victory. 

The Magpies did not have a poor player and dominated the midfield with Tom Ielasi not wasting a possession in a classy display, Lachlan Woods continually applying pressure and winning the hard ball and Jono Macanawai looked a new player after a rest last week. Ryan Harwood had leather poisoning, particulalrly marshalling the troops off half-back and Lachlan Dennis was dynamic on a wing and he reaped the rewards of a solid block of hard work in the reserves, where he worked on his game to earn a recall.

Brady Allen lost a couple of early contests, before he really put his head down and dominated his opponent for the next 3 and a half quarters, taking several intercept marks, winning one on one battles and then using the ball brilliantly from the back half to launch several attacks.  the defensive unit collectively had a day out, with winners in every position.  Luke Mitchell's run and carry from defence was also again a highlight.

The Magpies have their destiny in their own hands now as 2 wins get them in the finals and likely a double chance with a third placed finish. The Pies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday in a celebration of the 50th Year of Senior Football then travel to Surfers Paradise for a crucial winner-take-all clash in the final round of the season.  While the Magpies enjoyed comfortable victories last start against both sides, there will be no way the side loses focus going into a crucial fortnight of footy.

Western Magpies                         6.8 |  10.10 | 16.17 | 20.20 - 140
Morningside                                  0.2 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 5.9 - 39

BEST: T. Ielasi, L. Woods, R. Easton, A. Corrie, J. Macanawai, L. Dennis. 

GOALS J. De Winter 4, W. Johnson 3, A. Corrie 3, K. Reed 3, J. Austin 1, A. Maricic 1, R. Easton 1, T. Ielasi 1, R. Harwood 1, J. Macanawai 1, J. Goodall 1. 

Enjoy the match replays below:

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Review

RESERVES KEEP FINALS HOPES ALIVE IN NAIL-BITER

The Western Magpies Reserves have kept their finals hopes alive with a nail-biting 4 point victory over Morningside on Saturday. The Pies, who led by 20 points at three quarter time were unable to add to the goal tally in a tense final quarter but hung on for a victory that keeps their season alive. The Pies won 9.12-66 to .-8-62. 

After a tight first half where Morningside held the upper hand to lead by 2 goals at half time, the Pies had a superb third quarter where they booted 5 goals to take control of the match. The Pies ran in waves, tackled ferociously and won the midfield battles to get in top in a high class Reserves match.

The last quarter saw the pies miss some chances to ice the match and the Panthers were able to kick goals on the rebound to close the gap to 4 points with 5 minutes remaining. With nerves jangling, the Magpies managed to hold on for a crucial victory.

Senior premiership players in Val pope, Gerard Moore and Sean Mewing were superb and provided great leadership, especially in the tense final quarter.

Pope is getting close to his best form on ball and at half forward and Moore was the best big man on the ground by a large margin with a tireless display in the ruck, his work at around the ground stoppages of particular note as he regularly dropped it in the laps of teammates.

Mewing reminded everyone of his dashing play of years ago and he mopped up well and used his long left foot to good effect, also booting 2 goals from a wing. 

Another long serving player in Peter Kilroy continued his good form off half back and Nathan Congram also rucked well and worked hard around ground and Harry Marshall led a solid defensive unit. Brenton Saunders also had a fine game at half forward to keep his name in front of the selectors.

The Pies are still in sixth place but have two winnable matches to come and still need some results to go their way to make the finals as well as a big % boost if it comes down to that.   Having beaten every side above them on the ladder, they will be quietly confident should they sneak in, having started the year 2-6 to now be 7-7 has been a good example of how to turn a potentially lost season around.

Western Magpies    2-3-15    4-5- 29   9-9-63   9-12-66

defeated

Morningside            2-2-14     5-7-37   6-7- 43  9-8-62

Best: V. Pope, G. Moore, S. Mewing, P. Kilroy, N. Congram, H. Marshall

Goals: B. Saunders 2, S. Mewing 2, V. Pope, P. Kilroy, R. Johnson, S. Parker, M. Vine

Anytime Fitness - Colts Review

COLTS CONSOLIDATE ON TOP OF THE LADDER

The Western Magpies Colts have had a comfortable 44 point victory over Morningside on Saturday to consolidate top spot on the QAFL Colts ladder

The Pies controlled the game from the first bounce and extended their lead at every change to win 12-6-78 to 4-10-34 to make amends for their shock loss to the Panthers early in the season.

Harrison Radcliffe enjoyed his recall to the side to be a fine defender and had good support from Ethan Sivijs off half back. Jacob Sheath and Sean Ryan were on top in the midfield and Cam Ferguson provided a target up forward to boot 3 goals.   It was another great display of the Magpies depth with several key players out of the side due to representative honours, injury and other commitments.

