Buying or Selling Real Estate?

The Western Magpies, Sherwood Juniors and Woodsmen are all proud to be in long term partnership with Place Graceville for Seasons 2015, 2016 and 2017.

As one of our major sponsors, Place Graceville have signed on for a 3 season deal and are a major contributor to the club, both financially and also providing much needed match day support via supply of marquees and other assistance around the club.

As part of this fantastic deal, every time a member of the Magpies footy community chooses to list their home with Place, or has Place manage their investment property (or refers a friend to do so) then Place will provide further financial support to the club.

So remember to support those who support your club, and always recommend the fantastic team at Place Graceville when you're talking real estate!

Magpies Reserves open their account

The Western Magpies Reserves broke through for a well deserved win when they overcame UQ by 2 points on Saturday, winning an exciting contest 9-9-63 to 8-13-61 to open their account for 2015.

Constant improvement throughout the season meant the Magpies knew they would be in the game against the 4th placed UQ side and there was never much separating the sides throughout the day, with the lead changing several times in the second half. The Pies hit the front half way through the final quarter, let the lead slip, then fought back with a late goal before hanging on for a nervous final few minutes.

The Pies again showed their strong form and improvement from the rest of the season, but this time were much more consistent across the four quarters, eliminating the costly lapses from previous outings that have often been the deciding factor in some close losses.

Young defender Matt Mazarolle showed good maturity especially in the tight finish to be best on ground for the Magpies. The return of Gabe McKinnon and Hunter Heath was vital to the victory and Joel Workman and Kiran Verma (backing up from the Woodsmen) worked hard all over the ground to be good players.

Jaden Morton in ruck and at CHB was strong with timely marks and possessions and young small forward Jake Fuentes used his pace to advantage to kick 3 goals. 

Coach Quentin Johnson was understandable pleased and believes now his team has broken through for their first victory and managed to minimise the lapses in concentration, that several more victories in the second half of the season will be the reward.

Western Magpies 2.3 - 15 | 4.4 - 28 | 6.5 - 41 | 9.9 - 63

defeated

UQ Red Lions 3.4 - 22 | 4.7 - 31 | 6.11 - 47 | 8.13 - 61

Best: M.Mazerolle, H.Heath, J.Workmand, G.McKinnon, K.Verma, J.Morton

Goals: J.Fuentes 3, M.Hockley 2,  K.Verma, J.Workman, A.Spasovski, J.Morton 1

PIES MAKE IT 6 IN A ROW

The Western Magpies prevailed in a tough battle with UQ on Saturday, celebrating the clubs 'Black & White Night' with their 6th win on the trot and consolidating 3rd spot on the ladder after grinding out a tough 61 point victory over the UQ Red Lions at St Lucia on Saturday.

A Magpie outfit featuring no less than 3 sets of brothers in the lineup, managed to weather the storm after UQ came out firing with a ferocious attack on the footy, as they hunted a potentially vulnerable Magpie outfit.  UQ dominated the early inside 50's, but were held at bay by strong defensive efforts from the Magpie back six.

Once the onslaught slowed, the Magpies started to get on top mid way through the second quarter with three quick goals, including 2 long range efforts from in form half-back, Matt Davis.  This generated some breathing space at half time with a 27 point lead, which was gradually extended with some inaccurate kicking until the final siren, with the conversion rate robbing the side of a larger winning margin.

The half back like of Chris Hunt, Doug Lawrence and Matt Davis were a superb defensive wall, and with Luke Mitchell chiming in for some telling contests from the back pocket, the defensive unit repelled the early UQ attacks before the midfield rotations of Tom Ielasi, Ben Jeanke-Cain, Drew Mitchell, Richard Wenham and Tim McEvoy started to get on top to give the Pies more possession, and driving the footy goalward.

Ielasi and McEvoy both enjoyed their best games for the year, with strong attacks on the contested ball, while Brady Allen was also in good form through defence and in the midfield.

The backline had a great day as a unit, restricting the opposition to just 5 goals for the afternoon.  In the end, the Red Lions side had no answer to the Magpie 'Band of Brothers' - with Sean & Tim McEvoy, Drew & Luke Mitchell, Brodie & Riley Easton all playing their role.

Up forward, Alex Dickfos added a further 5 goals to his season tally, now reaching 27 for the season including 18 in his last 3 outings, but will need to keep his radar on in coming weeks.

