Round 7 awaits as old foes resume battle
Andrew Thomson
The Western Magpies go into Round 7 of the 2015 QAFL Season on the back of three straight wins, and will look to consolidate their form with a win over traditional rival Mt Gravatt Vultures at the Nest on Saturday to push further ahead of the chasing pack for a finals spot.
The Magpies have made two forced changes with Luke Scott and Sonny Aneet returning to the side, while 4 goal hero from Round 6, Sam Copland has received a call up to the Lions Reserves and Richard Wenham rested with hamstring soreness. Aaron Maricic remains unavailable, this week called back into the QLD U/18 side for a match against Vic Country this week. As a result, for the second straight week, there will be no Redlands listed players pulling on the black & white this week.
Luke Scott will relish the battle against one his former NEAFL sides, and after playing a few early matches across half back, Scott may move forward to give another quality option in attack. He has played plenty of football for the Pies in his formative years across half forward and will prove to be a good foil for the likes of Brady Allen and Alex Dickfos, both improving with every outing.
Val Pope in his usual role across half forward with stints in the midfield has been a consistent and high class performer all season and will pose significant danger to the Vultures defence.
Co-captains Lachlan Woods and Callum Carseldine were hard at it again last week--Woods in his best and most disciplined game for the season, and Carseldine in a typical in-and- under display to win numerous hard ball contests.
Matt Davis across half back has been in superb form this season and with the close checking Doug Lawrence at CHB and Chris Hunt moving to the flank the Pies have a solid half back line capable of exciting rebound football.
Sean McEvoy holding down the role of full back with aplomb allows the Pies to use Hayden Thick in the ruck and with Dom Beer they form a top line rucking combination.
Ben Jaenke-Cain continues to get plenty of the ball and with Luke Mitchell playing well after a recall last week, Tom Ielasi doing all that is asked of him and Drew Mitchell also in consistent form, the Pies are developing some good mid-field depth.
Sean Mewing was impressive last week after returning from a long injury lay-off and he moves to the bench and will be used in the midfield as well as across half-back.
The Pies have now developed plenty of versatility which will put them in good stead during tight matches. This is an important match in the context of the season for the Pies and Mt Gravatt will be up for the challenge, so the home team needs to be on guard against a quality opponent.
Western Magpies vs Mt Gravatt Vultures - Chelmer, 2pm Saturday 30 May
B: Bryce Crossley - Sean McEvoy - Luke Mitchell
HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence - Chris Hunt
C: Jai Humphrey - Callum Carseldine © - Majok Aneet
HF: Matt Thompson - Alex Dickfos - Val Pope
F: Luke Scott - Brady Allen - Tom Ielasi
Foll: Dom Beer - Lachlan Woods © - Ben Jaenke-Cain
Int: Drew Mitchell - Tim McEvoy - Hayden Thick - Sean Mewing