The Magpies will now have their 5th bye this week due to Sandgates withdrawal from the competition, before taking on surfers Paradise the following week.

Western Magpies 4.1-25 | 7.3-45 | 9.6-60 | 12.6-78

defeated

Morningside 1.3-9 | 1.4-10 | 2.6-18 | 4.10-34

Best: H. Radcliffe, J. Sheath, E. Sivijs, C. Ferguson, S. Ryan, N.Resuggan

Goals: C. Ferguson 3, F. Collison 2, J. Johnson 2, H. Keenan, M. O''Dea, D. Arok, Z. Lovell, S. Mehari

Coopers Friday Footy Review - Woodsmen Finish Top of QFA Ladder

The Woodsmen took on UQ on Friday night with a significantly depleted side ahead of Week 1 on finals next week, however it was an absolute must win match as a victory would secure Top spot on the ladder and a home final, while a loss could have seen them off to an elimination final.

Despite this, the Woodies still opted to rest a number of players with niggles, while 4 or 5 others were unavailable due to other commitments, a dangerous game to play with positions in the best 22 hotly contested!

The Red Lions are always capable of a contest, with a relatively youthful side prepared to run and carry and a significant fitness advantage compared to the older more experienced Woodsmen!  UQ started brightly with some deep forward entries, but couldn't capitalise on their chances, while the Woodies managed to kick 4 quick goals to take a 20 point lead to the first break 4.1 - 25 to 0.5 - 5.

UQ enjoyed an advantage at the centre bounce hitouts, with the Woodsmen failing to get a single hitout in the first 3 quarters, yet despite this - the Woodies enjoyed complete dominance of centre clearances as a result of ground level dominance and easy sharking of the UQ taps.  Around the ground it was a different story, with some quality stoppage goals to Alec Parsons and Dylan Mudge with Magpie hit outs 'straight in their breadbasket'.

In the 2nd quarter, the Woodies put the foot down - putting on a further 5 goals to a solitary behind from UQ to take a 50 point lead into the half-time break, with Ben Ness in particular getting a strong dose of leather poisoning as he won the ball through the middle at will, while Braydon Thomas was proving dangerous up forward kicking 4 first half goals, away from his more customary position on a wing.  Another feature of the first half was the return of former skipper Sean Toohey, who came out of retirement to help out with numbers on the night, with some trademark ferocious tackles a highlight, as well as some excellent bodywork hitting up at the footy.

After half time the sting really went out of the contest as several key players were sent to the showers early, particularly some older heads with questionable soft tissue reliability! 

Ben Ness continued to rack up disposals at will around the footy, Josh and Travis Young were rock solid in defence as the Woodies worked on their ball movement from the back half and Tom Roderick was an absolute workhorse with and without the ball as he roamed the wing with great effect.

The Woodies eventually ran out 49 point winners 13.9-87 to 5.8-38, as UQ who were goalless to half-time managed to kick 5 second half goals as their season came to an end on a positive note.

The Woodsmen will now host Maroochydoore at McCarthy Homes Oval, Friday 17th August at 7:30pm with the winner straight into the Grand Final on Friday 31st August, and the loser hosting a Prelim Final on Friday August 24.

Get down to the club this Friday night to support the boys in their quest for another Grand Final berth.

PLACE PREVIEW - CLASSIC '8 POINT' GAME VS PANTHERS

The Western Magpies start finals football a month early when they meet fourth placed Morningside in a classic 8 point match in Round 17 QAFL action on Saturday. 

The prize for the winner is a shot at third place on the ladder and for the Pies a loss makes the final 2 rounds non negotiable wins.

The Pies lose Aaron Highlands to a surprising 3 week suspension but in a like-for-like swap gain Jack Goodall back from Redland.  Also returning to boost the Pies forward line are key forwards Anthony Corrie and Jake De Winter and midfielder Jono Macanawai returns after a week out due to soreness. Also out are Sam Parker and Brenton Saunders to the Reserves and Matt Davis is omitted. 

The Pies forward line looks far stronger with the inclusion of Corrie and De Winter and youngster Jack Austin returned to the team last week with an impressive 3 goals which could easily have been 5 goals. 

Goodall adds depth to the Pies and he will bolster the defence against a strong Morningside forward line. The half back line looks strong with David Lewis and Brady Allen joining Goodall, and with Luca Winton and Will Fletcher both in good form the Pies defence looks rock solid. 

Dylan Adkins has lifted in recent matches and will have another big challenge in this match and he will need a big game to give the pies in form midfield brigade of skipper Drew Mitchell, Ryan Harwood, Lachlan Woods, Ben Jaenke-Cain and Macanawai a fair crack at the football. Woods plays his 99th Senior match for the Pies and returns to the ground where his 4 last quarter goals a few seasons ago with one arm led to a famous Magpie victory over the Panthers. 