The Magpies now face 3 crucial matches in a row, starting next week with second placed Morningside where the boys will be keen to go 1 goal better than the 2 point loss in Round 1.  Following this, the Pies will get a further stern test of their premiership credentials as they meet ladder leaders Labrador and 4th placed Wilston Grange.

Coach Glenn Humphrey:

Things went really well for us today.

“It was very tight, they got a lot of numbers around the football but our blokes just stuck with their task and started to open it up.”

“Our bigger bodies got them in the end. Our midfield went really well today.

“The litmus test is over the next couple of weeks now. We have Morningside, Labrador and then Wilston Grange. We will know exactly where we are at.”

Western Magpies 2.2 - 14 | 7.9 - 51 | 11.13 - 79 | 14.17 - 101

defeated

UQ Red Lions 0.4 - 4 | 3.6 - 24 | 3.8 - 26 | 5.10 -40

Best: T.Ielasi, B.Allen, M.Davis, D.Lawrence, R.Wenham, C.Hunt

Goals: A.Dickfos 5, M.Davis 2, B.Allen, T.McEvoy, B.Easton, S.Copland, T.Michael, T.Ielasi, D.Mitchell 1

Band of Brothers

Left to Right: Sean McEvoy, Tim McEvoy, Brodie Easton, Riley Easton, Luke Mitchell, Drew Mitchell

Maricic stars in QLD U/18's Win

Western Magpies winger Aaron Maricic justified his recall to the Queensland U/18 side with a starring role in QLD's upset victory over TAC Cup Powerhouse the Calder Cannons in Melbourne.  This followed the QLD Victory at Redland the week prior ove rhte 2014 TAC Cup Premiers - Oakleigh Chargers.

Maricic was used in an unaccustomed role in the back pocket for the QLD side, but adapted well to be a key player. 

He will be a key player for the Magpies in the latter half of the season upon his return, with his speed, run and carry through the midfield playing a crucial role on the Pies charge to the 2015 finals.

Reserves strengthened for UQ clash

The Western Magpies Reserves welcome back consistent defender Gabe McKinnon, small forward Jake Fuentes and utility Hunter Heath for their clash with UQ on Saturday.

The Pies went oh so close to their first victory last week when down by 2 points in a seesawing tussle with Sandgate.

The team is still a young team and typical of young teams  concentration lapses do occur and these have proved costly for the Pies in recent matches.

The Pies do lose Brodie Easton the first grade and he has been a consistent performer this season.

The experienced Matt Hockley has been in good form up forward and with Fuentes beside him in a pocket the Magpies will have some forward options.

McKinnon has a wealth of first grade experience and will add some spine to the backline and the versatile Ben Hooper is getting better each week as he nears full fitness after an interrupted start to the season.

The improvement of youngsters Nathan Morrow, Grant Jennings and  Matt Mazarolle and the return of Alex Spazovski also bodes well for the Pies as they head toward the latter half of the season

The Pies need to be positive in this match as UQ have also been an inconsistent team this year and the 4 points are certainly up for grabs.

Magpies on Media Street - Riley Easton

Recent Senior Debutant - Riley Easton was in the news this week, getting a mention in the Tuesday Talking Points from AFLQ

"GO ON, SON!"

Riley Easton may have looked a bit like an Auskicker when he ran out for the Western Magpies in the QAFL on Saturday, but he played like a seasoned veteran.  The 16 year old, who would be lucky to weigh 55kg ringing wet, put his body on the line time and time again, and was then able to hurt the Sandgate Hawks with his run and carry.  When he got on the end of one for a goal in the third quarter, he was mobbed by 17 teammates who came from everywhere to get around him. He is going to be a star of the competition in the future.

This week vs UQ, Riley is joined by his brother in the Senior lineup in a proud day for the Easton family.  This also creates a great weekend of family footy at the Nest, with the Magpies Senior lineup remarkably being represented by 3 sets of brothers in the Eastons, McEvoys and Mitchells!

SCOTT TO SKIPPER PIES VS UQ

The Western Magpies will be without their two Co-captains on Saturday when they take on the last placed UQ at University Oval No 7 on Saturday.  Luke Scott will captain the Pies for the first time in the absence of Lachlan Woods (ankle) and Callum Carseldine (hip).

