Reserves up for the challenge

The Western Magpies Reserves go into a winnable match against the 8th placed Palm Beach-Currumbin on Saturday but have again had several changes to the line-up. Sean Mewing, Luke Mitchell, Jai Humphrey  and Ben Hooper have all been promoted to the Senior side but into the team comes regular senior player Cory Hopkins after a long injury lay off, 2014 best and fairest Jaden Morton and young speedster Jake Heard, also after a long injury lay-off. 

The Pies will also look to youngsters Logan Murray, Matt Mazarolle and Matt Davis to continue their improvement and another youngster in Brodie Easton, who has had an injury interrupted start to the season and who had a taste of senior football in 2014, to continue to get better and push for a senior recall.  

Matt deNys also resumed last week for half a game after a long period out with injury and showed  he has the ability to also push for senior selection in coming weeks.  Another youngster in Joel Workman must be close to a senior recall and experienced players in Matt Green,  Gabe McKinnon and Matt Hockley need to lead the team in a match in which the Pies will be keen to get their first win of the season.  

SIX CHANGES FOR MAGPIES AS RIVALRY IS REVISTED

Following last weeks memorable win, The Western Magpies have another crucial QAFL clash when they travel to the Gold Coast to play the fourth placed Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions.

The fierce rivals from Pineapple Hotel Cup days resume battle on the Lions home turf in a match in which the victor will take another step towards a spot in the Top 5 at the business end of the year.

In a competition with two early runaway leaders, the fight for the remaining 3 finals places is a bun-fight at present with crucial games every week. After a difficult opening few rounds against ladder leaders, the Pies have winnable matches coming up and a victory on Saturday could set up their season and an assault on finals.

The Pies confidence will be boosted with their determined come from behind win last week but with six forced changes, the side will need to regroup for the clash. Out are key defenders  Luke Scott (unavailable) and Chris Hunt (rolled ankle at training) *Late change - Update* - Chris Hunt now available as ankle has pulled up ok and speedy wingman Sonny Aneet with illness. Three Redlands listed players in CHF Tom Michael, small forward Jak Williams (recalls to the NEAFL) and young ruckman Liam Dwyer suffered a broken finger last Saturday.

Both Michael and Williams were good last week with Williams kicking a pressure last quarter goal.

The Pies will miss Scott and Hunt and with speedster Aaron Maricic still required for Lions Reserves duties the Pies will miss Aneet’s speed through the middle.

Into the side come full-back Hayden Thick and half backs Luke Mitchell and Sean Mewing, all returning from injury. Mitchell was good in the Reserves last week after a week off and Mewing returns after one match in the Reserves after recovering from long term injury. Ben Hooper will come onto one wing after good Reserves form  Jai Humphrey also comes in for his first Senior game for the Magpies.

Coach Glenn Humphrey has yet to settle on his side and has only named a squad at present. 

Thick will cover for Hunt in the backline and with Mewing likely to slot across the half back line it may free Matt Davis to go back to the half forward line to cover for the missing Michael after a good game across half back. The Pies had a good spread of goalkickers last week and will need a similar output from all forwards and midfielders if they are to kick a winning score.

PBC reportedly are a different side than in previous seasons , with a young team with pace. However, in the past the Magpies have done well at Palm Beach and on a smallish ground will need to win the midfield battles to be a chance of victory. Drew Mitchell has been versatile and can play in defence or in the middle and his 2 last quarter goals last week as a midfielder were crucial in the Pies overrunning Surfers Paradise. Co-captains Callum Carseldine and Lachlan Woods have been fierce at the contest in recent matches and will need to lead from the front for the Pies.

It's not quite be backs-to-the-wall for the Pies but with key players missing it gives other players a great opportunity in the seniors to put in a big effort to overcome the Lions on their home turf.