This match will be played in a finals like atmosphere and with finals intensity and with so much at stake expect the Pies to be ferocious at the contest. The Magpies recent form has been good and they will need to be at their best to overcome the in form Panthers on their home ground.

There will not be much in it but the Magpies are good enough to win and push for a double chance.

QAFL Round 17: Western Magpies v Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday, August 11th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Will Fletcher  Doug Lawrence  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Jack Goodall Brady Allen

C:   Billy Johnson Lachlan Woods  Luke Mitchell

HF: Aaron Maricic  Jack Austin  Jake De Winter

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie Riley Easton

Foll:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C: Tom Ielasi, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Lachie Dennis, Jono Macanawai

In: Jack Goodall, Jake De Winter, Anthony Corrie, Jono Macanawai

Out: Aaron Highlands (suspended), Brenton Saunders, Sam Parker (both Reserves), Matthew Davis (omitted) 

Emerg: Gerard Moore, Brenton Saunders, Sam Parker, Matthew Davis 

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Match Preview

DO-OR-DIE FOR RESERVES--ONLY A WIN WILL DO

The Western Magpies Reserves have been bolstered with several key inclusions for their do-or-die clash with the fifth placed Morningside at Morningside on Saturday.  The Pies must win to keep their finals hopes alive and this is an 8 point prelude match to the Seniors. 

The Pies welcome back Sam Parker and Brenton Saunders from the Seniors and Zach Collison and Logan Murray return from illness. 

The three young lads return to the Colts to bolster them for another big match in what is shaping as a big day of football and Sempatike Kwizera misses due to a family commitment. 

Murray boosts the Pies midfield division and Collison was in good form until he missed last week. 

Parker and Saunders add to the Pies forward power and provide classy options in front of goal. Jeremy DeRooy can clunk a  good mark and his kicking is accurate despite an unusual style--four goals last week attest to that. 

Brodie Easton and Sam Hartog were good in midfield last week and Nathan Congram always gives an honest contest in ruck.

Chris Hunt, Kurt Vine and Harry Marshall have been impressive defenders recently and will need to be to hold the Panther forwards in check.

The last time these two played, a stronger bodied Morningside brushed aside the Pies but the Magpies look physically stronger in this match and with so much on the line it's expected to be a tough battle

QAFL Round 17: Western Magpies Reserves v Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday August 11th, at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Tristan Dowdy  Harry Marshall  Kurt Vine

HB: Zach Collison Chris Hunt  Peter Kilroy

C:  Sean Mewing (Capt) Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF: Brenton Saunders Gerard Moore  Val Pope 

F:  Jordan Bonney Jeremy De Rooy  Sam Parker

Rucks: Nathan Congram Logan Murray Rory Johnso

I/C: Monty Vine, Sean McEvoy (vc), Sam DeNys, Matt Mazarolle

 In: Zach Collison, Brenton Saunders, Sam Parker, Logan Murray

Out: Sean Ryan, Zane Lovell, Chris Moloney (all Colts), Sempatike Kwizera (Unavailable) 

CFMG Capital - Colts Match Preview

COLTS BUILDING TOWARD FINALS

The Western Magpies Colts will be building towards the finals when they take on the fifth placed Morningside on Saturday morning. Morningside inflicted the Pies second and last defeat 2 months ago and the Pies will be rearing to go to re-establish their dominance as the top dog.

Coach Jake Fuentes has had to make 8 changes to last week’s lineup but has some good ins with Sean Ryan, Zane Lovell and Chris Moloney returning from a stint in the Reserves and Sam Mehari, Ryan Cherry and Dan Edwards all back after missing last week. On the debit side ruckman Samson Rya  is off to Optus Oval in Melbourne with the Queensland under 17 team to take on Victorian Country tomorrow and he will be joined by Bruce Reville, who missed the Pies last match.  Also out are the injured speedster Ritti Batilimoyo, defenders Chris Jenkins and Cooper Crowell,  half forward Abdullah Haddad and Darcy Prest returns to the Under 16s.

On the balance  the ins slightly outweigh the outs so the Pies will be stronger this week. The strength of the Pies this year is that the workload is shared and the likes of Ethan Sivijs, Charlie Thorpe, Noah Resuggan, Jacob Aurich, Ryan Cherry and Lachlan Pearson often go unnoticed but they play their role to get the job done. Chris Moloney has a big job going into the ruck after being a key defender for most of the year and will get support from Harry Keenan and the return of Dan Edwards on a wing and Zane Lovell to ruck-rover  gives the Pies midfield a boost.

The Pies will be keen to atone for their earlier loss and will be keen to consolidate top positon on the ladder.