Coming into the side will be Brodie Easton after good Reserves form to join his younger brother Riley in a proud moment for the Easton family.

Other changes are the inclusion of small forward Jak Williams after missing last week due to illness to the forward pocket to replace Matt Thompson (ankle) and Brady Allen has recovered from a tonsillitis to replace Majok "Sonny" Aneet (unavailable).

The Pies will be wary of an ambush after they suffered an upset loss in 2014, however the contrast between the 2014 encounter and this year should hopefully see the Pies continue their 2015 winning form.

Last year the Pies were struggling and had just dropped out of finals contention, while in 2015 the Pies go into the clash having won five matches on the trot and are sitting in third position with a game in hand. As a result confidence is high and they are playing a positive and attacking brand of football.

With Carseldine and Woods out of the midfield rotations the Pies will rely on Drew Mitchell, playing his best football for the Pies, the consistent Tom Ielasi and the experienced Tim McEvoy as well as speedster Richard Wenham to take up the slack. 

Ben Jaenke-Cain was back to his consistent best last week and the versatile Luke Scott can be used as a swing-man on ball, up forward or in defence as needed. 

With ruck duo Hayden Thick and Dom Beer both in fine form the Pies expect to have plenty of midfield football to enable them to kick a winning score.

The key forwards of Alex Dickfos and Tom Michael booted 10 goals between them last week and both were not in the side in 2014 so will be difficult match ups for the UQ defenders. Teenager Sam Copland gets better with each match and plays taller than he looks to provide another marking option up forward for the Pies 

The half back line of Doug Lawrence, Chris Hunt and Matt Davis has been exceptional this year and will be pivotal in blocking off UQ attacks and initiating Pies counter attacks. Unsung Sean McEvoy just keeps on keeping on in the last line of defence and Bryce Crossley had leather poisoning last week from the back pocket after getting a reprieve when called back into the side due to late withdrawals last week.

The Magpies will be warm favourites to win and consolidate third position on the ladder and will be in no mood to show UQ any leniency on Saturday.

The Pies will be keen to celebrate a victory at their "Black and White Night" on Saturday evening, details can be found here if you wish to attend a great night on the footy calendar!

Western Magpies vs UQ Red Lions - Oval 7, St Lucia, Saturday June 20 - 2pm

B: Bryce Crossley - Sean McEvoy - Luke Mitchell

HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence - Chris Hunt

C: Brady Allen - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Brodie Easton

HF: Luke Scott (C) - Tom Michael (R) - Cam Copland

F: Riley Easton - Alex Dickfos - Jak Williams (R)

Foll: Dom Beer - Drew Mitchell - Tom Ielasi

Int: Richard Wenham - Hayden Thick - Jae Humphrey - Tim McEvoy

Chelmer Lights Upgrade Drives Growth

The recent lights upgrade at Powenyenna Oval at Chelmer, home of the Western Magpies has given the club a great boost, not only seeing the return of club affiliate the Woodsmen, but now also providing an opportunity for the U/17's to play Friday night footy and the option to host QAFL matches at night.

This is great news for the Sherwood Juniors, Western Magpies and Woodsmen as it also allows improved training standards, as well as the ability to host night football. 

Due to safety concerns, the Woodsmen were not permitted to play night football in their undefeated 2014 Premiership season, and also early in the 2015 season.  Thanks to the lighting upgrade, they have now been permitted to return home and have enjoyed an undefeated run at home under lights this year.

The lighting upgrade has resulted in a brightness reading well in excess of AFL requirements of an average of 100 lux.

The average reading is now 150 lux and the highest reading at CHF at the scoreboard end is 273 lux.  Before the upgrade the average reading was  just 93 - good enough for training but not for games. The extra brightness also assist players at training to enable them to prepare for matches  in the best possible conditions.

The upgrade was made possible by funding  from a Queensland Sport and Recreation Grant and the submission was prepared by club President Chris Dennis. 

AFLQ supported the submission and the works were completed by BRL Electrical.  the club thanks Wade and Adam from BRL Electrical for their great work and their support to the club as a 2015 Sponsor to keep the costs of the upgrade down.

DICKFOS KICKS 7 AS PIES WIN COMFORTABLY

Full forward Alex Dickfos kicked 7 goals to lead the Western Magpies to a comprehensive 59 point victory over Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday. It was the Pies fifth straight victory for the year. The victory sees the Pies move to third place on the ladder on percentage from Wilston Grange 

The Pies blew the game apart with a dominant third quarter after a tight and scrappy first half after leading by only 5 points at halftime.

