Coopers Community Footy - Woodsmen keen for season opener

Western Magpies affiliate, the Woodsmen will get their 2016 season underway tonight against a strong UQ side at UQ in a match that will also be their first full hit out for season 2016 after an interrupted pre-season.  The match commences at 730pm and we encourage supporters to get down for a look.

The Woodsmen enjoyed a strong lightning cup carnival at UQ in March to blood a series of new recruits and work on their combinations for season 2016, running out winners in all 3 matches against UQ, Coorparoo and Morningside.

The Woodsmen are coached this year by Western Magpies legend, Chris Mihalopoulos who will also play in the centre, but the Round 1 side will be missing 2016 skipper Sean Toohey who is unavailable.  Also lacing up the boots for the Woodies are a number of former Magpies and Sherwood juniors - maintaining a strong link the Magpies again in 2016.

The Woodsmen have high hopes for Season 2016 after dropping just 3 games across 2014/15 seasons, but falling short in the 2015 Grand Final has left a sour taste and the boys will be looking to send a message to the competition that they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Any old boys looking for a kick and a beer or 2, are welcome to join training Monday and Wednesday nights at 7pm as the season starts to ramp up.

Sci-Fleet Colts Preview - Magpie Colts keen to make their mark

The Western Magpies Under 19s will be keen to make a mark against one of the QAFLs Under 18-19 powerhouses in Mt Gravatt when they clash at Mt Gravatt at 9.30am on Saturday. 

The Pies did not field an Under 18 team last year but the Sherwood Under 17s were undefeated Premiers and will provide quite a few top-line players for the team with several on the verge of senior selection.

The Pies are keen to test their mettle against their long time rivals in junior age groups to see where they sit at this level.

Coach Justin Gore has said it has been a challenging pre-season pulling the team togetherwith a squad made up of Under 17s from last year and several players returning to the club with a few new players as well.

The preseason matches saw some mixed results as the squad came together with some players also required to play in the seniors which was a good thing for their development.

However, this left the side down on numbers in their match againsta powerful Southport but the side responded by outscoring their more fancied opponents in the second half despite only playing with 16 players. This gave the team belief that they can compete with the best at under 19 level this season.

In the other match at Redcliffe the Pies won easily with some lessons from the first game being learnt and applied.

Some of the players Gore will look to lead the side will be captain Dom Misso through the midfield and fellow midfielders Liam Reynolds and Rory Johnson. He has 2 big key forwards in Jonno Mason (returning after missing 2 years with a serious knee injury) and Jeremy de Rooy as targets and some silky movers around the goals and across half forward in Chae Lawson, Kurt Vine and Billy Johnson. 

Gore believes he has a side to challenge for the top half finals in the new Under 19 format and is confident that his side will put plenty of smiles on the Magpies' faithful as they continue the tradition of strong Magpies Colts teams that have come before them.

Metis Wealth Match Preview - Reserves looking strong with key inclusions

The Western Magpies Reserves will be a strong side for their Round 1 clash with Mt Gravatt on Saturday at 11.30 am, with several regular Senior players being pushed back due to an influx of NEAFL listed players into the senior side.

In a big plus for the Pies, regularseniors key defender Chris Hunt returns several weeks earlier than anticipated after off-season surgery and will be part of a very strong half back line.

A number of players who showed good form in the pre-season have been squeezed out of the senior side with the NEAFL inclusions, namely the Easton brothers, Brodie and Riley, half forwards David Lewis and Jake Heard, utility Jadan Morton and defender Luke DeNys.

New recruits in Reece Bridge (Cairns) and Ricky Dudley (Woodsmen), who both looked good in the pre-season, were also forced out of the Senior team.

Other new players to the club are the strong bodied Chris Devlin (Ipswich) in the centre and solid defender Brent Walker (Warwick).

Into the team come three players from the Sherwood U17 Div 1 2015 Premiership side in tall forward Charlie Pershouse, ruckrover Lachie Dennis and utility Jake Farrell.  All three have senior football written all over them and will be keen to stake a claim for a senior debut at some stage during the year. 

Redlands listed players Liam Dwyer in ruck and Brenton Saunders across half forward are both inclusions with Dwyer showing promise at the end of last year after an injury interrupted season and Saunders a 2012 Pies premiership player who also had stints at Mt Gravatt before settling in the NEAFL at Redlands.

Add the returning Mitch Stallard after missing last year with injury and CHB Todd Billing, who had a year off after a superb 2014 season and Jae Humphrey, who played quite a few Senior matches last year, and it is clear the Pies Reserves are a very strong team. 