Western Magpies vs PBC Lions at Salk Oval, Saturday May 23 - 2pm

B: Jai Humphrey - Sean McEvoy - Richard Wenham

HB: Sean Mewing - Doug Lawrence - Matt Davis

C: Ben Hooper - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Luke Mitchell

HF: Val Pope - Alex Dickfos - Sam Copland

F: Matt Thompson - Brady Allen - Tom Ielasi

Foll: Dom Beer - Callum Carseldine (c) - Lachland Woods (c)

Int: Drew Mitchell - Tim McEvoy - Hayden Thick - Chris Hunt

Place Graceville - Home of the Week!

Major club sponsor for the next 3 years, Place Graceville are proud to present their 'Home of the Week!'

Take a look at this beauty where the owner has spared no expense, in both design and craftmanship.  Not only did they get the best builders and craftsman to build it, they also made the right decision and chose the best local agents to sell it!

Make sure next time you're buying or selling, give Place a call and tell them you're from the Magpies!

(be sure to scroll right, or click the link)

Here

MAGPIES COME FROM BEHIND TO PUSH INTO TOP 5

The Western Magpies notched their second win of the season after a thrilling come from behind 4 point victory over Surfers Paradise at Chelmer on Saturday.  The 10-12-72 to 10-8-68 win sees the Pies move into fifth place on the ladder, with a game still in hand.

A south-easterly cross breeze favoured the northern end which the Demons had first use.

The Pies were slow out of the blocks after a 3 week layoff and the Demons took full advantage with the wind to slam on 6 first quarter goals to lead by 29 points at quarter time. 

It was only the brilliant marking and defensive skills of Luke Scott across half back in the first quarter that stopped a bigger deficit at the first break.

A rev from coach Glenn Humphrey at quarter time stirred the Pies into action and they started to whittle away at the Surfers' lead. 

Beaten in the midfield contests early in the game, the Pies started to work their way into the match with ruckman Dom Beer getting on top and Callum Carseldine, Drew Mitchell and Richard Wenham winning their share of the ball at ground level to drive the Pies into attack.

Key defenders Doug Lawrence and Chris Hunt had their hands full early in the match but both worked hard to restrict their opponents after quarter time.

Matt Davis in his move to half back played a top class game, and with Luke Scott and Sean McEvoy, who was also good in the last line of defence, the Pies only conceded 4 more goals in the final three-quarters of the match, the last after the final siren to narrow the margin to 4 points.

after the early deficit, the Pies narrowed the gap to 9 points at half time with Matt Thompson kicking 2 long goals and majors also to Callum Carseldine and Alex Dickfos.

Surfers again had use of the wind in the third quarter and while the Pies only added one goal they restricted the Demons to 2 goals to trail by 17 points at three quarter time.

The Pies dominated the last quarter as the visitors used a loose man in defence but with the ball continually pumped forward it was a matter of time before the home team hit the front mid way through the quarter. A great running goal from Drew Mitchell, his second for the quarter, was set up by a long run by Sonny Aneet and put the Pies 10 points in front in time-on and they held on for a well deserved victory.

Coach Glenn Humphrey was happy with the side's fight back.

“After a slow start we worked our way into it.

“We worked back into a couple of goals down by half time and then come out and got an early one.

“They were good early, good at the contest and the football, but we were a bit slow and weren’t helping ourselves too much.

“We kicked four goals to one in the second quarter which got the boys up and running and their confidence going.”

The Magpies travel to the Gold Coast  on Saturday to resume battle with fierce rivals Palm Beach Currumbin in what should be a quality match.

