Coopers Update - 14 Magpies added to 'best' Magpie List

The Western Magpies added 14 new players to the Sherwood/Western Magpies best player listat the club's 60th Anniversary celebrations held on Saturday night.
The 14 were added to the 53 best and most influential players to have played by the club which were named at the club's 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2006.

Past coach and player Paul Grentell, who had coached all the inductees, introduced 13 of the playersand their achievements to the anniversary dinner attendees. Tim McEvoy introduced the 14th inductee.

Jim Rozynski

Universally acknowledged as one of the hardest but fair player to grace the Magpies and the QAFL. Only knows one way and that is full on attack on the ball and noted for his fearlessness and ferocious tackling. An inspiration to his team-mates he was Bill Peirce medallist in 2010 and 2013 and 3 time premiership player--2006, 2008 and 2012. Best on ground in 2008 and 2012 Grand Finals. 

Val Pope

A class act whether up forward or in midfield, has superb balance and is strong in the air and at ground level. Conjures goals from nowhere. Always tagged but manages to break free to be a dangerous player. QAFL Team of the year in 2015.  Three time Premiership player (2006, 2008, 2012) and Bill Peirce Medallist in 2015 to add his 2008 medal, runner-up 2006. Nearing 200 senior games.

 Luke Scott

A class player at both ends of the ground, strong overhead, well balanced  and reads the play brilliantly. 2006 and 2008 Premiership player, joined Mt Gravatt in 2010 (joint B & F winner with his brother Andrew at the Vultures) when the Pies dropped back and then had  2014 at Redland. Returned to his spiritual home last year to help guide the Pies to the QAFL Finals. Is a class act and intercept marks and ball distribution are a highlight. Selected in QAFL Team of the Year in 2015.

Sean McEvoy

From a famous Sherwood family, has played for Sherwood/Western Magpies for 20 years. Has played all through the junior ranks with the majority of his senior football in Reserves but when playing Seniors has not let the club down. Is a reliable defender and picks the right options, can run all day. A loyal player for the club and always puts the club first. Played in 2005 Under 18 Premiership. A popular team player.

Tim McEvoy

From a famous Sherwood family and 2007 Bill Peirce Medallist, has been a great player for the Pies for many years. Always puts his body on the line and is hard at the contest as well as being an on field leader for many years. Was a key player in last years push to the finals. Proven finals performer. Premiership player in 3 flags--2006, 2008 and 2012. Life Member and served as club treasurer for 2 years.

Sean Mewing

Long serving and loyal player across half back who  can open up play with rebounding run and long left foot kicks. Reads the play well, clean hands. Premiership player in 2006 and 2008. Long run followed by a 60 metre kick that resulted in a goal was the catalyst for the Pies famous comeback victory in the 2008 Grand Final. Missed 2012 flag when relocated to Perth for work. Returned to the Magpies to be an important cog in the Magpies successful return to the QAFL.  

Richard Wenham

Speedy half back/onballer who attacks football, uses pace to break tackles and launch the side forward, a ferocious tackler. Never fails to give 100%. Premiership player 2008, Runner up in B & F 2008. Missed 2012 premiership with injury. Played his 100th Firsts match for the club in 2015 Qualifying Final.

Reid Dobson

A tough rover who could win plenty of the football and was tenacious around the ground. Best on Ground in 2006 First Grade Premiership with 4 goals and also played in the 2012 premiership. He had the knack of getting under his opponents skin with a bit of niggle and loved it in close. He remains involved with the club as coach of the Sherwood Under 17s and also played for the Woodsmen at the end of his career.

Matthew Thompson

A long serving goal sneak who is a very accurate kick. Smart player who was a strong mark despite only having one arm. Rarely wasted a disposal and also got under opponents skin when they thought they had his measure and he proved them wrong.

Great clubman throughout his career. . Premiership player in 2008 and 2012 (4 goals) and BOG in Reserves premiership in 2006.

Ben Heffernan-Roper

A winger/half forward who had brilliant ball handling and foot and hand skills. Could negotiate heavy traffic and still hit a target and was dangerous near goals. Good reader of the play and strong overhead. Won Bill Peirce medals in 2009 in the club's return to the AFLQ and then in a Premiership year in 2012. Also had a season at Subiaco in WAFL in 2010. Also played in 2008 Premiership.

Will Fozard

Played on the wing/half forward then to back pocket. A smart and clever player, he started as a winger and half forward who could kick a goal and then became a back pocket to shut down opposition small forwards. Was a brilliant reader of the play andhad clean ball skills with good disposal and was deceptively strong overhead. A 2 time premiership player in 2006 and 2012

Peter Kilroy

Long serving half back who could also drift forward to kick a goal. Played in Pies 2003 Under 18 premiership and was best on ground in the Pies famous victory over the Brisbane Lions in 2002 as a 17 year old. A long kicking left footer, his jinking runs were a highlight and he was particularly strong overhead and would take opponents on no matter the situation.

David Hamill

A strongly built centre half forward who had an outstanding season in 2006, winning the Bill Peirce medalin the Pies Premiership year. He also played a key role in the Pies famous Premiership victory in 2008. An awkward looking left foot kick he kicked clutch goals with strong marking and attack on the football. Many an opponent rued the day they got in Hammers way when on the charge.

The next player was introduced by his great friend and fellow inductee Tim McEvoy.

Brett Gwyther

Was an attacking half back flanker who came through Sherwood's junior ranks . Tough and uncompromising in his attack on the football, he was rarely beaten and gave 100% every match. He had balance and poise and his courage on the field was inspirational and was one of the better players in the 2006 Premiership.

On return to training in November, Brett struggled and was soon to be diagnosed with a terminal cancer and passed away in early 2007. He displatyed courage to the end and remains an inspiration to the current players and his memory is honoured each week with the BG Award presented to the Most Courageous player in each match.