The Pies took control in the second half to boot 8 goals to 2 in the third quarter and a further  5 goals to 2 in the last quarter to have a 13 goal to 4 goal second half.

The first half was a tough but scrappy affair with Sandgate's midfield playing behind the ball and bottling up the Magpies forward half. The Pies found it hard to hit targets amid the congestion but dominated the inside 50s in the first half without adding scoreboard pressure.

A five minute 3 goal burst at the start of the third quarter saw the Pies break the game open and further dominance in the third term had the Pies with a comfortable 40 point buffer at the last break.

Drew Mitchell initiated the third quarter onslaught with several clearances in his best game this year and with Luke Scott and Tom Michael dangerous across half forward and big full forward Alex Dickfos in great touch in front of goal the Magpies asserted their dominance on the scoreboard. 

16 year old small forward Riley Easton in his first game was a busy  player with constant harassment of the Hawks defenders and this resulted in a number of  turnovers and a goal for himself and setting up several other scoring opportunities.

Dickfos finished with 7 goals with long accurate kicking and Michael added 3.

Drew Mitchell and the consistent Ben Jaenke-Cain were constant sources of drive for the home team and thrived on the ruck dominance of Dom Beer and Hayden Thick.

With Thick shouldering more ruck responsibility Beer has actually improved his ruck work when in the middle and they make a formidable ruck combination.

CHB Doug Lawrence  and half back Matt Davis continued their consistent good form to stifle many Hawk attacks. Luke Mitchell mopped up well in defence and Luke Scott bobbed up everywhere and his silky skills were a highlight of the match.

Tom Ielasi also continued his consistent form with a typical workmanlike performance around the ground. 

The Pies had two forced changes to the selected side with Brady Allen and Jak Williams both withdrawing due to illness and Bryce Crossley and Jae Humphrey coming back into the side.

Ankle injuries to Richard Wenham, Sam Copland and Matt Thompson soured the win with Thompson likely to miss several matches--Copland and Wenham returned to the fray and both should recover for next week.

The Pies travel up the road to take on UQ at St Lucia next Saturday and will be well aware the Red Lions upset them last year and will be on guard to prevent a repeat loss. UQ were competitive against undefeated Labrador on Sunday so the Pies need to be wary of an ambush.

Coach Glenn Humphrey's  thoughts-- “I wasn’t happy with our first half at all, I thought we allowed them to dictate how the game was being played.

“The second half we went back to what we know works. We open sides up with our spread and run and carry, and winning contested football.

“Riley is a good kid, and he is only going to get better from here on after his first run, so look out for him in the future.”

Western Magpies 2.3 - 15 | 4.5 - 29 | 12.6 - 78 | 17.9 - 111

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 0.2. - 2 | 3.6 - 24 | 5.8 - 38 | 7.10 - 52

Goals: A.Dickfos 7, T.Michael 3, L.Scott 2, M.Aneet, R.Easton, D.Mitchell, H.Thick, S.Copland 1

Best: D.Mitchell, M.Davis, R.Easton, B.Jaenke-Cain, L.Scott, D.Lawrence

Reserves fall just short in thriller

The Western Magpies Reserves fell 2 points short of their first victory after a see-sawing tussle with Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies again lamented one poor period that allowed their opponents to take control and then had to fight back to hit the front only to see the game slip away in the last 10 minutes. 

The young Pies conceded 4 late third quarter goals to hold an 8 point defecit at three quarter time before the visitors kicked the first goal of the last quarter to extend the margin to 14 points. The Pies then fought back with 4 goals to take an 11 point lead halfway through the quarter only to see Sandgate kick two late goals to seal a tight victory in a match that could have gone either way.

Coach Quentin Johnson was pleased with his side's endeavour but lamented some poor disposal at crucial moments. However he believes his young charges are improving and the next step is to focus on what they need to do when they don't have the football.

The experienced Matt Hockley was a shining light up forward with 6 goals to keep the Pies in the match. 