Western Magpies: 1.3 - 9 | 5.8 - 38 | 6.9 - 45 | 10.12 - 72

defeated

Surfers Paradise: 6.2-38 | 7.5 - 47 | 9.8 - 62 | 10.8 - 68

Goals: M.Thompson 3, D.Mitchell 2, A.Dickfos 2, J.Williams, B.Allen, C Carseldine

Best: M.Davis, L.Scott, R.Wenham, D.Mitchell, D.Beer, C.Carseldine

One poor quarter sinks Reserves

After a promising first quarter top open the game vs Surfers Demons, the Western Magpies Reserves had an inexplicable slump in the second quarter to concede 6 goals to nil and put them on the back foot..  The Pies fought back in the second half to get within 8 points in the last quarter but 2 late goals to the visitors saw them run out 21 points victors,  13-7-85 to 9-10-64.

Unfortunately the Pies conceded at least 4 goals to basic skill errors, but pleasingly the effort intensity is still there.

Despite the loss the Pies are improving each match and will be stronger again in coming weeks. Coach Quentin Johnson was pleased with his sides endeavour with forward tackling pressure a highlight, but he lamented some skill errors and poor decision making which he says are due to some players not being fit enough due to irregular training.

Regular First graders Luke Mitchell and Sean Mewing on return from injury were good players and will push for a Senior recall. Another inclusion in Matt Green was also busy and Matt Hockley also played a strong game and straightened the side up forward but the lack of a big key forward hurt the Pies. The Magpies had similar inside 50s to the Demons but were unable to convert.

Youngsters in Matt Mazarolle and Matt Davis continue to improve and another youngster in Grant Jennings also did some good things on return from injury.

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

Reserves Bolstered

Western Magpies Reserves continue to become stronger each week, bolstered now by the return of Sean Mewing and Luke DeNys for their first outings of the year after long term injuries.  Luke Mitchell also returns after sitting out the last round with an injury and Joel Workman returns from some well deserved senior football experience.

However, Mitch Stallard is out with a foot injury and 2014 B&F Jaden Morton goes out due to work commitments without lacing up a boot against Grange due to the washout.

Youngsters Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Jake Fuentes, Lachland Gaetke, Brodie Easton and Ben Hoopers were all key players vs Broadbeach and will look to continue their constant improvement and good form, providing plenty of run for the Pies.

The Magpies will be looking to chalk up their first win of the 2015 Season after gradual improvement each week, and take on an inconsistent but dangerous Surfers Paradise team

SPONSORS DAY THIS SATURDAY

This Saturday when the Western Magpies team take on Surfers Paradise Demons in Round 5 of the QAFL - the team behind the Western Magpies in 2015 will be attending the 2015 Sponsors Day.

This is a day of recognition and thanks to all our sponsors and community partners for their wonderful support and we encourage all our supporters to get along to the day to support the Western Magpies teams both on and off the field.

Come along and mingle with our sponsors, learn what their business can offer you and ensure you support those that support you!

For more details on our sponsors you can see a detailed list of 2015 sponsors here, and for any special member offers you can check our our page here.

MAGPIE BYE? WOODSMEN FLY HIGH!

With the Western Magpies Seniors and Reserves having the bye this week, come on down to the club to check out the Woodsmen outfit under the 'Friday Night Lights' at the nest.

The Woodies were Undefeated Premiers in 2014 and will be unfurling their flag to celebrate the return home to the club for their first home game since 2013 thanks to the recent lighting upgrade.

Come down, have a meal in the club, enjoy the BBQ and have a Coopers at the bar - it promises to be a great night of entertainment, featuring plenty of former Magpie favourites.

www.woodsmenafc.com.au

Round 4 - OLD FASHIONED WET WEATHER SLOG VS OLD RIVALS

The Western Magpies will be looking to get back to back wins when they clash with old rivals Wilston Grange at Stafford in Round 4 of the QAFL on Saturday.

With 3 days of wet weather leading into the match a tough wet weather slog will be the order of the day. 

The Gorillas have been one of the busiest clubs in the QAFL recruiting stakes in the summer and are tipped to be one of the league's big improvers this season and with a 2-1 record and an honourable loss to Morningside will start favourites in this clash.

However, the Pies will be buoyed by their come from behind victory last week over Broadbeach and are developing a belief that they belong at the top end of the ladder this season.