Add the experience of fullback Sean McEvoy and full-forward Matt Hockley, both with plenty of senior exposure in the past and the Pies have almost a Senior strength line-up.  

Coach Quentin Johnson will be keen to start the season with a win after a slow start last year wrecked any chances of a finals appearance.

He is pleased with the depth of his squad with 9 players not selected due to injury or not able to be squeezed into the team. Among the missing are the injured Blake McClennan, Hunter Heath, Jamie Page and Braydon Thomas (ACL Season)  with Sean Mewing, Joel Workman,  Cory Hopkins and Gabe McKinnon all unavailable. 

Reserves vs Mt Gravatt at Dittmer Park, Sat APril 2 @ 11:30am

B: Luke De Nys - Sean McEvoy - Ricky Dudley

HB: Chris Hunt - Todd Billing - Reece Bridge

C: Mitchell Stallard - Chris Devlin - Brodie Easton

HF: David Lewis - Jadan Morton- Jake Heard

F: Brenton Saunders (R) - Matt Hockley - Charlie Pershouse

Foll: Liam Dwyer - Lachie Dennis - Riley Easton

Int: Jake Farrell - Matt Mazerolle - Jesses Pukallus - Brent Walker

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES MEET OLD FOE IN QAFL OPENER

The Western Magpies meet their old foe from SQAFA days when they travel to Dittmer Park to meet Mt Gravatt on Saturday afternoon in what shapes as an intriguing match. 

The Vultures have come off an impressive pre-season campaign winning 2 matches and going down in a tight tussle to Labrador in the pre-season final.

The Pies have not hit their straps in the pre-season but have been largely experimental and will be keen to show their true strength on Saturday in the season proper.

Pre-season form largely goes out the window , especially as the Pies will include six players from NEAFL clubs with ex-Magpies Doug Lawrence (Aspley) and Aaron Maricic (Redlands) being joined by the Redlands contingent of Tyler Jones (midfield/half back), Jack Goodall (half back), Matt Sondergeld and the other Matt Thompson (not Clock) (both small forwards).

Lawrence will be a key inclusion for the Pies as they were a little under sized in the back half in the pre-season and Maricic gives the Pies plenty of run from a wing. Jones was good in his 2 matches for the Pies last year before being injured and Goodall and Sondergeld both donned the Black and White guernsey last year.

The Magpies will miss star recruit Brent Staker who still has a hamstring niggle but will bring in new players Nick Barling (ruck/forward) and Gareth Crawford (midfield). For this match Barling will start at CHF and Crawford on the bench as part of the midfield rotations. 

Also returning from Queensland Under 18 duties will be young tall forward Sam Copland who will be a third marking option across half forward.  

Lawrence will hold down CHB which he did with aplomb last year and will have strong support from Matt Davis and Tyler Jones. Davis had a break-out season last year and will be keen to repeat his stellar form.

Luke Scott is named at fullback and Luke Mitchell and Richard Wenham in the back pockets will provide run out of the back line, with one likely to have a shutdown role.

In the midfield 2014 Peirce medallist Ben Jaenke-Cain will provide his usual non stop display and with 2015 Grogan Medallist Cal Carseldine and Drew Mitchell top performers in 2015 the Pies have some solid ball winning ability. Add 2007 Peirce Medallist Tim McEvoy and new recruit Gareth Crawford, himself a multiple award winner in Victoria, the Pies have strong midfield depth. Wingers Brady Allen and Lachlan Woods are big bodied hard nuts who also add plenty of ball-winning ability and class to the midfield mix. 

Dom Beer looks as fit as he has been for some years and will shoulder the ruck burden with Barling slotted into the key forward position.

Alex Dickfos was a close third in the QAFL Goalkicking last year and will again be a focal point up forward and may also have to help out in ruck at times.

Dual Peirce Medallist Val Pope will be a key player across half forward and last year kicked bags in both outings against the Vultures and will be keen to repeat this on Saturday. 

The Pies team looks strong and coach Glenn Humphrey and his co-selectors had a difficult task at selection trying to fit 30 players into the final 22.

As is always the case the first game is a bit of an unknown especially with NEAFL top up players, but the Pies team looks very strong and will be keen to start the season with a win and justify some pundits' predictions of the Pies being the main challenger to Labrador this year. 

Western Magpies vs Mt Gravatt Vultures - Dittmer Park on Saturday, April 2 @ 2pm

B: Luke Mitchell - Luke Scott - Richard Wenham

HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence (A) - Tyler Jones (R)

C: Brady Allen - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Lachlan Woods (C)

HF: Sam Copland - Nick Barling - Val Pope

F: Matt Thomson (R) - Alex Dickfos - Matt Sondergeld (R)

Foll: Dom Beer - Cal Carseldine (C) - Drew Mitchell

Int: Tim McEvoy - Gareth Crawford - Aaron Maricic (R) - Jack Goodall (R)

24 Fit - Ressies Review

With as about as many changes to side as the Melbourne weather...the boys are still adapting to the new game style and showed in patches that in-time and with some fine tuning this recent experimental period will start to pay off!

