PLACE PREVIEW - LIONS TO SUFFER PIES WRATH

The Western Magpies have 2 weeks of pent-up frustration from their fade-out last match and it will be Palm Beach-Currumbin who will suffer the wrath of the Pies at Chelmer on Saturday. 

The Pies have had 2 weeks to ruminate on the loss to Broadbeach and from all reports are champing at the bit to have a red hot crack at the Lions and not only restore their pride but also put the Pies season back on track. 

A resurgent PBC have recruited well this season and are 3-1 with their only loss to Morningside after leading late in the match.  

The Magpies usually need no extra motivation when they play the Lions but this Saturday they will be more fired up than usual.

Magpies Co-captain Callum Carseldine rated a win in this match as "critical" to the Pies season. He reassured the Pies faithful that his side will be up for the challenge and if training is to go by then they will come out firing.

The Pies were put through a hard running week last week and then plenty of contested football at training this week and Carseldine says the intensity at training had lifted several notches.

He said if the Pies put together four quarters of football then they can beat any team in the competition and is confident the Magpies will win on Saturday. 

The Magpies' changes this week see ruckman Nick Barling come in after missing last match with back pain with debutante Luke deNys out unavailable. Also in is Richard Wenham after one match in Reserves after missing with concussion and full forward Alex Dickfos goes back to the Reserves to find some form after an indifferent start to the season.

Jaden Morton goes to CHF and Luke Scott to full back but supporters can envisage these roles to be reversed at some point in the game with Scott good when up forward last match.

Redlands listed forwards Jack Goodall and Matt Sondergeld were good last game and will be keen to continue their good form in an effort to put their names in front of the Redlands selectors.

Luke Mitchell has had a great start to the season and will look to again provide intercepts and run from the backline.

The Pies were beaten in midfield last match and this would have been galling for the midfield rotations of Cal Carseldine, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Tim McEvoy, Gareth Crawford and Drew Mitchell and expect them to come out firing on Saturday. Barling into the ruck will help out Dom Beer who shouldered a heavy workload last match.

Val Pope was down a bit last game and he will be looking to get back to form again to improve the Pies forward power and David Lewis at full forward is a good lead and mark and will give the Pies a good option going forward.

This season shapes as an even competition with no easy matches and any lapses can prove costly as proved a fortnight ago.

Coach Glenn Humphrey recovered from the disappointment of that loss to oversee a team desperate to atone and expect the Pies to be ferocious at the contest for the full 120 minutes. 

Western Magpies v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer  on Saturday May 7th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke Mitchell  Luke Scott   Rhys Bridge   

HB: Matt Davis  Chris HuntLachlan Woods (Co-Capt)

C: Brady Allen  Callum Carseldine (Co-Capt.) Aaron Maricic (R)

HF: Mitchell Stallard, Jaden MortonVal Pope

F: Matt Sondergeld (R) David LewisJack Goodall (R) 

Rucks:  Dom Beer, Ben Jaenke-Cain

Rover: Drew Mitchell

I/C  Nick Barling, Tim McEvoy, Gareth Crawford, Richard Wenham

24 Fit - Reserves Preview

PIES RESERVES LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Reserves will look to bounce back from a last round defeat when they meet old rivals Palm Beach-Currumbin on Saturday. The Pies are 2-2 while PBC look to have improved this year and are 3-1 after 4 rounds.

The Pies have been strengthened with the inclusion of regular senior full forward Alex Dickfos and half back Ricky Dudley.

Dickfos will be looking to regain the form that had him kicking 60 goals in the Seniors in 2015 and the experienced Dudley comes back after a slight muscle strain last match. Also in is smart young goalsneak Dom Morrison who has been in impressive form in the Colts.

Out are Richard Wenham promoted to the Seniors and Kurt Vine and Billy Johnson back to the Colts.

The Pies forward line looks strong with Matt Hockley at CHF and in full fitness after playing last match with illness. Dickfos will be a strong target and youngster Charlie Pershouse also provides a tall target with strong hands.