The Pies have made one change with Sam Copland unavailable (exams) and Redlands based Jack Goodall returning to the side

In wet conditions, common sense footy and attention to basic skills are vital. It is the hard nuts that come to the fore in the wet and the Pies have Co-Captains Lachlan Woods and Callum Carseldine as well as Tim McEvoy and Richard Wenham prepared to throw their bodies on the line to win the hard ball. This will be complemented by the class of Val Pope and Luke Scott to give the Pies forward impetus. 

Wenham played his best match for some time last week and Drew Mitchell was also good running out of defence.

When Dom Beer is first to get his hands on the footy in the ruck the Pies have been on top and in the past he and the Gorillas big man Jim McMahon have had torrid battles--whoever gets the points in this crucial battle of the big men will go a long way to helping their team to victory.

In defence the Pies key defenders Hayden Thick and Doug Lawrence have both been consistent  and will need to be at their best to hold key forwards in Gorilla coach Matt Trewhella and Declan Bevan.

Young speedsters Aaron Maricic and Monok "Sonny" Aneet were sensational last week on the wings and their pace can break the lines to give the Pies forwards scoring opportunities.

Alex Dickfos is getting to the contest at full forward and will need to hold his marks in slippery conditions to make the most of his opportunities. Pope and Matt Thompson provide the small forward goalscoring for the Pies.

A win can set the Magpies up for the next few weeks - expect a fierce and tough old fashioned wet weather contest.

Western Magpies vs Wilston Grange Gorillas - @ PBI Oval 2pm Sat May 2

B: Drew Mitchell - Hayden Thick - Sean McEvoy

HB: Jake Goodall (R) - Doug Lawrence - Luke Scott

C: Aaron Maricic - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Monok Aneet

HF: Tom Ielasi - Matt Davis - Val Pope

F: Matt Thompson - Alex Dickfos - Joel Workman

Foll: Dom Beer - Lachlan Woods (c) - Callum Carseldine (c)

Int: Richard Wenham - Tim McEvoy - Liam Dwyer (R) - Brady Allen

Quality inclusions boost Reserves

The return of 2014 Reserves B & F winner Jaden Morton and Matt Hockley will boost the Pies Reserves for their clash with Wilston Grange.

Brodie Easton has recovered from a knee knock last week and will play in the middle and Chris Hunt will also improve his fitness with another outing at CHB.

Youngsters in Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Jake Fuentes, Lachlan Gaetke and Ben Hooper are improving each week and will also add some run for the Pies. Blake McClennan is getting better with each match and the consistent Bryce Crossley will provide the midfield grunt in what shapes as a tough wet weather slog.

The Pies are improving with each outing and are not far away from their first victory as the team settles in coming weeks.

MOJOK ANEET - Round 3 Rising Star Nomination

Joining teammate Doug Lawrence who won the Round 1 - Rising Star Nomination is another Magpie Young Gun - Mojok Aneet

Lighting up H&A Oval on the weekend vs Broadbeach Cats - Aneet played a huge hand in delivering the Magpies their first win for 2015.

Despite his nomination, in extremely modest fashion, Aneet said his game could have been better.

“I thought that in terms of my own game I played well, but I could have played better,” Aneet said.

“Finishing off the easy goals and my work rate could improve.”

Aneet is known for his ability to break lines with his explosive pace, something his Magpies teammates are constantly encouraging him to use.

“I ran a few times through the middle, but my teammates are constantly telling me that you’re the quickest bloke in this team, so take on the game and don’t hesitate,” he said.

“They say that when I get the footy I should just take off, which I will try to do more.”

After an indifferent first few rounds for the Magpies, they got the ball rolling with a 12-point win over Broadbeach on Saturday.

“That was a really nice win from the boys. We were confident of being able to win,” Aneet said.

“Last week we weren’t 100 per cent ready, but this week we were.”