QAFL Round 17: Western Magpies Colts v Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday August 11th at 9.30am

B:    Jacob Aurich  Harrison Radcliffe  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: Harry Keenan  Finn Collison Lachlan Pearson

Rucks:  Chris Moloney Zane Lovell  Sean Ryan  

I/C: Noah Resuggan (Capt),  Tom Slatter, Ryan Cherry, Mitchell O’Dea

 In: Harrison Radcliffe, Dan Edwards, Cameron Ferguson, Sam Mehari, Ryan Cherry, Zane Lovell, Sean Ryan, Chris Moloney

Out: Chris Jenkins (inj), Ritti Batilimoyo (unavailable), Samson Ryan (Qld Under 17s), Cooper Crowell (Unavail), Abdullah Haddad (work), Darcy Prest (Under 16s), Oscar Prior, Edward Short (both omitted)  

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - SOLID START SETS UP UGLY WIN

The Western Magpies put on a strong first quarter to avoid the spectre of an upset loss to Labrador with a strong start, dominating general play and hitting the scoreboard early.

The Pies were able to win the ball out of the centre and with Drew Mitchell, Ryan Harwood and Riley Easton up and about early the Pies were never headed as they won in business-like fashion by 28 points, 12.12-84 to 8.8-56. 

For the second week in a row the Pies found themselves against an opponent out of finals contention intent on off the ball hits and constant niggle, rather than trying to win the game.  The Magpies were able to put this to one side and dominate the contest with 60+ i50 etnries to just 27.  However, the Pies made it tough for themselves up forward with some sloppy disposal keeping the scoreline respectable.  The win keeps the Pies in the finals hunt with three rounds to play and with a few big matches coming up. 

The Pies withstood a physical Tigers in a fiery second quarter when several spot fires broke out but it was the Pies who capitalised and a yet another late hit on 100 gamer Matt Davis resulted in a 50 metre penalty and Doc slotted the goal to kick the Pies 6 goals clear.

Labrador played a defensive game after half time flooding the Pies forward line  which made scoring difficult but the Pies held a comfortable lead to ensure the 4 points were safely in their keeping.

Aaron Highlands played a fine game at CHF negating the influence of Tigers key defender Wayde Mills, who is often the playmaker for the Tigers with his reading of the play. Riley Easton was like the Energex bunny, bobbing up everywhere in a superb display, laying tackle after tackle and giving his opposition a lesson in hard footy and non stop effort. Ben Jaenke-Cain and Drew Mitchell were on top through the middle of the ground and Will Fletcher was solid on a wing.

Doug Lawrence kept Tigers big fun forward Bryce Retzlaff to 2 goals and he received good support from fellow backmen Luca Winton and Brady Allen.

Matt Davis was good in his 100th game and Ryan Harwood was busy across half forward with 3 goals and Jack Austin celebrated his recall toe the Seniors with 3 goals. Sam parker did not look out of place in Senior football and he booted a goal on debut and showed plenty of zip.

The Magpies now set themselves for what is a classic 8 point game against Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday.

Western Magpies  5.3-33 | 9.7-61 | 11.8-74 | 12.12-84 

Labrador                1.2-8  |   4.4-28 |  6.7-43 | 8.8-56

Goals: J. Austin 3, R. Harwood 3, B.Allen, M. Davis, A. Maricic, A. Highlands, S. Parker, R. Easton
Best: A. Highlands, R. Easton, B. Jaenke-Cain, L. Winton, D. Lawrence, W. Fletcher

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Review

PIES RESERVES ON LIFE SUPPORT AFTER LOSS

The Western Magpies Reserves are on life support after a 34 point loss to Labrador on Saturday. The Pies started brightly enough but were outplayed in the second and third quarters and try as they might in the last quarter could not narrow the gap. The Pies were defeated 14.11-95 to 9.7-61. 

The Magpies were not as strong as in recent matches with injury and unavailability in both First and Reserves stretching their playing list. Three Colts players made their debuts and all played well, with Zane Lovell named in the best players.

Gerard Moore rucked well to be the Pies best player and Sam Hartog and Harry Marshall both worked hard in defence to keep the Pies in range. 

Sean Mewing also had plenty of the ball on a wing and Brodie Easton was a good player in midfield. 

The Pies have must win match against Morningside on Saturday--a loss ends their season but a win keeps them in the finals race.

Western Magpies  2.4-16 | 3.4-22 |  6.4-40  |  9.7-61

Labrador                1.5-11 | 5.8-38 | 10.9-69 | 14.11-95

Goals: J. DeRooy 4, S. de Nys, M. Vine, M. Mazerolle, C. Moloney, V.Pope

Best: G. Moore, Z. Lovell, S. Hartog, S. Mewing, B. Easton, H. Marshall

Cross Fit Disposition - Colts Review

COLTS SURVIVE SCARE DESPITE POOR GOALKICKING

The Western Magpies Colts survived a scare and poor goal kicking to overcome a tenacious Labrador on Saturday.