Ben Hooper worked hard in midfield then had to retreat to fullback where he continued to play well and youngsters in Under 17 player Kurt Vine on a wing  and his 19 year old brother Monty Vine in ruck both played well. A string of other younger players in 18 year olds  Grant Jennings and Jesse Rigsby-Jones and 17 year old Nathan Morrow  all played their heart out in defence  and 18 year old Brody Easton was strong in midfield. James Page  had his best game to date and another 18 year old in Alex Spasovski was also a good player in his first match this year.

Western Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 4.3 - 27 | 6.4 - 40 | 10.5 - 65

defeated by

Sandgate Hawks 1.6 - 12 | 2.9 - 21 | 6.12 - 48 | 9.13 - 67

Goals: M.Hockley 6, B.Easton, M. Mazerolle, M.Vine, A.Spasovski 1

Best: M.Hockley, M.Vine, G.Jennings, B.Hooper, N.Morrow, B.Easton

Reserves hunt breakthrough win

The Western Magpies Reserves will be looking to breakthrough for their first win of the season when they clash with the ninth placed Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday.

The team will be bolstered with the return from Senior duties of the consistent Bryce Crossley and Jae Humphrey. Also back in will be Ben Hooper who will slot into the midfield. He played quite a bit of senior football last year but has been hampered by injury this season and has struggled to find some consistency. Hopefully with a few matches in a row he will push for a senior recall.

Jaden Morton will be better for a run last match and his versatility up forward or in ruck is a bonus and with Matt Hockley a class act up forward the Pies will be confidant of cracking the ice. Hockley has been a regular senior player in the past but work commitments limit his training and availability so he is happily bolstering the Reserves outfit.

Youngsters in Joel Workman and Luke DeNys are both quality players but also need to find consistency to enable them to come into further senior selection reckoning and two other young players in Logan Murray  and Grant Jennings are improving each week.

Coach Quentin Johnson will be looking for more consistency from his side as it has been one quarter of lapses that have cost the Pies chances of victory in several matches this year. They have a big chance to sing the club song for the first time this season.

MAGPIES LOOK TO CONTINUE MOMENTUM vs SANDGATE

The fourth placed Western Magpies will be looking to consolidate their place in the top five on the ladder when they host seventh placed Sandgate on Saturday at Chelmer in Round 8 of the QAFL.

The match looms as a danger game for the Pies as the Hawks with a 3-4 record have shown good form this season including a strong win over Palm Beach and will be keen to push towards a finals spot.

A Pies victory will continue recent momentum and consolidate a Top 5 spot coming to the mid point of the season, while a loss for the Hawks could see them drop off the pace for finals contention.

The Magpies also have a game in hand against Wilston Grange so are well positioned for an assault on a top three position and double chance at season's end.   

The Pies have 5 changes to the side that comprehensively defeated Mt Gravatt two weeks ago and despite a week off have Co-captain Lachlan Woods (ankle) and Sean Mewing (back) unable to recover from injuries and the consistent Val Pope out due to work commitments in the UK (good if you can get it!!).

Also out are Jae Humphrey and Bryce Crossley back to the Reserves. Both did all that was asked of them in the past 2 matches but the return of CHF Tom Michael and small forward Jak Williams from Redland, Richard Wenham from injury, young forward Sam Copland after a stint with the Lions Reserves and the promotion of exciting youngster Riley Easton for his first Senior match squeezed them out. 

The loss of Pope is a blow as he has been in outstanding form this season and this may result in the versatile Luke Scott moving into an on-ball and half forward role to compensate. 

The three small forwards in Williams, Easton and Matt Thompson will roll through half forward and may have stints up the ground and the return of strong marking Michael allows Alex Dickfos to move back in front of goal and the long kicking Brady Allen to adopt a roaming role across the midfield and half forward. 

Dickfos played his best game for the year last round with 6 goals as he started to hold his marks and his kicking for goal is usually accurate. Allen's long kicking can break the lines and open up space as well nab a couple of goals for himself.

Hayden Thick has added a new dimension in ruck and with Dom Beer also on top the Pies have enjoyed first use of the footy in most matches this season. 

Callum Carseldine has been a driving force in midfield and has led from the front  all year and will do so again, but in the absence of Lachlan Woods the Pies will look to the in-form Drew Mitchell, the experienced Tim McEvoy and consistent Tom Ielasi and Ben Jaenke-Cain to lift even further to match a solid Sandgate midfield.