Another youngster in Geoff Gibb is showing good signs in ruck and Brodie Easton and Joel Workman should win plenty of midfield ball. Easton leads theseason possession countbut needs to make these more effective with more penetrating kicking, especially with Dickfos and Hockley as targets.

The Pies defence looks solid with a strong half back line of Dudley, Sean McEvoy and Gabe McKinnon and they will be keys to the Pies winning the match.

The Magpies will want to win to keep in touch the ladder leaders and with  coach Quentin Johnson having a more settled side will expecthis team to put in a big effort to gain the 4 points

Western Magpies Reserves v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer at 11.30 am on Saturday, May 7th

B:  Jae Humphrey Todd Billing  Jamie Page

HB: Ricky Dudley - Sean McEvoy (VC) - Gabe McKinnon (Co-Capt.)

C: Lachlan Dennis - Chris Devlin -  Hunter Heath

HF: Charlie Pershouse - Matt Hockley (Co-Capt.) - Jesse Pukallus

F: Stuart Hubbert - Alex Dickfos -  Matt Mazarolle

Foll: Geoff Gibb - Joel Workman - Brodie Easton

I/c:  Josh Burton -  Sam Donovan - Trent Walker - Dom Morrison

Emerg: Matt Davis, Michael Hyndman, James Gainford

Sci-Fleet Taringa - Colts Preview

PIES COLTS lOOK TO CONSOLIDATE IN TOP FOUR
The Western Magpies Colts have the opportunity to kick start the day for the footy club with a win this week as they meet Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer at 9.30 am

After 3 wins on the trot, the young Magpies will be looking to consolidate their top 4 place with a victory over another top 4 contender. PBC have won 2 and lost one this season.

It shapes as the toughest test yet for the squad, and will be a great chance to see how much they have improved since the start of the year.

Again there are a few changes , Ash Gore out with a burst appendix, Josh Senescall & Jaiden Johnston - Bates unavailable and the team congratulates Dom Morrison on his well deserved promotion to the Reserves.

Coach Justin Gore is looking for a continuation of the hard contested footy that allows the fleet of slick runners to produce the exciting brand of footy that has earned the Colts wins in the last 3 rounds.

Come on down and have some brunch while you check out the next wave of senior Magpies strut there stuff at the nest this Saturday morning.

B: Thomas Luke - Kurt Vine - Cameron Smith

HB:  Ryan Vagne - Zeleke Fisher - Pat Renner

C:  Connor Green - Dom Misso © - Damon Allen

HF: Will Fletcher - John Mason - Billy Johnson

F: Phil Stumer - Jeremy de Rooy - Chae Lawson

Foll: Aaron Highlands - Rory Johnson - Liam Reynolds

I/C: James Gainford, Jesse Rigsby-Jones,  Callum Grant, Tom Rodrick

CK GROUP - PRESIDENT'S LUNCHEON - TRIBUTE TO JEFF LANGDON

Sherwood/Western Magpies President Kevin Kluver will host a President's Luncheon at 12 noon on Saturday when the Western Magpies host Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer in Round 5 of QAFL football.

The Magpies will also celebrate the life of 1977-78 premiership player Jeff Langdon who passed away recently at 72 years of age after a short illness.

Langdon was a larger than life character who Kevin says was a cross between Phil Carman and Warwick Capper which made him a flamboyant but classy player in anyone's books.  

He was best on ground in Sherwood's 1977 premiership win over Mt Gravatt but was so exhausted after the game he was taken to hospital and put on a drip. He was also best and fairest winner in 1977. He played 88 matches for the Pies. He started at Wests Juniors then came across to Sherwood as a 14 year old. 

Jeff was a burst player who would turn it on for 10 minutes then would have a spell and turn it on again and again. It later transpired he had a heart valve problem and had a valve transplant 10 years ago.

After football he was a well renowned horseman with harness racing and went to New Zealand to train horses then returned to Brisbane and trained numerous winners on the Gold Coast and at Albion Park. He became the head farrier at Albion Park, a position he held for many years.  