The Colts had to come from behind to win by 8 points, 6-14-50 to 6-6-42. The win moves the Colts to the top of the ladder, one game clear of the second placed team 

The Pies were on top early but were challenged in the second and third quarters and trailed at three quarter time. They were able to keep the Tigers goalless in the last quarter and get their noses in front in a hard fought victory. It was a pleasing win as the Pies were missing half a dozen of their better performed players and demonstrated the depth on the Colts list. The Pies were well lead by centreman Jacob Sheath and skipper and on-baller Noah Resuggan while ruckman Samson Ryan won plenty of hit outs and possessions around the ground. Half back Jacob Aurisch was  strong defender and winger Deng Arok was busy and Harry Keenan and Lachlan Pearson both booted 2 goals.

The Pies play the fifth placed Morningside on Saturday, with the Panthers one of only two teams to defeat them this year.

Western Magpies  3.5-23  3.9-27  4.12-36   6.14-50

Labrador               1.0-6    3.2-20   6.4-40     6.6-42

Best: Sheath, Ryan, Aurisch, Resuggan, Arok

Goals: L. Pearson 2, H. Keenan 2, A. D''Roza, J. Sheath

PLACE PREVIEW - FIVE CHANGES AS PIES TAKE ON LABRADOR

The Western magpies have had 5 forced changes for their crucial clash against Labrador at Labrador on Saturday in QAFL Round 16 action.

It is getting to the pointy end of the season and with the Pies one game out of the five, every match proves crucial in jostling for both finals spots, as well as the double chance.

Labrador are out of finals reckoning but still have some class players and at home will be a dangerous proposition for the Magpies.

The Pies forward line has taken a hit with Anthony Corrie still having one match of a two match suspension to serve, Sam Copland out with a hamstring and Jake De Winter unavailable due to family commitments.  

In comes young high leaping forward Jack Austin to full forward after a good game last week and youngster Sam Parker is rewarded with good form in the Reserves. He will add some zip and enthusiasm to the Pies up forward. Brenton Saunders also returns and Lachie Dennis gets a recall after strong form in the Reserves. Billy Johnson slots back onto a wing from the Brisbane Lions NEAFL team.

Also out are the injured Jono Macanawai who copped a blow to his knee late last week and Liam Dwyer, who tweaked an ankle (both should only miss one week) and Jack Goodall to Redlands.

The Pies on ball brigade still looks strong with Ryan Harwood, Drew Mitchell, and Tom Ielasi all in good form. 

Down back David Lewis, Luca Winton and Brady Allen were all strong last week and Luke Mitchell and Will Fletcher provided zip out of defence.

The Pies will be up for Matt "Doc" Davis' 100th Senior game for the Magpies and with so much at stake coach Brydan Morgan will stress the need for a full four quarter effort against the Tigers.  

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday, August 4th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Will Fletcher  Doug Lawrence  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Aaron Highlands Matt Davis

C:   Billy Johnson Ben Jaenke-Cain  Luke Mitchell

HF: Aaron Maricic  Brady Allen  Brenton Saunders

F:   Kale Reed  Jack Austin Riley Easton

Foll:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt)  Ryan Harwood

I/C: Tom Ielasi, Lachlan Woods, Lachie Dennis, Sam Parker

In: Lachie Dennis, Sam Parker, Billy Johnson, Jack Austin, Brenton Saunders

Out: Jono Macanawai (knee), Liam Dwyer (ankle), Jack Goodall (Redland), Sam Copland (Hamstring), Jake De Winter (unavailable) 

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Match Preview

RESERVES IN MUST WIN MATCH AGAINST THE TIGERS

The sixth placed Western Magpies Reserves have a vital match against the fourth placed Labrador at Labrador on Saturday. The Pies trail the Tigers by one game and percentage and a win in this fixture would get the Pies on level terms and in a position to continue a strong run toward a finals appearance. 

The Pies are walking a tightrope and a loss in this match does not end their finals hopes but means there is no more wriggle room and also have to rely on other results going their way.

The Pies have made 7 changes to last weeks team, all of them forced as they lose 4 to the Seniors and three to illness and injury.

To the Seniors go Lachie Dennis and Sam Parker for reward for consistent good form, Jack Austin who had a good game last week to fill a key forward position and Brenton Saunders earns a recall after a two goal performance last week.  Gareth Crawford is nursing a sore knee, Zach Collison is ill and Gabe McKinnon has a broken finger. 

The big ins are ruckmen Gerard Moore and Nathan Congram who will both also push forward, experienced half back Peter Kilroy and young midfielder Sam DeNys returns after his fill of a big AFL match in Melbourne last week.