The defence has been tough and uncompromising in all matches except one this season with a top line half-back line of the close checking Doug Lawrence, rebounding Chris Hunt and strong marking Matt Davis a springboard for many Pies attacks.

Sean McEvoy has relished his opportunity for an extended chance in the top grade to be a solid performer and cement his place at full-back and Luke Mitchell has developed into a rebounding and tough small defender who has kept opposition small forwards in check. 

The Magpies are touted as favourites in this encounter but coach Glenn Humphrey will remind his side that any lapse will be dangerous as the visiting Sandgate will be up for the match to keep their season alive. 

Western Magpies v Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday at 2 pm.

B: Richard Wenham, Sean McEvoy, Luke Mitchell 

HB: Matt Davis, Doug Lawrence, Chris Hunt

C:  Brady Allen , Ben Jaenke-Cain,  Majok Aneet

HF: Luke Scott, Tom Michael (R), Sam Copland

F: Matt Thompson, Alex Dickfos, Jak Williams (R)

Foll: Dom Beer, Callum Carseldine (C) , Tom Ielasi

Int: Drew Mitchell, Tim McEvoy, Hayden Thick, Riley Easton

24 Fit - 3 Day Party!

Come & join in the fun in the gym each night Mon - Wed
(15 - 17th June), from 3.30–6.30pm!
FANTASTIC Membership Specials | Giveaways | Massages | Supplement Tasting| Competitions | + LOADS MORE
To find out more call Glenn on 0497 158 099 or email glenn24fit@gmail.com

YOU'RE INVITED!

One of the great nights on the Social Calendar, the 2015 Black & White Night - Saturday June 20, 7pm til late!

Purchase a ticket at the bar for $49 or arrive at the door on the night for $59.

PIES DEFEAT OLD RIVAL MOUNT GRAVATT IN EMPHATIC DISPLAY

The Western Magpies moved into fourth place on the QAFL ladder with an emphatic 134 point victory over rivals Mt Gravatt at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies booted 17 goals to half time and went on to a percentage building 27.17 - 179 to 6.9 - 45 victory. 

The Magpies dominated the midfield all match with ruckmen Dom Beer and Hayden Thick on top all day. This allowed the midfield  players to drive the ball forward time and again and with Luke Scott on fire with 4 first quarter goals the Magpies were on top early. 

The Magpies never took the foot off the accelerator in the first half and after leading by 2 goals to one at the half way point of the first quarter went on a goal scoring rampage to kick 15 goals to the Vultures 2 goals in the first half. The Pies booted 9 second quarter goals while keeping the visitors scoreless.

Coach Glenn Humphrey was ecstatic with the first half and was pleased with the big victory.

“It’s the best first half the club have put in, in the time I’ve been here, it’s the best half of football I have seen them play.

“We simply dismantled the opposition really well.

“We really dominated with the use of the football, we played Luke Scott up forward, and he kicked four, they had no one to match up on him so it was good for us and it really tore them apart.

“Once we had the scoreboard pressure on them, the sting went out of the game but we still won each quarter.

“Mt Gravatt  are a young side, they are undermanned, they stuck with it and that’s some of the stuff we went through last year.”

Mt Gravatt coach Brad Pollock was also complimentary of the Pies.

“We just got comprehensively smashed. The first half was a credit to the Magpies, they are up and about and they made us pay.

“There’s not much I can say, their ability around the stoppages and their run and carry was as good as anything in the competition".

The most impressive aspect of the Pies victory was the work at the stoppages and in close as well as the pressure they applied at the contest. This has become a trademark of the Pies play this season.. The Pies spun the ball around at the stoppages to open up play and with Alex Dickfos (6 goals)  and Luke Scott (4 goals) difficult match ups and with Val Pope (4 goals) his usual busy self the Pies had several avenues to goal. Add Brady Allen (3 goals) across half forward and Hayden Thick (2 goals) providing another tall option when resting up forward the Vultures were simply unable to contain all of them.

The Magpies were held to 10  goals in the second half as injuries took their toll and Mt Gravatt worked hard to stem the flow.

Injuries to Sean Mewing in the first quarter with a strained lower back and co-captain Lachlan Woods with an ankle sprain just prior to halftime reduced the Pies' rotations--with neither returning to the field in the second half. Add a side strain that restricted co-captain Callum Carseldine to forward line cameos in the second half  and the Pies were effectively 3 players down after halftime.