Kevin Kluver relates a story that Jeff said he couldn't keep playing because it was too hard on his body and when Kevin asked him what he was going to do he said do some buck jumping at rodeos!!

He was also the lead singer with a well known rock band in Brisbane and did covers of the Rolling Stones. Kevin said he was an entertainer both on and off the field-- a singer and a cross between Carmen and Capper, he must have been an entertainer!!    

Kevin expects 10-15 players from the 1977-78 era to be at the tribute.

The club also offers a welcome and extends its sympathies to Jeff's two daughters Lisa and Tammy, his son Stephen, his brother Kenny and their families. 

BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Review

COLTS THE SHINING LIGHT UNDER LIGHTS

The Western Magpies Colts were the shining light for the Pies when they easily defeated Caloundra under lights at Chelmer on Saturday evening. The Pies won by 99 points, 18.10-118 to 3.1-19.

The first quarter started with Caloundra, with 2 wins from 2 matches,  throwing out the challenge to the Pies before the Pies booted a couple of late goals to grab a 2 goal lead at quarter time.

The Pies got in top in the second quarter with a dominant midfield and a rebounding half back line to give their forwards plenty of opportunities to kick goals. The Pies dominated the second half to run out strong winners to be in the top half of the ladder after 4 matches.  

While both teams went into the encounter at less than full strength, the depth of the Pies Colts squad was on display as the 20 that took the field Saturday afternoon proved far to good for the visitors. The ball movement, commitment to the team one percentersand the improvement in the players'  fitness, allowed them to control the game right the way through.

After a tight first few minutes, the Magpies pressure around the contest and work to create space and time for the ball carrier saw them start to dominate through half back and the midfield. The tall forwards John Mason and Jeremy DeRooy enjoyed some good delivery and smart small forward Chae Lawson was having a field day feeding off any crumbs the talls didn't mark. The result was for the first time this year was more goals than points, a much better reward for the efforts of the team further up the field.

A slight change in how the midfield set up, with players placed there specifically to provide a physical contest and work to make sure our ball carriers , Reynolds, Misso, Stumer, Gainsford, Grant & Morrison had time and space to use their speed and skill. Credit goes Gore, Senescall, Green, Allen , and new player Tom Roderick , (who showed he will be a nice addition to the squad.) for the way they worked in close to create that space.

The backline stood up well, and while the scoreline may not show it, there was a bit to do and Tommy Luke, Pat Renner, Cam Smith, played close and tight, while also attacking when the time was right. Highlands and Fisher's ruck tandem continues to grow in strength. With Fisher showing glimpses of his exciting potential , and Highlands continuing his fine form which would have him high up in the B&F voting at present . Special mention also goes to fullback Kurt Vine and midfielder Billy Johnson for backing up after playing solid game time in the Reserves.

The Colts now head into the break with confidence , but there is still much work to be done.. Continued focus on fitness will see less injuries and provide a more stable squad to select from. There have been at least five each week and and the next month will be tough with all matches against expected finalists. It will shape the season and give the Pies Colts a true indication of where they sit in the pecking order. 

Magpies Colts 18.10 - 118 defeated Caloundra 3.1 - 19

Best: J.Gainford, C.Grant, J.Mason, D.Morrison, A.Gore, L.Reynolds

Goals: J.Mason, C.Lawson, D.Allen 3, D.Morrison, L.Reynolds, J.Gainford 2, P.Stumer, K.Vine, C.Grant 1

24 Fit - Ressies Review

RESERVES DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST

The Western Magpies Reserves were defeated by 12 points by Broadbeach in a tight contest at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies again had to re-jig the side from the selected side and there have been significant changes every week, impacting on continuity for the team.

The Pies also had to make late changes with half back Ricky Dudley not coming up after tweaking a leg at training and Luke de Nys getting a call up to the Seniors, with skipper Matt Hockley coming in after passing a fitness test and booting 3 goals for the match. 