Also coming in are three exciting Colts players in Queensland Under 17 representative Sean Ryan, classy midfielder Zane Lovell and strong defender Chris Moloney. Young Colts player Jordan Bonney also keeps his spot in the back pocket. 

Ryan is a classy rover with pace to burn, Lovell is clean in the clinches and Moloney reads the play well across half back. 

The Vine brothers Monty and Kurt have been in good form and Chris Hunt and Harry Marshall have led a solid defence

Coach Des Lashman has seen the error of his ways and moved Sean McEvoy to the back pocket where he does his best work and he will bolster the last line of defence. 

Despite the change in personnel, the Pies still have a strong side and will be keen to continue the charge towards a finals berth against a side they should have defeated earlier in the season.

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies Reserves v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday August 4th, at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Sean McEvoy (vc) Harry Marshall Jordan Bonney

HB: Kurt Vine Chris Hunt  Peter Kilroy

C:  Sean Mewing (Capt) Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF: Matt Mazarolle Jeremy DeRooy  Val Pope  

F:  Sempitake Kwizera Nathan Congram Zane Lovell

Foll: Gerard Moore Tristan Dowdy Sam DeNys

I/C:   Rory Johnson, Sean Ryan, Monty Vine, Chris Moloney

 In: Peter Kilroy, Gerard Moore, Sam DeNys, Nathan Congram, Sean Ryan, Chris Moloney, Zane Lovell

Out: Brenton Saunders, Lachie Dennis, Sam Parker, Jack Austin (all Firsts), Gareth Crawford (knee), Zach Collison (ill),  Gabe McKinnon (Finger)

Fitter Futures - Colts Match Preview

EIGHT CHANGES TO COLTS FOR TIGERS CLASH

The Western Magpies Colts will clash with the sixth placed Labrador on Saturday morning with 8 changes to last week’s winning combination. It says something for the Pies’ depth that they will still field a strong team.

Sean Ryan, Zane Lovell and Chris Moloney were all selected for the Reserves while speedster Bruce Reville has family commitments, Dan Edwards is recovering from concussion and Cam Ferguson, Sam Mehari and Ryan Cherry are all rested with a few niggles.

Included in the ins are exciting young Under 16 Queensland State player Darcy Prest while Oscar Prior slots into CHB and Abdullah Haddad goes to a half forward flank to provide the pace that Reville and Mehari gave to the Pies. Mitchel O’Dea slots into CHF and Harry Keenan returns to give Samson Ryan and hand in the ruck. Tom Slatter and Cooper Crowell also come in after working hard on the training track and Ned Short comes in for his first Colts game.

The Pies look strong with Samson Ryan in ruck and Jacob Sheath and Aiden D’Rosa in midfield joined by Chris Jenkins and with Finn Collison a target up forward and Haddad, Jayden Johnson and Crowell at ground level providing the scoring options.  

Whitlam Bishop, Charlie Thorpe and Jacob Aurich have all been in good form in defence and should be able to keep the Tiger forwards under control.

The Pies won their Round 9 encounter by 73 point but this will be a tighter contest and the Pies cannot afford any slip up as they chase a top of the ladder finish and a week off in the first week of the finals. 

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies Colts v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday August 4th at 9.30am

B:    Jacob Aurich  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Tom Slatter         

HB:  Charlie Thorpe  Oscar Prior Ethan Sivijs

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Deng Arok

HF:  Jayden Johnson  Mitchell O’Dea  Abdullah Haddad

F: Harry Keenan  Finn Collison Cooper Crowell

Rucks:  Samson Ryan Noah Resuggan (Capt) Chris Jenkins  

I/C:  Aiden D’Rosa, Lachlan Pearson , Edward Short , Darcy Prest

In: Tom Slatter, Abdullah Haddad, Mitchell O’Dea, Oscar Prior, Cooper Crowell, Edward Short, Darcy Prest, Harry Keenan

Out: Sean Ryan, Chris Moloney, Zane Lovell (all Reserves), Bruce Reville (unavailable), Dan Edwards (concussion), Cameron Ferguson, Ryan Cherry, Sam Mehari (all injured)  

McCarthy Homes Milestone - 100 of the best from Doc Davis

DOC DAVIS RIGHT AT HOME AT THE BERG IN A 100 SENIOR GAMES

Matthew "Doc" Davis says he is right at home at Chelmer as he celebrates his 100th Senior match for the Magpies when they take on Labrador on the coast on Saturday.

As Doc recalls it, there are four events that made him know that the Western Magpies and the "Berg" was his real home.

He said he was welcomed with open arms when he moved across as a 15 year old in 2005. 