Matt Davis continued his fine form across half back and with CHB Doug Lawrence and rebounding Chris Hunt lead a tight and miserly defence. 

Drew Mitchell also continued a good patch of form in the midfield rotations.

This was the Magpies first official victory over Mt Gravatt since returning to QAFL ranks and was some consolation for several previous large losses inflicted on the Pies by the Vultures in the recent past. 

The Magpies percentage received a boost and they are now only a few percentage points behind third placed Wilston Grange

The Magpies have a break for the general bye next week which is timely given the injuries suffered from this match. The Magpies host a tough Sandgate at Chelmer the following Saturday.

Western Magpies: 8.4 - 42 | 17.7 - 109 | 23.12 - 150 | 27.17 - 179

defeated

Mount Gravatt:     3.1 - 19 | 3.1 - 19 | 6.2 - 38 | 6.9 - 48

Best: V.Pope, M.Davis, D.Lawrence, D.Mitchell, L.Scott, D.Beer

Goals: A.Dickfos 6, V.Pope, L.Scott 4, B.Jeanke-Cain, B.Allen 3, H.Thicj 2, M.Thompson, C.Hunt, J.Humphrey

Youthful Reserves outfit show improvement

A youthful Western Magpies Reserves again let inconsistency hide their progress with a poor quarter and a half of football allowing Mt Gravatt to take control and eventually run out 27 point victors, 15.9-99 to 11.6-72. 

The Pies trailed by 51 points at three quarter time before playing a good 5 goal to 1 goal final quarter to narrow the gap. The Pies  allowed the Vultures to dominate from half way through the second quarter and in the third quarter to boot 9 goals to 2 in this period.

Coach Quentin Johnson again rued the lapses but understands this can happen with a young side with 12 players 19 or younger in the team. 

Experienced players in Matt Hockley with 5 goals, Jaden Morton on ball and Gabe McKinnon in defence battled valiantly to stem the tide and were among the better players. McKinnon has had a fine season to date and has been a consistent player in every match.

Young brothers in Brodie and 16 year old Riley Easton and Matt Mazerolle were also good players and all have  been fine contributors in most matches they have played this season. 

Brodie Easton will be pushing for a senior recall as will Joel Workman who booted 3 goals.

The Pies may welcome several returning players in coming weeks as they look forward to cracking it for their fist win over another youthful team in Sandgate in a fortnight.  

Round 7 awaits as old foes resume battle

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

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MAGPIES TRIUMPH AGAINST OLD RIVALS

The Western Magpies consolidated fifth place on the QAFL ladder with an emphatic 15.16 - 106 to 8.13 - 61 victory over old rivals Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions at Palm Beach on Saturday.

The Magpies had six forced changes to the 22 and coach Glenn Humphrey made several positional changes, moving Alex Dickfos to CHF and Brady Allen from wing to FF, entrusting the fullback position to Sean McEvoy and moving Hayden Thick into the ruck with Dom Beer.

Matt Davis remained across half back and Chris Hunt recovered quickly from an ankle injury at training on Thursday to take his place as a rebounding defender. Humphrey also backed the versatility of his players by moving regular CHB Doug Lawrence to the forward line when kicking with the wind to give the Pies added marking power and Allen was moved into defence against the wind. Both moves were successful and indeed the coaching panel's positional changes during the game all paid dividends and now give the Pies greater versatility in the coming weeks. A highlight was a piercing 60 metre goal from Brady Allen (a raking left-footer!!) in the second quarter, like a low flying tracer bullet.

The other pleasing aspect for the Pies brains trust was the faith they had in persisting with tall 17 year old forward Sam Copland, who rewarded them with a superb match.  Copland booted 4 goals, had another shot which went through in the first quarter controversially given as a touched ball and his strong marking, both on the lead and in packs, and goal kicking, were highlights. He will be a prime candidate for this week's QAFL Rising Star Award. 

The match was played in blustery sou-wester conditions with the wind favouring the right forward pocket at the northern end of the ground. The Pies lost the toss and therefore kicked against a 4 goal wind in the first quarter  but were able to boot several goals against the wind to only trail by 9 points at quarter time. The Pies attack on the football was impressive and their tackling pressure forced many errors from the PBC team.