The Pies, like the Seniors, had plenty of the ball in the first half but also did not capitalise on their possession and Broadbeach took advantage.

The Pies still had a chance to win the match late in the last quarter but the Cats made the most of their chances to kick a couple of goals on the rebound after turnovers across the Pies half forward line.

Vice captain Sean McEvoy was strong in the last line of defence and had support from Jamie Page, who continues to get better in his second season of AFL, with Richard Wenham getting plenty of ball in midfield on his return from injury. 

Joel Workman also worked hard in midfield and across half forward and with Wenham will be better for the game after interrupted starts to the season.

Brodie Easton continues to get plenty of the football in the centre and works hard backwards and Hunter Heath also played well on a wing. Youngster Lachie Dennis also did some good thingsto be one to watch for the future.

Coach Quentin Johnson was happy with his team's efforts but again lamented the missed opportunities early. He said getting consistency with his team having multiple changes each week has been a challenge. 

Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 5.4 - 34 | 8.5 - 53 | 10.8 - 68

lost to

Broadbeach 2.5 - 17 | 5.11 - 41 | 8.12 - 60 | 11.14 - 80

Best: S.McEvoy, B.Easton, H.Heath, J.Workman, R.Wenham, J.Page

Goals: M.Hockley 3, L.Dennis, C.Pershouse 2, S.Hubbert, C.Devlin, J.Workman

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES SNATCH DEFEAT FROM JAWS OF VICTORY

The Western Magpies threw the four points away when they blew a 5 goal halftime lead to be overrun in the last quarter to go down by 8 points against Broadbeach at Chelmer on Saturday. The Cats kicked a goal on the siren to win 14.11-95 to 12.15-87.

The Pies dominated the first half and should have had the game well and truly won at halftime with 36 inside 50s to the Cats 14. The Pies were wasteful in front of goal and it came back to haunt them in the final analysis. 

The Pies were shell-shocked at the end of the game where they were the better side for most of the first three quarters of the match. The old adage of "not giving a sucker an even break" was never a truer statement as the Pies left the door ajar for the Cats who started to win the mid-field contested ball then took control in the last 15 minutes to boot 5 goals and stun the home crowd into silence.

The Pies called up Luke de Nys for his first senior match as Doug Lawrence was re-called to Aspley. The Pies were up and about early and dominated possession and forward 50 entries but the tale of the day began early with gettable shots on goal going begging. Luke Scott started up forward and turned his opponent inside out 3 or 4 times to boot 2 early goals and set up another. Matt Sondergeld was busy and Mitch Stallard in his return match was getting plenty of the ball across half forward but also missed a couple of shots at goal. Scott was part of a rotation from half back to the forward line with Matt Davis and perhaps in retrosect he should have stayed forward as he always looked dangerous. Davis also played well up forward but played a different role to Scott.

The second quarter saw the Pies again dominate but were unable to capitalise on this and instead of being 7-8 goals up at the long break had just a 31 point lead which still kept the door ajar for the Cats and didn't reflect the dominance of the half.

The Pies intensity dropped off in the third quarter and Broadbeach closed the gap to 2 goals before the Pies regrouped with goals to Stallard and Jadan Morton had the margin at 4 goals at the final break.

Several perplexing umpiring decisions in the third and fourth quarters resulted in turnarounds and the Cats kicked 2 goals from these and it seemed to upset the Pies concentration and reversed the momentum of the game.

The Cats started to win the midfield battles and with early centre clearances booted 2 goals and it was game on. The Pies got 2 back and with 15 minutes to go the Pies still led by 4 goals but the Cats surged and with more run opened up the Pies defence and closed the gap. The Pies still led into time-on but poor decision making in pressure situations with short kicking to contests and missed targets resulted in turnovers which the visitors exploited.