Unfortunately this weeks game was a bit similar to last week - the Ressies side just couldn't finish off the hard work on the scoreboard.  A couple of skill errors in crucial times were costly, and at this level turn-overs cost you - but the hard work and desire is there, which is a great sign for the season ahead. 

Stuart Hubbard new to the club & the game itself showed how its done in the 3rd quarter by kicking 2 goals and setting up a couple more with 2nd & 3rd efforts, so with more development into him, he will become a great asset. 

Thanks to the Colts who backed up from a solid early morning training session to play out a full game in pretty hot & humid conditions. 

Pleasing sign is all players got through unscathed & considering there's no game this weekend we should have a healthy list to pick from for Round 1.

VALE JEFF LANGDON

It is with a great deal of sadness that the Sherwood/Western Magpies Football Club confirm the passing of former club champion and Premiership player, Jeff Langdon.  Jeff was known affectionately to all his team-mates and friends as “Mad Dog’.

Jeff was a talented, robust and a fierce competitor and part of his football makeup was plenty of flair.  Jeff was a great person off the field as after matches he would bring out his guitar and mouth organ and entertain everyone with his versions of “Gloria” and ‘Route 66’.

He also had a great love of horses, drove trotters and for many years was the head farrier for Gallops and Harness racing around south east Queensland tracks.

Jeff will always be remembered for his sterling and lion-hearted display in the 1977 Grand Final after taking 20 marks after half time to help his team to a fantastic victory against Mount Gravatt, who had beaten Sherwood two weeks earlier by 100 points.  After this game, Jeff was admitted to hospital suffering from exhaustion and dehydration, but not wanting to miss the celebrations checked himself out of hospital two hours later and once again, dominated the Premiership celebrations in style.

Jeff was a very loyal friend to people he had known all his life.  His first passion was his three children, Lisa, Tammy and Steve.  His wit and his lust for life will be missed by all that knew Jeffrey Paul Langdon. 

Rest in Peace, Jeff

Past Players, present players, current and former Board members and his many supports.

(Jeff will be privately cremated at a family only funeral).

The Sherwood & Western Magpies Football Club will play special tribute to Jeff with a wake and club luncheon to be held in the social club on Saturday 7th May commencing at 11.45am, culminating with an on-field tribute to Jeff before the senior game that afternoon.

(A small cover charge will apply to cover food and drinks at bar prices).

All welcome to attend.

Kev Kluver – 0407 65 71 33

PRESIDENT - Sherwood Australian Football Club (Incorporating the Western Magpies)

Metis Wealth Match Review - Pies Prevail in final hitout

The Western Magpies had a 4 goal victory over UQ in their final pre-season match at Coorparoo on Saturday. The match was played in oppressively hot conditions and after trailling early the Magpies were able to put together some cohesive football to take control late in the match.  The Pies kicked 10 goals to UQ 6 goals, however a final exact score was not recorded.

The Pies were disorganised early due to numerous changes to the line up and were not helped when the match was halted late in the first quarter for 30 minutes due to lightning in the vicinity. After half time the Magpies started to develop some teamwork and better efficiency with disposal as well as gain control at the stoppages to wrest the match away from UQ.

Inclusions to the team from last match were Callum Carseldine, David Lewis , Cory Hopkins, Lachlan Woods, Blake McClennan and youngster Jake Farrell who showed some good touches across the half back line.

McClennan (ankle)  and Lewis (head knock) both were injured but with the Easter break should be fit for Round 1 against a resurgent Mt Gravatt on Saturday, April 2nd.

Much like 2015, the Pies pre-season form has been indifferent while Mt Gravatt were defeated in a close tussle by Labrador in the pre-season final so on pre-season form, Round 1 should be a tough contest.

However, pre-season form is a minimal guide to the season proper andthe Pies were definitely experimental in their matches with a number of new players to the club as well as trying several players in new positions.  With a full list to choose from coach Glenn Humphrey is confident the Magpies will meet the Mt Gravatt challenge with confidence to get their 2016 season off to a good start.

Bodykey Chiropractic - NEAFL Player Update

NEAFL ALIGNED PLAYERS

There will be no mini-draft of NEAFL players this season and all Redlands listed players from 2015 aligned to the Pies will again be attached to the Pies in 2016.