They take on an in-form Wilston Grange outfit this Saturday at PBI Oval.

Credit: Andrew Wiles AFLQ

MAGPIES BOUNCE BACK

A week is a long time in football as the Western Magpies bounced back from last weeks disappointment to have a hard fought 12 point win over Broadbeach Cats away from home on ANZAC Day

And a year is an eternity in football as last year the Pies managed to boot 8 goals in the first quarter against Broadbeach before suffering a heartbreaking loss, whilst on Saturday they booted 9 goals for the entire match and held on for a hard fought win.

The Pies took a good lead early on, before giving it up and then fighting back into the contest to get on the board in 2015.

It was a battle of attrition as both sides worked hard into defence to clog up forward areas to make goals at an all-time premium.

The Pies were switched on from the first bounce and were on top early, but again were wasteful up forward which allowed the Cats to stay in touch at quarter time.

The Pies worked hard around ground in the second term to extend their lead to 4 goals at half time -speedsters Sonny Aneet and Aaron Maricic on the wings provided plenty of pace, run and carry through the midfield and both provided drive and zip all match. Richard Wenham also had his best game for some time with good speed and linking with the midfield running out of half back. Drew Mitchell also had a return to form with strong play at half back and fellow defenders Hayden Thick and Luke Scott, in his first match on returning to the Nest, held the home team at bay.  Up forward Val Pope and Matt Thompson slotted goals to extend the Pies lead.

The Pies then fell into old habits, switched off and went to sleep resulting in 4 quick goals by halfway through the third quarter to the Cats and the Pies trailing by 6 points at three quarter time. The Pies were held goalless in the third quarter.

The Magpies re-grouped in the last quarter with Dom Beer getting on top in the ruck and Callum Carseldine, Val Pope and Lachlan Woods wresting midfield control to enable the Pies to have enough forward entries to boot 3-6 to go to a 17 point lead mid way though the last quarter before Broadbeach kicked a late consolation goal. 

Youngsters Joel Workman and Sam Copland also showed they have already learned from their experience last week and did several notable things to indicate they will be only get better as the season goes on.

Coach Glenn Humphrey said “It’s very good to get the win, the boys have worked pretty hard for it, so it was good to see them get rewarded for their hard work.

Our approach at the stoppages and our contested footy won us the game. Once we won the contested footy, we shared it well, and broke the game open.

They got back into the game in the third quarter because they started wining the contested footy.

We stopped them from having free running players down the ground, they had to go through our numbers to get where they wanted to go."

The Magpies head to Stafford to meet old rival Wilston Grange next Saturday and will need turn up ready to play against a Gorillas side that has recruited well in the off-season.
 

Western Magpies 2.4 - 16 | 6.5 - 41 | 6.10 - 46 | 9.16 - 70

defeated

Broadbeach Cats 1.3 - - 9 | 2.8 - 20 | 7.10 - 52 | 8.10 - 58

Best: M.Aneet - R.Wenham - A.Maricic - C.Carseldine - D.Mitchell - V.Pope - D.Lawrence

Goals: V.Pope 3 - M.Thompson 2 - A.Maricic, M.Davis, JWorkman 1

Mika turns back the clock in quality Reserves contest

An eight goal haul from club legend Chris Mihalopoulos was not enough to get the Western Magpies Reserves over the line against Broadbeach on Saturday.

The Pies went down 11-12-78  to 9-8-62. Micka was assisting with numbers side after playing for the Woodsmen on Friday night.

The Pies were slow out of the blocks as the Cats dominated the first half. 

With midfielders Ben Hooper, Blake McClennan and Bryce Crossley getting their hands on the footy in the second half the Pies came from 6 goals down to close with 8 points with time left but the Cats were able to steal a couple of late goals to hold on for the win. The move into the ruck of youngster Tadiwa Parirenyatwa in the second half gave the Pies first use of the football and with better supply to the forward line Chris Mihalopoulos used his footy smarts to kick his 8 goals to almost get the Pies over the line. 