When he was selected in the Queensland Under 18 team in 2007, he was required/forced to play for a QAFL club and had to move to Mt Gravatt.  A common theme that robbed the Magpies of talent regularly in that era!  He then headed south to the VFL with Coburg in 2008 and on returning from Coburg to Brisbane in 2009 he was pushed to join Aspley by the powers that be at AFLQ (despite playing in the same competition as the Magpies) and he says playing against the Magpies for the first time that year was the hardest thing he has done in football. When he decided to return to the Nest in 2014 he says it was one of the happiest days in his life and he says he still loves it at the Magpies as can be seen when he does his little cameos for Magpies TV with his mate Bryce Crossley.

Doc was a member of the Magpies Colts team that won the Premiership in 2005 under Alan Hagley but there was only one problem--he missed the Grand Final with a broken arm.

He graduated to the Seniors in 2006 under Paul Grentell and was in the Pies' Premiership team as a 16 year old when they defeated Noosa at Carrara. He injured an ankle early and spent a bit of time on the bench but he says he can still remember every moment like it was yesterday and cherishes every one of them. He says he has not had much luck with finals!! In his early years he was a high leaping forward and entertained the Chelmer faithful with some hangers in his youth--he laments the fact the a few extra kilos now means he is flat out getting off the ground anymore!! 

He played for Queensland Under 18s in 2007 and acquitted himself so well he attracted the interest of Richmond and moved south in 2008 and did the pre-season with the Tigers and although not a listed player he trained with them throughout the season under Terry Wallace and was a full time footballer as he was on a retainer from Richmond. He played most of the year at Richmond Reserves club Coburg in the VFL under Jade Rawlings, who he rated highly. He also got on well with Wallace. 

The Tigers let him go in 2009 and he returned to Brisbane and was pushed to join Aspley where he played for 5 years, 2 in the QAFL and 3 in the NEAFL. He says he did not sleep in the week before his first match against the Magpies (the Pies and Aspley were both promoted to the QAFL in 2009) and was warned before the match by Pies coach Paul Grentell that he better not forget his mouth guard!! He says he was pummelled a bit in the game and David "Hammers" Hamill knocked him over several times and suggested he would be lucky to get off the ground alive!! He managed to survive the ordeal and continued at Aspley for another 4 years-- he says it was OK but he suggested they were still not the most enjoyable years. 

Doc rejoined the Pies in 2014 and as he says he was immediately at home and loving football again. He had a good season in 2014 and was on fire on a half back flank in 2015 under Glenn Humphrey until he badly sprained his ankle with 6 games to go. He struggled to overcome the injury, which likely cost him a Bill Peirce Medal as he was leading the count when he was injured.  He was still good enough to named on a back flank in the QAFL Team of the Year in 2015. 

He has been an integral part of the Pies line up in the past few seasons and after a number of years on a back flank he has moved to the wing where his strong marking has proved a channel out of defence for the Pies.

The Doc has also decided on a change of career and is studying to be a primary school teacher which he does full time but also gets on the tools in his trade as a carpenter. So if he is bit tired at training give him a bit of slack as he is having some big days studying and also on the tools.

When asked who were the best players he played with and against he nominated only one player to fill both –Val Pope. “I played a lot of footy with Popey and he’s never had a bad game. I unfortunately played on him one day at Aspley and he kicked 6 goals on me, but I don’t talk about that game too often. After breaking my arm a few weeks out from winning the Under 18s Grand Final, Val gave me his medal during the celebrations which is something I will never forget. I’d probably give it back to him if it wasn’t for the 6 goals he kicked on me!”.

There are many people I could thank over the journey but I can narrow it down to a few. Those who know me know I am a committed Christian and acknowledge God where I can. Mum and Dad have been the biggest contributors and have been there for the celebrations as well as the down times footy can bring. Dad grew up as a fairly  passionate Port Adelaide local and AFL has always been in my blood, that is why I play AFL and love it. Paul Grentell had faith in me at a young age , introducing me to Senior football at 16 years old and playing me in a winning Grand Final which is one of the reasons I love this footy club so much. Recently, Brydan Morgan has re-invigorated my love for the game. He has changed the way I play footy and he coaches a style of footy I really enjoy and relate to, while being a good mate off the paddock as well.”

Congratulations to “The Doctor” on a career well played and he is deserving of all the accolades he receives on his 100th Senior match for the Magpies and in reality he has likely played over 200 matches in Senior football over the journey, which shows his resilience and toughness. He reckons another flag is not too much to ask and he thinks if the Pies make the finals they can go all the way.

Gut Feelings XI - a collection of deep thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest!