The Pies do not expect to see much of CHF Tom Michael this year as he is expected to cement his place in the Redland team.  Other Redlands players who played for the Pies last year were Tyler Jones, Jak Williams, Jake Goodall and Liam Dwyer and it remains to be seen If the Pies see much of them this year.

Magpies players from the 2015 Magpie side now NEAFL listed are Doug Lawrence and Aaron Maricic.  Doug and Aaron are automatically aligned to the Magpies if not selected for NEAFL duties and ex-Magpie and Gold Coast Suns player Jackson Allen can also play for the Pies if not in the Aspley team.

Allen has had a delayed start to the year with some niggles so may see early season action in the Black and White as he builds his fitness for the NEAFL.

Another ex-Pie and 2012 premiership player Brenton Saunders is listed at Redland but has requested he be aligned to the Pies this year if not selected in the NEAFL team rather than Mt Gravatt, his club for the past 3 years.

Place Preview - Pies take on UQ in final pre-season hitout

The Western Magpies will be looking to have a victory to give them confidence going into the season proper when they meet UQ at Coorparoo on Saturday in their final pre-season hit out.

The Pies will play on No 2 oval at 4.30 pm while a Colts match has precedence on No 1 Oval.

The Magpies are yet to hit their straps this pre-season as numerous changes to the lineup has meant some tinkering and a delay in the side playing cohesive football, but has also exposed many newcomers to senior football.

Only 11 players from 2015 lined up last Saturday but several players will return this weekend including Co-captains Callum Carseldine and Lachlan Woods, ruck man Nick Barling and half back Sean Mewing.

Several players were rusty last week and will be better for the run and experienced campaigners Brent Staker and Matt Davis will be better for their first match of the year last week.

The Pies back line still needs tinkering with three big outs from last year. The good news is Chris Hunt will be back by round 5 or 6 and the Pies will welcome back Doug Lawrence if he misses Aspley selection -- however all at the Pies hope Doug does make his mark in the NEAFL and he showed his love of the Pies by being a runner last Saturday.

Inclusions for the Pies could be 2015 Under 17 premiership players Charlie Pershouse and Lachlan Dennis. Pershouse is a 195 cm ruckman/forward who will likely play more forward this year and Dennis is a winger/half forward and both show enormous promise.

Another young player to the club is Dom Morrison who arrives from Townsville as a 190 cm flanker/wingman.

The Pies Reserves will play at 2.00 pm at Coorparoo on Saturday and the Under 19s play Sandgate at Sandgate at 9.30 am on Saturday morning.

Sci-Fleet Hino - Copland & Fletcher into QLD U/18 Side

Sam Copland and Will Fletcher join a long list of Sherwood/Western Magpies players who have represented their state when they were named in the Queensland Under 18 team after a series of Queensland Under 18 Academy trial matches over the past few weekends. 

Playing for a Brisbane Lions selection against a Gold Coast Suns selection over several weekends both Copland and Fletcher were among the best players for their Lions outfit as they went down narrowly to the Suns in both trial matches.

Will Fletcher has been a Sherwood junior and started to find his feet as a footballer in Under 16s in 2014 and since then has continued to improve as a player. He developed into an attacking half back flanker in 2014 and throughout 2015 he showed good skills and is a smooth mover who is excellent in traffic and does not mind the tough stuff. He is also not afraid to fly for a hanger and plenty of them stick. 

He is a home grown junior and was a member of the Magpies undefeated Under 17 Division 1 Premiership team last year. As a December baby he is the youngest in the squad which makes his selection all the more meritorious. He is a young player who has worked hard on his skills which has obviously impressed the Queensland selectors.

Sam Copland is highly regarded at the Western Magpies after playing most of 2015 at QAFL level in the Western Magpies senior team, starting as a 16 year old half forward. Copland joined the Pies from Coolaroo in Toowoomba last year and quickly established himself as an integral part of the Pies forward set up. 

He is a 187cm tall spring-heeled jack and can take a big mark and knows where the goals are. He is also good at ground level and he booted 4 goals in a classy display last year against Palm Beach-Currumbin which lifted the Pies to an important away victory. 

When available after Under 18 duties are completed Copland will again be an important player for the Pies and Fletcher will also look to break into Senior ranks. 

In a new format this year, Queensland will play a Division 2 Carnival in May then a team from Qld/NSW/ACT/Tasmania/NT (The Allies) will be selected to compete with Vic Metro/Vic Country/SA/WA in the NAB Under 18 Championship in June where performances go a long way to gain AFL draft selection. 

