BodyKey Chiropractic - Reserves Preview
Andrew Thomson
RESERVES KEEN TO BOUNCE BACK
The Western Magpies Reserves will be looking to bounce back when they takeon the winless Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday.
The Pies were disappointing last week but with 10 changes to the side their lack of cohesion was understandable. Sandgate have been competitive in both matches this year and ran Mt Gravatt close last week so the Pies can expect a tough encounter
Coach Quentin Johnson will look to his side to improve in their decision making and disposal as turnovers proved very costly last week.
The side has some good ins with the return of Jae Humphrey and Joel Workman after both missing the first 2 rounds due to unavailability and both should be raring to go. Youngster Lachie Dennis returns after playing with the Lions Reserves last week and new player Troy Hartman gets his chance.
Out are the injured Jake Farrell, Sean Mewing and Sam Donovan with skipper Matt Hockley out due to work commitments.
The Pies backline were under the pump last week due to turnovers but the back six look very strong with Todd Billing in good form and Luke DeNys playing consistent football. Add reliable Sean McEvoy and new player Ricky Dudley, who has been good so far, and the Pies will be confident of shutting down the Sandgate forwards.
Up forward Jack Goodall moves to CHF and Charlie Pershouse to FF and both will be key targets for the Pies. Young Pershouse has played well in both matches and looks to have a big future for the Pies.
Young Toowoomba recruit Geoff Gibb in ruck was good last week on debut and midfielder Brodie Easton also had plenty of the ball and will again be key player for the Pies.
Mitch Stallard is slowly regaining the form that made him a Rising Star in 2014 and as he gains more confidence in his body, his skills will come to the fore to give the Pies plenty of midfield drive.
The Magpies will be looking to make it 2 from 3 but will need to be at their best to overcome a solid Hawks outfit on their home ground.
Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate Hawks - 1130am Sat April 16 @ Sandgate
B: Luke DeNys - Sean McEvoy - Gabe McKinnon
HB: Ricky Dudley - Todd Billing - Jae Humphrey
C: Jamie Page - Chris Devlin - Hunter Heath
HF: Lachie Dennis - Jack Goodall (R) - Jesse Pukallus
F: Stuart Hubbert - Charlie Pershouse - Joel Workman
Foll: Geoff Gibb - Mitchell Stallard - Brodie Easton
INT: Matt Mazerolle - Josh Burton - Troy Hartman - Brent Walker