Luke Scott was the Pies best whether up forward or across half back with 3 goals, Jack Goodall presented all day across half forward in his best match for the Pies, Reece Bridge mopped up well in the last line of defence and his depseration in spoiling at the marking contest was a highlight. Matt Sondergeld had plenty of the ball and Gareth Crawford worked hard all day in close. Alex Dickfos also presentedall day but just could not hold on to some of his grabs. Mitch Stallard also justified his inclusion and booted 3 goals and Luke de Nys played well and was not out of place across half back.

Coach Glenn Humphrey was bitterly disappointed in the loss and lamented his team's inability to slow the game down late in the final quarter and close out the victory.

The Magpies have 2 weeks to lick their wounds before they face old enemy Palm Beach-Currumbin before an expected big crowd at Chelmer as President Kevin Kluver will host a President's luncheon before the match.

Western Magpies 3.6 - 24 | 8.12 - 60 | 10.14 - 74 | 12.15 - 87

defeated by

Broadbeach Cats 1.2 - 8 | 4.5 - 29 | 7.8 - 50 | 14.11 - 95

Best: L.Scott, J.Goodall, R.Bridge, M.Sondergeld, G.Crawford, A.Dickfos

Goals: L.Scott, M.Stallard 3, M.Sondergeld, V.Pope, J.Morton, A.Dickfos, L.Woods, M.Davis

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES RETURN TO THE NEST

The Western Magpies return to the nest for the first time this season and face another tough match when they host Broadbeach Cats on Saturday. 

The QAFL season is shaping up as very even with no easy matches, the proof last week when the Pies had the fright of their life before sneaking past a supposedly struggling Sandgate.

The Pies will relish playing at their Chelmer base after their scheduled second round home game had to be transferred due to damage to the ground from recent works on the Telstra Tower.  

The Pies were again forced to make several changes with 3 outs due to injury in ruckman Nick Barling, CHF Liam Dwyer and half forward Jake Heard. Interestingly Barling escaped suspension during the week after being found guilty of striking but given a reprimand by the Tribunal. 

Into the team come Mitch Stallard and Jack Goodall to the half forward line and Doug Lawrence back after a week at Aspley. Stallard has started to find the form he had in 2014 when he showed plenty of class and Goodall showed he can play in the key forward post with 5 goals from CHF last week in the Reserves. Lawrence adds steel to the pies defence and allows Chris Hunt to go back to fullback and releases Luke Scott to the forward line where he can add some firepower.

Richard Wenham will resume in Reserves after missing 2 matches with concussion and Sean Mewing and Brenton Saunders are still recovering from injuries while Tyler Jones holds his place at Redlands. 

Tim McEvoy moves back to the back flank where he played when he won his Bill Peirce Medal for the Pies in 2007 and Lachlan Woods goes to the back pocket and with Hunt and Luke Mitchell, who is in great form, forms a very strong last line of defence. The versatile Jadan Morton moves into the ruck rotation to join Dom Beer who has again been his consistent self.

Callum Carseldine and Gareth Crawford both had good matches last week and will again be the keys with Drew Mitchell to gain the midfield ascendancy. The Pies are down in the stoppage clearance numbers from last year where they dominated the clearances and a lot of work has gone into the stoppage work at training to get the Pies back to where they were last year.

This is a classic 8 point match as a win for the Pies puts them well inside the five and sets a launching pad for the rest of the season.

The Magpies will enjoy a return to their home ground and an expected big Anzac weekend crowd will be keen to see a Pies victory.

The match will be preceded by a small service to commemorate Anzac Day, led by President of Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL, Kevin Alcock.

Western Magpies vs Broadbeach Cats - HOME - Saturday April 23 @ 2pm

B: Luke Mitchell - Chris Hunt - Lachlan Woods (C)

HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence - Tim McEvoy

C: Brady Allen - Callum Carseldine (c) - Aaron Maricic (R)

HF: Mitch Stallard - Jack Goodall (R) - Val Pope

F: David Lewis - Alex Dickfos - Luke Scott

Foll: Dom Beer - Gareth Crawford - Matt Sondergeld (R)

INT: Jadan Morton - Drew Mitchell - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Reece Bridge

BodyKey Chiropractic - Reserves Preview

PIES RESERVES LOOK TO CONSOLIDATE

The Western Magpies Reserves have reshuffled their line-up for their clash with Broadbeach on Saturday. The Pies lose 5 goal CHF Jack Goodall and on baller Mitchell Stallard to the Seniors but welcome back regular senior player Richard Wenham returning from injury.  