Queensland fixtures are:

May 8 v NSW/ACT at Blacktown

May 14 v NT at Hobart

May 22 v Tasmania at Carrara 

Allies fixtures are:

June 4 v SA at AAMI Stadium

June 18 v WA at Perth

June 24 v Vic Metro at Etihad

June 29 v Vic Country at Geelong 

CFMG Capital - Ressies Review

The Western Magpies Reserves were defeated by Morningside in their first pre-season match at Yeronga on Saturday, going down 10.12-72 to 6.9-45. 

Coach Quentin Johnson had the following to say.

" The Reserves match on Saturday was the first time we had a chance to have a look at a few new players to the club and also give some more younger players an opportunity to be exposed at a higher level. 

The theme for the game was to see how all players adapted to the new attacking game style so what I was looking for was skill execution.

It clearly showed for the whole group to play this style is every player needs to work on their kicking efficiency and decision making.

Our endeavour and pressure was fine but we just couldn't finish off the hard work. With a few more games under their belt and work on skills I see good things happening. I was happy with all players' efforts. 

The depth of young players at the club is very healthy and we'll continue to build on the development program and give all the younger players committed to the program every opportunity to succeed." 

David Lewis dropped back to Reserves to get a full game and he also had some game time in Seniors as he replaced an injured Billy Johnson who was slated for a bench role in Seniors. Johnson impressed before copping an head knock. 

Young tall Geoff Gibb from Toowoomba also impressed and Mitch Stallard showed why he is regarded highly with some class touches in his comeback game after missing all but one quarter in 2015. 

Todd Billing was also solid on his return after a year off.

The Pies Reserves will play again this Saturday vs UQ at Coorparoo at 1:30pm

Report brought to you by CFMG Capital - proud sponsor of the Western Magpies

Metis Wealth Match Review - Pies get pre-season wake up call

The Western Magpies were given an early wake-up call when they were comprehensively beaten by Morningside in their second pre-season hitout at Yeronga on Saturday.

Forced to play on the very small No 2 oval at Yeronga due to overnight rain forcing the closure of the main oval, the match was again played in windy conditions with several wet, slippery patches on the ground. 

The Pies were in the game for a quarter and a half before the Panthers took control late in the second quarter with a flurry of goals to set up a handy lead. The Magpies trailed by over 8 goals at one stage early in the third quarter  before staging a comeback late in the third quarter and lifted further in the final quarter to match their opponents but the damage had been done. Final scores were Morningside 14-4-88 to Western Magpies 7-7-49

The Panthers had several tall marking options and the Pies smaller defenders were always under the pump with the ball coming in long and direct from the Panthers midfield - giving the Pies undersized defenders little chance.

The Magpies were guilty of overusing the ball and were far too indirect which resulted in a crowded forward line and numerous turnovers which proved costly.  Problems with this sort of indirect football is always magnified on a small ground, and the Panthers worked hard defensively to fill space.

Morningside gave the Pies a lesson in direct football which enabled their key forwards to compete one out against their smaller opponents.

Coach Glenn Humphrey lamented his side's poor decision making and poor disposal and will look to rectify this in coming weeks. He said some valuable lessons were still learnt from the match with several players tried in new positions and new players given extended time on the ground.  

One pleasing aspect was the form of youngster Brodie Easton who was a fringe senior player last year but gained plenty of the football from a wing to stake his claim to a more permanent position in the side. New midfielder Gareth Crawford was also busy as was Tim McEvoy around ground as he tried to lift his teammates.

Brent Staker did some good things in his first game for the Pies and was rested in the second half.

The Pies were without key tall Nick Barling (wedding) co captains Callum Carseldine (virus) and Lachlan Woods (unavailable) and the experienced Sean Mewing was also unavailable.

The Magpies have one more pre-season match this weekend against an as yet unnamed opponent at a venue to be announced.

After a week off for the Easter break, Round 1 at Mt Gravatt is just around the corner on April 2nd.

Place Preview - Practice Match vs Morningside at Yeronga

The Western Magpies will play Morningside at Yeronga on Saturday at 2 pm in the second week of the QAFL pre-season.

The Pies while always looking for a win, were not unhappy with the loss to Wilston Grange last week as there were good signs for the team and the new additions into the club in Gareth Crawford, Reece Bridge, Nick Barling and Ricky Dudley all showed they will be valuable inclusions.

Several Under 19 players were also given a game and will benefit from the experience.

The Pies will be bolstered for the match against the Panthers tomorrow with the inclusions of Brent Staker for his first outing in the black & white as well as club Co-captain and 2015 Grogan Medallist Callum Carseldine, half back Matt Davis and tough midfielder Tim McEvoy.