A dominant seven goal second quarter by the Pies while keeping the Lions goalless blew the game open and the Pies led by 35 points at half time.  The Pies continued their work rate in the third quarter against the wind to restrict the Lions scoring and still had a 30 point lead at the last change.  With the wind at their backs in the last quarter, the Pies were never going to be challenged by a tired looking home team which had been out-tackled and out-muscled in the first three-quarters by a determined and ruthless outfit.

Ruckmen Dom Beer and Hayden Thick dominated in ruck and gave midfielders Ben Jaenke-Cain and Co-Captains Lachlan Woods and Callum Carseldine first use of the football which put the Pies on the front foot. Woods had his best game for the year and as always his attack on the ball was ferocious but he also took several big marks and a long 50 metre goal against the wind in the third quarter was a steadier for the Pies after the Lions had booted 2 quick ones to narrow the lead to 3 goals. Carseldine laid 9 tackles in a typical in-and-under display which set the tone for the Pies. Jaenke-Cain was a workhorse all match and his efforts to push back to help in defence were important in breaking up many Lions attacks.

Matt Davis was arguably the Magpies best player with a controlled match across half back taking several timely marks and intercepts to halt the home team attacks and turn defence into attack. Davis has been rewarded for his big pre-season to be the Pies most consistent player to date this season.

The Mitchell brothers, Luke and Drew, were also good players for the Pies and Jai Humphrey on debut and Bryce Crossley on recall also did all that was asked of them. 

Alex Dickfos continued his improvement as he gets close to his best and he responded to the Palm Beach's coach's pre-match assertion that the Pies' big forwards were not a major threat with 3 majors and played a robust game for the Pies, creating options with strong attack on the ball. Palm Beach applied hard tags on small forwards and their perceived danger men in Val Pope and Matt Thompson and the Pies brains trust countered this by running Pope in the midfield rotations and Thompson also had short spells up the ground. Pope was able to get plenty of the ball and as usual his clean handling was a highlight and he kicked 2 goals to cap a good game.  

Coach Glenn Humphrey was a happy man after the game “We held them well in the first quarter, they had a fairly strong breeze. We took hold of them in the second and split them open a little bit.

“Our use of the football was good and we were really good in close in the second quarter.

“That just proves that we can match it with any side on our day, we just have to come switched on.”

The Pies have three important matches in coming weeks against Mt Gravatt, Sandgate and UQ but there are no easy matches in the QAFL now and the men from Chelmer will need to maintain their intensity. The Pies will be confident going into these games but need to be on their guard  especially against Mt Gravatt this Saturday. The Magpies and Vultures have a long history going back to the South Queensland days and this Saturday will still be a tough contest and spells danger for the Pies if they don't bring their A game on the day.

Western Magpies 3.4 - 22 | 10.18 - 68 | 11.12 - 78 | 15.16 - 106

defeated

Palm Beach Currumbin 4.7 - 31 | 4.9 - 33 | 6.12 - 48 | 8.13 - 61

Goals: S.Copland 4, A.Dickfos 3, B.Allen 2, V.Pope 2, C.Carseldine, L.Woods, B.Jaenke-Cain, M.Thompson 1

Undermanned Reserves lose in blustery conditions

An undermanned Western Magpies Reserves outfit were defeated by PBC Lions by 50 points on Saturday in difficult conditions.

With five key players called up for senior selection covering injury and unavailability, and despite the inclusion of 2014 B&F Jadan Morton - the Reserves were always going to be up against it against and older, more experienced lineup.

Kicking against a 5 goal breeze in the first quarter, they matched the Lions reasonably well going into quarter time just 3 goals down, but then in the 2nd quarter kicking with the wind at their backs the Pies were outscored by 4 goals - making the 2nd half challenge a tough one.  Only 3 goals were kicked by either side in the 2nd half, making the 2nd quarter lapse the key difference between the two sides.

Several youngsters stepped out and helped out, and their effort was exceptional - but the home team held a strong physical advantage and experience in windy conditions was a telling factor.

Best players for the Magpies were Gabe McKinnon, continuing his consistent form, midfielder Matt Green and 16 year old Riley Easton.  Brodie Easton provided good support for his younger brother and young half back Matt Mazarolle had a good day continuing his development in his first senior season.

Jadan Morton worked hard in the ruck and around the ground in his first outing in 2015, but coach Quentin Johnson was left to lament once bad quarter again letting the Pies down in an otherwise good performance.