Broadbeach are winless this season but have gone down narrowly to Morningside and Mt Gravatt so will be tough opponent for the Pies.

Wenham goes into the centre and Chris Devlin to the ruck rover role so the Pies still have some serious mid-field muscle and with Hunter Heath and Jae Humphrey both in good form last week the Pies midfield looks good. The backline has a mix of experience and youth with Luke DeNys knocking on the door of a Senior debut and Todd Billing playing consistent football with skipper Gabe McKinnon moving to CHB. 

The half forward line is youthful with both Lachie Dennis and Charlie Pershouse adapting well to senior football and Joel Workman starting to gain form after an interrupted start to the season.  The forward line has also been reshuffled with Warwick recruit Trent Walker to full forward after several weeks in the ruck. 

Geoff Gibb is also finding his feet at this level and has improved in each match and Brodie Easton has been the sides leading ball winner in each match this year.

Coach Quentin Johnson has not had a stable team this year but will ask his young forwards to keep presenting as targets and will look to experienced players in McKinnon, Billing, Humphrey and Devlin to provide leadership for the team.

A third victory will set the Pies season up and they will be keen to start well at home. 

Reserves vs Broadbeach at HOME - 1130am, Sat April 23

B: Todd Billing - Sean McEvoy (VC) - Jamie Page

HB: Ricky Dudley - Gabe McKinnon (C) - Luke DeNys

C: Jae Humphrey - Richard Wenham - Hunter Heath

HF: Lachie Dennis - Charlie Pershouse - Joel Workman

F: Stuart Hubbert - Trent Walker - James Gainford

Foll: Geoff Gibb - Chris Devlin - Brodie Easton

Int from: Matt Mazerolle - Jesse Pukallus - Josh Burton - Troy Hartman - Sam Donovan - Michael Hyndman

CFMG Capital - Colts Preview

The Western Magpies Colts will be keen to make it three in a row in front of a twilight home crowd when they take on Caloundra on Saturday evening at Chelmer. 

The Pies depth will be tested with a cloud over the fitness of CHF Jeremy de Rooy and full-back Jesse Rigsby-Jones, both selected but need to pass fitness tests before lining up. 

Captain Dom Misso in the centre and winger Connor Green were good last week and CHB Ryan Vagne controlled the back line. Aaron Highlands in ruck gave the Pies first use of the football which rover Liam Reynolds enjoyed and these two will be again need to give the Pies first use of the football.  

For the first time on our home ground, in the new exciting late afternoon time slot, the young Pies have the perfect opportunity to gauge the improvements made in the first 3 rounds. After copping a mauling in week one of the season, the boys have regrouped and reset the training standards, commitment to the team and worked extremely hard to post victories in the last 2 weeks to sit 7th on the ladder, one spot below this week's opponents.

Caloundra come to the Nest with a reputation as a high scoring outfit and our boys will need to be ferocious in the contest, tight defensively, and work for the full 4 quarters to earn victory.

The squad welcomes Damon Allen from a silly suspension, the silky Phillip Stumer from holidays , and smart and skillful small forward Chae Lawson back into the side as well as having first gamer Tom Roderick make his debut in the Black and White. 

These inclusions will improve the leg speed and foot skills of the side and should make the delivery into the forward line more efficient to give big forwards John Mason and Jeremy DeRooy every chance to shine in front what should be a great crowd. It's a classic must win game, victory will only be achieved through the TEAM 1st principles the club is proud to instil into all the sides, and there is no better feeling than earning a hard fought win in front of your own supporters.  Coach Justin Gore will opt for a mobile forward line if de Rooy is out with the inclusion in smart small forward Chae Lawson a bonus to join another goal sneak in Dom Morrison and John Mason moving to CHF.