Staker will likely line-up at CHF with Carseldine and McEvoy bolstering the midfield. With Staker at CHF David Lewis will move to the flank and provide another mobile marking target and Alex Dickfos started to hang onto his marks last week in the wind so hopefully a still day will allow him to take some grabs.

The senior match will be preceded by a Reserves match starting at 11.30 am and the Pies Colts will also play a practice match this weekend.

Announcement - Western Magpies & Sherwood Football Club

To all our members & supporters

As you would be aware the club has worked hard post the 2011 Floods to address the infrastructure concerns at the Powenyenna Oval precinct as follows

1. Post flood rebuild of the Social club complex
2. Building & fit-out of the new change rooms to elite standard
3. Installation of lighting & fencing to the rear oval
4. Upgrade of lighting to allow night fixtures at youth & senior level on the main oval
5. Makeover & repainting of the social club complex
6. Continued improvements with the main oval surface

The club continues to struggle with the ongoing subsidence issues that are out of our control on the main oval, this matter has been escalated to the corridors of the Brisbane City Council, & the club has yet to receive any official timing as to when this recapping & surfacing will occur

The lack of response received from BCC threatens our viability as last season we had two QAFL finals taken away from the club due to concerns over the field subsidence issues which had a flow on effect with at least $35k in revenue lost as well as the ability to play a home final.

Currently the club has to commit anywhere between $25-$50k per season to address subsidence concerns, in essence we are throwing good money into a 'band aid' fix solution that won’t address the problem, Brisbane City Council is fully aware of the subsidence issues at the complex but are not willing to address this with a commitment to respond on when the works will take place

We ask you as eligible voters within the Tennyson & Walter Taylor wards to write to your local Councillor or candidate to ask them for what they intend to do to ensure the short & longer term viability of the Sherwood Football club as a community facility is not threatened

We ask for your support here, it could help make a difference to the current non-commitment mode we have experienced over the last 18 months

Candidates in the following electorates are as follows

Tennyson

Nicole Johnston (IND)                    3403 8605            Tennyson.Ward@bcc.qld.gov.au

Ashley Higgins   (Lib)                       0478648758         tennyson@teamquirk.com.au

Stephen Harvey (Lab)                                                    stephen.harvey@queenslandlabor.org

Walter Taylor

Julian Simmonds (LIB)                    3407 0005            waltertaylor.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au

Talbot Speechley (LAB)                                                 talbot.speechley@queenslandlabor.org

From the Board of Directors of the Sherwood Football Club

PLACE Preview - Colts back at the nest in 2016

The boys are back in town! 

Magpies U/19 Colts return

After having a transition year in 2015 where the club chose to bypass the new u/19's competition, the Magpies’ Colts are back for the 2016 season.  The 2015 transition was successful for the young Magpie brigade, with the the U/17 side winning the Division 1 Undefeated Premiership and a fleet of youngsters tasted Senior footy both through the Reserves program and in the Senior QAFL side.

The club's new facilities, clear development pathway, and exciting young senior list has attracted quality young footballers from as far away as Townsville & Hervey Bay.  With many ex-junior Magpies coming back to the nest after a year or two away and combining with the graduating Under 17's from last year, it means the club can confidently re-enter the Colts competition for 2016. 

The Colts competition is made up of a single division 19 team 16 round season. It's a new concept with a weighted draw as the 19 teams are divided into 4 zones. It's all a bit too detailed to attempt to explain here, but it means that the Magpies will play 11 games against the same QAFL clubs as the senior teams, and 5 other games against a selection of the other sides based in Sth East Queensland. 

Our squad is shaping up nicely,  with 2 clear objectives:

(1) providing the development pathway for our youth footy graduates to transition into the senior football and;  

(2) provide a footballing home for our lads who still want to compete at the best available standard without the need to push up into the more elite seniors program.

This is also the goal of the AFLQ for this competition-to keep these young men in the game who otherwise would be lost to football. The under 19s will also be mentored by Senior Coach Glenn Humphrey and Development Coach Quentin Johnson to ensure the pathway to senior football is as smooth as possible for all player seeking to make that transition.  

The club is very excited by the potential within this group with some of the Colts seeking to earn senior debuts this season such as Lachie Dennis, Jake Farrell, & Charlie Pershouse. It's our hope they will be joined by Big Alex Devilla and John Mason when they return from long term knee injuries and along with a strong band of mid sized running players, could see them join Sam Copland , Riley Easton & Matt Mazarolle as Colts who are making an impact at Senior level.

The coaching group includes last year’s Under 17's premiership coach, Justin Gore,  who will be joined by the vastly experienced and successful Craig Allen as midfield and stoppage coach.