Chris Hunt, returning from injury, and Jai Humphrey were both good players across half back. 

Injuries to the returning Brodie Easton and Mitchell Stallard is of concern to the Pies but Chris Hunt made it through the match unscathed in his return from injury.

Round 3 - Luke Scott to give Magpies a Boost

The return of favourite son Luke “Jonesy” Scott to the Western Magpies line-up will give the Pies a big boost as they re-group for another tough contest, this time against the Cats at Broadbeach on Anzac Day.

Scott returns to the Magpies after playing NEAFL with Mt Gravatt & Redlands. He was injured in the final practice match and his return will give much needed experience to the side.

The Magpies will need to lift and no better way to get the mindset right than think of how they went about their work against Morningside in the opening round, rather than their poor Round 2 showing against Labrador.

The return of Aaron Maricic to the wing from Queensland Under 18 duties also adds spark and pace to the side.

Out are Redland based players Tyler Jones and Jack Williams, both recalled to the NEAFL after good form for the Pies.

Co-captains Callum Carseldine  and Lachlan Woods are both tough nuts and can win the hard ball and will be needed to do well to get the Pies moving forward from the midfield.

Dom Beer in ruck had his colours lowered last week—a rare event—and with the Pies back-pedalling as a result struggled to get any momentum from the midfield contest. Beer therefore shapes as an important player to get his hands on the ball and give the Pies first use out of the centre. Hayden Thick has been strong at fullback, keeping 2 of the league’s top full forwards to 2 and 3 goals respectively and also being an important player pinch-hitting in the ruck.

Val Pope was his usual busy self,  ranging from forward to the midfield and with Thick arguably was the Pies only two players last week not to be well beaten.

Doug Lawrence has been good at CHB and will appreciate the return of Scott to stand next to him.

Up forward Matt Davis’ workrate cannot be faulted and he will need to be at his best to give the Pies goalkicking opportunities and Alex Dickfos at full forward has got his hands to the ball often enough in the first 2 matches but now needs to hang on to his marks.

Joel Workman and Sam Copland showed enough in their debut matches last week to indicate they will be fine players for the Pies now and in the future.

The Pies are geared for a big match and will seek redemption for last week’s fade out. The Pies need a win to give them a kick start for the rest of the season.

Western Magpies vs Broadbeach Cats @ Broadbeach 2pm ANZAC Day

B: Drew Mitchell - Hayden Thick - Sean McEvoy

HB: Luke Mitchell - Doug Lawrence - Luke Scott

C: Aaron Maricic - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Sonny Aneet

HF: Sam Copland - Matt Davis - Val Pope

F: Matt Thompson - Alex Dickfos - Joel Workman

Foll: Dom Beer - Lachlan Woods (C) - Callum Carseldine (C)

Int: Richard Wenham - Tim McEvoy - Liam Dwyer (R) - Tom Ielasi

Reserves boosted by key inclusions

The Western Magpies Reserves will be boosted this week by the return from injury of Chris hunt, Mitchell Stallard, Brodie Easton and Jake Fuentes.  Ben Hooper also returns to the side after unavailability.

This bodes well for the Magpies depth in coming weeks, with Brady Allen pushing for a senior recall and other past senior players Blake McClennan gaining fitness and Bryce Crossley providing consistent output, the Magpies will be confident of breaking the ice for their first win of 2015.

MAGPIES GIVEN REALITY CHECK

The Western Magpies experienced a reality check by an impressive Labrador at Chelmer on Saturday when given a lesson in running and precision football by the Tigers. The Magpies were very disappointing in going down by 126 points, 25-15-165 to 5-9-39.

