Footy's Back (Again) - CLASSIC 8 POINT GAME vs SURFERS

After a 3 week break the Western Magpies return to the fray against fellow mid-table side Surfers Paradise Demons at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies match against Wilston Grange was called off due to flooding of the Gorilla's home ground 2 weeks ago and then the Pies had a split round bye, so while the bodies will be fresh, the side risks being underdone for the clash.

The momentum from the Pies Round 3 victory over Broadbeach Cats has potentially been lost, coach Glenn Humphrey will be using all the tricks in the book to get his side focused and switched on for the clash.

There are three changes from Round 3, with fullback Hayden Thick missing due a recurrence of a shoulder injury, Aaron Maricic called into the Lions Reserves and Joel Workman omitted.

Chris Hunt returns to fullback after a late start to the season due to injury and Redlands duo in key forward Tom Michael and small forward Jack Williams come into the side.

Michael impressed last year in several matches and with another year under his belt will be a key target for the Pies. Matt Davis moves to half back to join Doug Lawrence and Luke Scott which makes up a strong rebounding half back line.

Richard Wenham had a fine match last game and slots into the back pocket and may share some midfield rotations with another fine player last match in Drew Mitchell, who starts on the bench.

Maricic will be missed as he and Sonny Aneet both had superb outings matches against the Cats and the Pies will miss his pace. Brady Allen moves to the wing and his long penetrating kicks will be used to open up the Pies forward line.

Dom Beer will carry the ruck duties with support from Redlands based youngster Liam Dwyer and at ground level Callum Carseldine swaps roles with Ben Jaenke-Cain and will start in the middle. 

Val Pope has been at his consistent and brilliant best this year and he will be a foil for full forward Alex Dickfos who is working himself into form and fitness.

Small forwards Matt Thompson and Jack Williams bring different skill sets to the role but are both dangerous near goals -Thompson reading the play and Williams with his pace and agility.

With both teams on one win,  this match shapes as a classic 8 point game with the winner looking forward to pushing into the fiv.e while the loser falls back into the chasing pack

The Pies will hope they carry some momentum from their last win and will be very fresh for the clash.

Western Magpies vs Surfers Paradise Demons - Sat, May 16 at 2:00pm

B: Richard Wenham - Chris Hunt - Sean McEvoy

HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence - Luke Scott

C: Brady Allen - Callum Carseldine (c) - Monok Aneet

HF: Sam Copland - Tom Michael (R) - Val Pope

FF: Matt Thompson - Alex Dickfos - Jack Williams (R)

Foll: Dom Beer - Lachland Woods (c) - Ben Jeanke-Cain

Int: Drew Mitchell - Tim McEvoy - Liam Dwyer (R) - Tom Ielasi