The club has given a coaching debut to club stalwart Warren Vine, who will bring his knowledge gained from a long and varied playing career including stints at Under 19's and Reserves level with Port Adelaide Magpies , and Senior experience in South Australian A1 Amateurs  and also country football in South Australia. Warren will be working with our defence and teaching the same structures used by the senior squad. We plan on adding 1 more quality development coach to this group soon. 

The colts are still on the lookout for a TEAM MANAGER to join this exciting group. If you have read this far, you are the type of person we need for that job. Please put your hand up and help us provide the best possible off field support for these lads and they will repay you and us all with a season to remember ...of that the club is absolutely certain.  

Metis Wealth Match Review - Pies down in windy conditions

The Western Magpies went down in their first pre-season hit out when defeated by Wilston Grange at a windy O'Callaghan Park, Zillmere on Saturday evening. 

The Pies went down by 22 points, 10-4-64 to 6-6-42

The Pies dominated the first term but the strong winds proved difficult to handle and found the big sticks an elusive target on the big open ground. Grange managed a number of their goals on the rebound and made the most of their forward entries as the Pies dominated the inside 50s for little reward. 

New recruits in Nick Barling, Gareth Crawford, Ricky Dudley and Reece Bridge  were impressive and will slot in nicely to the Pies set-up. Barling had a good hit out in ruck, Crawford reminded us of a young Tom Power with a bustling display in and amongst it, Dudley showed class with good ball use across half back and Bridge also showed he will be a valuable defender and with his long flowing locks will be hard to miss. 

David Lewis slotted back well and showed enough across half forward to be a valuable inclusion while youngsters Jake Heard, Joel Workman and Riley Easton showed glimpses but were in and out of the game as the wind made it hard to put in consistent displays.

Despite the loss, the experienced Luke Scott, Val Pope and Drew Mitchell all had plenty of the football and full forward Alex Dickfos also presented well in difficult conditions to make the Pies hierarchy confident of another good year. 

The Pies were missing Callum Carseldine, Brent Staker, Matt Davis, Mitchell Stallard, Tim McEvoy and Cory Hopkins and youngsters Sam Copland and Charlie Pershouse were playing in a Queensland Academy trial match at Burpengary and the promising Lachie Dennis was rested due to a mild injury sustained at training.  All should be available for the Pies next match on Saturday against Morningside at Yeronga.

Coopers Community Footy Update

The Woodsmen commenced training in February and will be going around again in 2016 on the Queensland Amateur Central League on Friday nights.

The Woodsmen enjoy the social side of footy, but are a very competitive unit - playing finals every year since inception and winning 2 Premierships.

If you are unavailable to play footy on a Saturday, or like to keep your weekends free - the Woodsmen are the place to be.  Enjoy a relaxed training environment with plenty of like minded individuals who love a kick of the footy (and a beer or 3)

Catering for young and old, experienced players or players completely new to the game the Woodsmen will be looking to go one better in 2016 after finishing runner up in 2015.

Coached by Magpies legend - Chris Mihalopoulos and skippered by Magpies 2006 Premiership player and Woodsmen Dual Premiership Captain, Sean Toohey - The Woodies welcome everyone down for a kick at training on Monday and Wednesday nights at 7pm.

For more details, contact Woodsmen President - Andrew Thomson on 0403 066 382 or sponsorship@westernmagpies.com.au

Place Pre-Season Update - Magpies first practice match Sat 5 March

The Western Magpies commence their 2016 campaign with their first pre-season match on Saturday, March 5th at O'Callaghan Park, Zillmere commencing at 415pm.

Taking on Wilston Grange it will be a chance to put some of the pre-season work into action, especially for the youthful Magpies side.

The match will consist of 4 x 25min quarters with each team utilising 30 players.

The other match in the Pies side of the draw is Mt Gravatt v Morningside and the two winners will play each other and the the two losers will meet on Saturday, March 12th at venues to be announced.

The Pies will be without several key players with star recruit Brent Staker and Grogan medallist Callum Carseldine both sitting the game out.

24 Fit - Pre-Season Camp

The Magpies Senior squad embarked on a grueling and enjoyable(!) pre-season camp a few weeks back.

A little bit of the action was captured in this short video.  Great to see the boys working hard and enjoying themselves while doing it!

PLACE PRE-SEASON PREVIEW - Pies shaping up well for 2016

The Western Magpies are well positioned to improve on their QAFL third place finish in 2015 with strong recruiting in the off season.

Coach Glenn Humphrey is very happy with his recruits and the development of several younger players. The Pies were disappointed in their finals performances last year and with several big name and strong bodied experienced recruits the Pies will again be looking at a top three finish to give themselves the best shot at a premiership. 