When the QAFL draw was released the Pies knew the the first 2 weeks of the season would let them know where they stood but not the way it has turned out. The Pies were very good last week against Premiers Morningside but were equally as bad against runners-up Labrador a week later in Round 2. The home team just could not muster the ability to apply constant pressure at the contest and were guilty of returning to bad old habits with poor decision making and disposal allowing the visitors to take control after the first 10 minutes of the match.

Signs were positive as the Magpies dominated the first 10 minutes with about 10 inside 50s and good pressure applied but could only add 3 behinds. The next 5 minutes saw the Tigers take advantage of several turnovers to bang on 4 goals and the Pies were unable to recover and were then blown away with the Tigers virtually sealing the match with a 10 goal opening term.

The Pies rallied briefly at the start of the second quarter to kick 3 unanswered goals to give some hope of a comeback but with midfield and ruck dominance Labrador were able to kick the next 5 goals to lead by 12 goals at halftime.

Coach Glenn Humphrey swung some positional changes at halftime with Hayden Thick into the ruck and some changes to the midfield rotations but it was to no avail as Labrador were well on top to gradually extend their lead in the second half.

Glenn Humphrey lamented the lack of effort and mental strength of his side who were warned before the match they needed to bring their A grade game to the contest.

“We didn’t put it on the scoreboard, we had that turnover at half forward where they went down and kicked the goal you could see them deflate then and there. They got on a bit of a roll and we did nothing to stop them.

“All the things we did to get the first three goals in the second quarter, we stopped again.

“It’s a attitude thing, it’s something these guys will have to learn.”

That said Labrador look to be the team to beat this year with a good mix of tall mobile players and smaller slick runners to complement a strong ruck division and solid goal to goal line.

The Tigers controlled the ruck and had first use of the football which had the Pies back-pedalling for the majority of the match. The majority of Labrador's goals came from their midfield brigade.

Val Pope was easily the Pies best with a non stop effort ranging up and down the ground, Callum Carseldine was in and under all day, Tyler Jones and Luke Mitchell worked hard across half back, Hayden Thick kept his opponent to 3 goals and then tried to lift his side in ruck and Matt Davis also kept presenting for most of the match across half forward.

The Magpies must re-group for another big match on Anzac Day against 2014 finalist Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, who snuck home against Mt Gravatt by a point on the weekend.

The Pies will gradually regain a number of key players over then next few weeks, with the club missing 16 players on the weekend through injury and unavailability (work, exams and wedding).

UNDERMANNED RESERVES GO DOWN

The Western Magpies Reserves were easily defeated by a slick Labrador Reserves team, going down 18-16-124 to 3-2-20.

With quite a few players missing, the Pies topped their team up with 5 Under 17 players and they all tried gallantly against a stronger, bigger and more experienced Tigers outfit.

Coach Quentin Johnson was again pleased with the effort but skill errors cost the team. The Pies were able to match their opponents for the first part of each quarter but allowed Labrador to pile on goals late in the quarter as they tired from the effort of matching their opponents. In addition injuries during the match left the Pies with only 18 players by the end of the game.

Best players were Brady Allen who worked hard in defence then later in the midfield, Peter Kilroy, helping out for a second week, was tireless across half back as was Gabe McKinnon. Bryce Crossley, Logan Murray, Blake McClennan and Matt Mazarolle were busy in midfield and Under 17s Lachlan Dennis and Zach Stegmeyer also contributed and showed promise.

The Reserves will get stronger in coming weeks with the return of players and should be far more competitive.

Magpies to feature 2 debutants vs Tigers

Congratulations to Joel Workman & Sam Copeland who will make their Senior debuts for the Western Magpies this weekend against Labrador

Joel distinguished himself by going to Melbourne and doing the pre-season with Hawthorn Reserves affiliate Box Hill in the VFL and from all reports his determination to improve his skills and fitness impressed all and he just missed out on being rookie listed at the VFL club. This effort has been rewarded with improved performances for the Magpies in the pre-season that has lead to his selection for Saturday's match. 