• 3 out of 4 ain't bad with the Seniors, Reserves and Colts all having comfortable wins over old rival Wilston Grange with the QFA ladder leaders The Woodsmen losing to their great rivals Zillmere in a flat performance on Friday night, perhaps a symptom of knowing they are almost guaranteed top spot
• The Colts are clear second on the ladder and The Woodsmen still hold first spot with 2 rounds left.
• The Seniors and Reserves are both one game outside the five but are playing well enough to push for a finals spot
• The Seniors had an ugly win in a scrappy match which did not reach great heights and you could be forgiven for thinking the Pies played poorly, but in fact Grange played a negative brand of football designed purely to limit the margin of defeat
• A win is a win and the 4 points keep the Pies in the finals race. Grange coach Nathan Clarke, who also coached the Pies in 2016, played 2 players behind the ball from the first bounce and keep it a tough, tight contest. Pies coach Brydan Morgan decided to man them up so it was crowded Pies forward line. Morgan asked his players to "navigate" through the congestion and they managed to do it often enough to record a solid 40 point victory.
• Jack Goodall again starred and he can play back, forward, ruck and now on a wing! Goodall first played with the Pies 5 years ago after he joined Redland and was drafted to the Pies when not selected in the NEAFL team. Jack was a shy boy from Mackay and he would even admit he struggled to fit in at the Pies --after all it was not his choice to play at Chelmer. But over the years Jack has become a fine player and a valued teammate and is enjoying his time with the Pies. 
• Redland teammate Liam Dwyer is another who has fitted in to the Pies and enjoys playing in the black and white. One thing about Liam is that he gives everything he has got  and he works hard whether up forward or in the ruck. He was the Magpies best forward against Grange with three goals and also played well when he had a run in the ruck. Big stretch always looks like he is enjoying himself.
• The BG Award is a much prized award for the Magpies and is awarded to the player who puts his body on the line, gives his all for his teammates and shows "Courage and Commitment", just like Brett Gwyther, who the award is named after. BG thought nothing of backing into the pack, taking on players much bigger than himself and was as tough as they come. He played in the 2006 premiership and was the fittest player in the preseason in late 2006 when he fell ill and he passed away in early 2007 with cancer. His passing shattered the club and in his honour the BG Award was commenced. The club regard this so highly there is an honour board for the BG Award and an image of BG is featured at the end of the Sportsmens Bar at the club.  
• Jake De Winter was held to 2 goals on the weekend to take his tally to 38 goals but closed on leader in ex Magpie Matt Fowler on 40 goals. 
• The Reserves had a good win and while the team has a sprinkling of seasoned campaigners it was the youngsters who led the way in the win over Grange. Young speedster Sam Parker was in scintillating form and used his pace to create havoc up forward for the Pies and he finished with 4 goals. Monty Vine has found it difficult to establish a permanent place in the side but in the absence of 2 regular ruckman Monty lifted and rucked for most of the match in a lion-hearted effort to be a key player in the victory.  Monty's brother Kurt has had several good matches in a row playing across half back. He is not afraid to leave his man to get to a contest and he has developed into a reliable rebounding defender.
• The Colts were very impressive in their 31 point win over the Gorillas. Under the lights in front of a good crowd, the Pies were on fire early with clean use of the ball to quickly open up a 4 goal lead. The Colts use of handball in close and then to spread the ball was first class. It was the Pies fleet footed brigade who did the damage with Sam Mehari, Bruce Reville, Sean Ryan and Dan Edwards leading the way. Big forwards Cam Ferguson and Finn Collison were not at their best but they bring the ball to ground to give their smaller teammates opportunities. 
• Colts are second on percentage but with ladder leaders Broadbeach only having 2 more matches to the Pies 3,  the Magpies have every opportunity to finish on top of the ladder. 
• The Pies Bruce Reville and Samson Ryan are in the Queensland in Qld Under 17 team to play Country Victoria next weekend at Ikon Park (Princes Park, Carlton). Both were good players for the Pies Colts in their strong win over fellow finals contender Wilston Grange last week
• The Club will celebrate the 50th year of Senior football with Sherwood fielding its first Senior team in 1968. 
• 2018 is also the 20th year of the Western Magpies ,which was formed in 1999 with current Reserves coach Des Lashman the inaugural Western Magpies coach. The 50th will be celebrated when the Pies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday August 18th. All past players and officials are invited to Chelmer to watch the Magpies in action, with the Reserves starting at 11.30 am.
• The celebrations will commence at 6.00 pm in the Sports Bar area and will cost $25 per head for finger food. There will be a couple of speeches and then all attendees can then mingle and reminisce to their hearts content. 
• To celebrate the 50th, the club has a commemorative guernsey with every player and coach of the club to play one match in either the Seniors, Reserves , Thirds and/or Woodsmen. There are 980 names on the guernsey and it will be worn by both the Seniors and Reserves in their matches and will be available for sale for $100. If demand is great enough more guernseys with preferred numbers can be ordered. 

• More information about ordering your guernsey and RSVP will be posted on the club's website and facebook page in coming days.