Joining the club will be ex West Coast and Brisbane Lion big man Brent Staker, ruckman Nick Barling, half back Ricky Dudley, midfielder Gareth Crawford and half back Reece Bridge.

Club legend Jimmy Rozynski has returned to the nest but has had a setback with a shoulder injury which will require surgery. JRoz remains hopeful of joining the fray in the business end of the season. 

Brent Staker brings a wealth of AFL experience to the team and his height, experience and mobility will be a big asset and he will likely start across half forward.

Nick Barling is a tall ruckman who can go forward and he came through the Geelong Falcons Under 18s before joining Southport for 3 years and then last year played at Ipswich after gaining a teaching job at Springfield. With Dom Beer putting in a big pre-season the Pies ruck department is looking very solid.

Ricky Dudley is a tough traditional half back flanker and his opponents will surely earn their kicks.  After relocating from country Victoria, Dudley played for the Woodsmen in 2015, having a very strong finals campaign.

Gareth Crawford is a strong bodied midfielder who has a string of B & F awards in major competitions in western Victoria and he will be a boost to an already strong Pies midfield, adding experience to a youthful lineup.

Reece Bridge is a 20 year old half back who could hold down a key defence position. He is agile with a leap and arrives from Cairns where he was a representative player last year.   

The Pies will also be strengthened with the return of classy midfielder Cory Hopkins and promising youngster David Lewis, both having a year off last year, and the return from a season ending injury last year of 2014 Rookie of the Year Mitchell Stallard. Rover Blake McClennan is also returning after a couple of years off to establish his business and he will add to the midfield mix.

Speedster Jake Heard has also put in a big preseason and will be fit after two injury-interrupted seasons. 

Another plus for the Pies is the decision of tough midfield leader Tim McEvoy to go around again and the classy Luke Scott will also play again after contemplating his future at the end of 2015.

Further good news is that key defender Chris Hunt is training strongly after pre-season surgery which looked like de-railing his 2016 season. He will have a delayed start to the season but is aiming to return by round 5 or 6.   

The Pies will look to up and coming Under 19 players Lachlan Dennis, Charlie Pursehouse and Jake Farrell to play senior football and will expect 17 year olds Sam Copland and Ryley Easton, already with a season of senior football under their belt, to build on their experience.

Dennis is a skilled half forward/winger, Pursehouse is a 194cm ruckman who is showing enormous promise and may play as a third tall up forward and Farrell is a strong bodied youngster who will play in the half forward rotations. 

2015 Grogan Medallist Callum Carseldine, 2014 William Pierce Medallist Ben Jaenke-Cain, Drew Mitchell and Lachlan Woods again form the nucleus of a strong midfield and with the new players into the mix the Pies will look to emulate last season where they were strong at the contest.

2015 William Pierce Medallist Val Pope also looks good and may play more deep forward this year and that makes him very dangerous for opposition defenders. 

Jaden Morton has had a good pre-season and with added fitness he may be the Pies answer at full-back. He knows the position well as he played there in the Magpies 2006 Premiership. 

Likewise Alex Dickfos is trimmer and fitter this year and he will form a dangerous key forward combination with Staker. Dickfos was third in the QAFL goal kicking in 2015 with 60 goals.  

Matt Davis had a standout season last year and with fellow half back Sean Mewing will again be key players in the Pies defence along with Luke Mitchell, who locked down well last year playing on key opposition small forwards and providing valuable rebound.

Brady Allen is also primed for a big year after a good pre-season and coach Glenn Humphrey is looking to up and coming youngsters who were knocking on the door last season in Joel Workman, Matt Mazarolle and Luke DeNys to take the next step to be regular senior players. 

Out for the Magpies in 2016 will be key defender/ruckman Hayden Thick (travel), goal sneak Matt Thompson (Canberra--work-- (Ainslie)), key forward Matt Garland (retired), half-back Ben Hooper (Tweed Heads--work), winger Sonny Aneet (Toowoomba) and may be without full-back Doug Lawrence (Aspley-NEAFL), Redlands-listed CHF Tom Michael  and winger Aaron Maricic (Redland--NEAFL) for many matches. All three will be available for the Pies if not selected for their NEAFL clubs.  

Another loss is 2015 JB Medal winner for Best and Fairest in the Reserves in midfielder Bryce Crossley who has crossed to Kenmore. Crossley provided depth for the Pies and will be missed. The return from Europe of Tom Ielasi is also on hold at this point.

The Pies start their season this Saturday, March 5th when they play Wilston-Grange at Callaghan Park, Zillmere in the QAFL Pre-season competition at 4.30 pm.

This match was scheduled for Chelmer but due to works on the Telstra tower encroaching on the playing surface the match has been relocated.