While Sam is a very promising U/17's player for the Western Magpies and will be sure to impress.

Joining them in the Senior squad are Riley Easton & Same Copeland who have been selected as emergencies and could be a chance to make their senior debuts.

Exciting times at the Nest!

Magpies must maintain form against Labrador

The Western Magpies host 2014 QAFL runners-up Labrador Tigers at Chelmer on Saturday and will be looking to improve on their good early season form.

The Pies will need to bring their "A" game against the Tigers who were pushed by a resurgent Sandgate last week before winning by 30 points on the Gold Coast.

Labrador will be stronger with several inclusions and the Magpies will have to continue to apply the pressure at the contest for the full 120 minutes that they showed against Morningside in Round 1.

20 year old CHB Doug Lawrence won the QAFL Rising Star Award for his round 1 performance as he kept key Panther centre half-forward Ryan Johnson to 2 goals. He received good support from fullback Hayden Thick who also held star full forward Kent Abey to 2 goals. These feats went a long way to keeping the Pies in the contest last week.

Lawrence shows maturity and toughness far greater than his age and will be a key player for the Pies for years to come.

Western Magpies were forced to make 2 changes to last week's team with Jake Goodall called up by Redlands after his best game for the Pies last week and Aaron Maricic playing for Queensland U18s. In comes promising Under 17 player Sam Copeland for his Senior debut and he will play across half back and Joel Workman also will make is official Senior debut after impressive practice match form.

Joel distinguished himself by going to Melbourne and doing the pre-season with Hawthorn Reserves affiliate Box Hill in the VFL and from all reports his determination to improve his skills and fitness impressed all and he just missed out on being rookie listed at the VFL club. This effort has been rewarded with improved performances for the Magpies in the pre-season that has lead to his selection for Saturday's match. 

The return of Tim McEvoy has added steel and experience to the Pies midfield and with Callum Carseldine returning from a knee reconstruction, he is only going to improve as he gets match fitness under his belt.  The rejuvenated Pies midfield brigade with their relentless pressure from last week looks good to match the Tigers.  This has been an aspect of the Magpies game that has improved markedly compared to 2014 and has allowed the Pies to get a fair share of the ball to provide their forwards with goal kicking opportunities.

Alex Dickfos kicked 2 goals last week and could have bagged a few more.  Pleasingly he worked hard up forward and will only get better with more matches, while Matt Davis as a lead up forward had his best game for the club in over a year last week.

Matt Thompson's experience and footy nous up forward created goal kicking opportunities and his disposal is usually spot on whether passing or kicking for goal (although the short arm handball was too slick on one occasion for one umpire!!).

Dom Beer in ruck is irrepressible and always works hard around ground and his skills below the knee are excellent for a big man.

Tom Ielasi will likely get a run-with role, Redlands listed Tyler Jones was impressive last week at ground level and Co-captain Lachlan Woods was tough at the contest as usual but needs to temper some of his aggression to ensure he does not give away any free-kicks.

The Pies need to back up with another big performance and a win against one of the QAFL's big guns will give the side further confidence they can be a real force in the QAFL this year.

The Pies will likely welcome back key recruit Luke Scott next match and several other players are  returning from injury next round including midfielders Mitch Stallard and Brodie Easton and key defender Chris Hunt is about 2-3 weeks away.

Western Magpies vs Labrador Tigers - Chelmer 2pm - Saturday 18 April

B: Luke Mitchell - Hayden Thick - Sean McEvoy

HB: Tyler Jones (R) - Doug Lawrence - Sam Copeland

C: Joel Workman - Ben Jaenke-Cain - Sonny Aneet

HF: Tom Ielasi - Matt Davis - Val Pope

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

Foll: Dom Beer - Tim McEvoy - Callum Carseldine (Co-Capt)

Int: Lachlan Woods (Co-Capt) - Richard Wenham - Drew Mitchell - Laim Dwyer (R)