The match starts at 4.45 Saturday and the lads need your support, so come on down, enjoy a meal and beverage and watch the boys do battle under the new bright lights at Chelmer in what should be a great game of Colts football.

Magpies Colts vs Caloundra - Sat April 23 HOME @ 4:45pm

B: Thomas Luke - Jesse Rigsby-Jones - Cameron Smith

HB: Kurt Vine - Ryan Vagne - Callum Grant

C: Connor Green - Dom Misso (c) Phil Stumer

HF: Joshua Senescall - John Mason - Billy Johnson

F: Dom Morrison - Jeremy de Rooy - chae Lawson

Foll: Aaron Highlands - Ashley Gore - Liam Reynolds

INT from: Zeleke Fisher - James Gainford - Damon Allen - Patrick Renner - Tom Roderick

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Sci-Fleet Taringa - Colts Review

COLTS MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

The Western Magpies Colts emulated the two senior Pie teams by winning over Sandgate in a match that never reached great heights under lights on Saturday night. The young Magpies won a contest that much like the Senior game didn't provide a spectacle for the crowd , but showed they can hang tough and win ugly when needed.

In a low scoring contest, short on highlights but full of effort and commitment , the Colts won 8.10-58 to 5.5-35.

Coach Justin Gore said " Not our best performance, but we realise we are a work in progress. The pleasing thing was anytime we were challenged, we stood up and answered with interest. The base of a very good side is here, we just have to keep working on our combinations, set ups and ball movement. The next few weeks will be a challenge, and we are under no illusions we have plenty to work on, but also there is plenty to work with ."

Better players were CHB Ryan Vagne, ruckman Aaron Highlands, midfielder Liam Reynolds, centreman Dom Misso, half forward Dom Morrison and winger/half forward Connor Green. 

Best: R.Vagne, A.Highlands , L.Reynolds, D.Morrison, D.Misso, C.Green
Goals : J.deRooy 2, J.Johnston-Bates, D.Morrison, D.Misso, J.Mason, J.Rigsby-Jones, R.Vagne.

The Colts next play Caloundra at Chelmer on Saturday night straight after the First grade match. Caloundra have won their 2 matches to date but the relative strengths of teams in the 19 team Colts competition is yet to be determined.  

The Pies have a chance to go 3-1 for an early season confidence booster.

CK Group - Ressies Review

Pies win in tight contest

The Western Magpies Reserves made it 2 out of 3 with a hard fought 21 point victory over Sandgate on Saturday. 

The Pies won 11.9-75 to 7.12-54 in a tight contest with little separating the teams until the Pies hit their straps in the last quarter. 

The Pies dominated possession in the first half but once again poor decision making and missed targets cost them dearly. Coach Quentin Johnson lamented his team's overuse of the ball and called it "pretty football" which broke down often. The Pies were more direct in the last quarter and started to hit their targets and as a result were able to gain a three goal break early in the quarter and hold on for an important win. 

Redlands listed Jack Goodall had a fine game at CHF and finished with a match-winning 5 goals and showed he has the attributes to be a key forward--he has played the majority of his matches for the Pies across half-back. 

Mitchell Stallard gets better with each match and with growing confidence is showing why he is highly regarded at the Pies. 

Ricky Dudley and Jae Humphrey were good in defence and Brodie Easton won plenty of midfield ball. Young ruck man Geoff Gibb stood up as well and improved as the match progressed. 

The Pies had quite a few new players  on show and as they get more used to the team structures can only improve in coming matches.

Magpies 3.3 - 21 | 5.4 - 34 | 7.8 - 50 | 11.9 - 75

defeated

Hawks 1.3 - 9 | 4.5 - 29 | 6.8 - 44 | 7.12 - 54

Best: Goodall, Stallard, Dudley, Gibb, Easton, Humphrey

Goals: Goodall 5, Stallard 2, Dennis, Workman, Pershouse, Mazerolle 1

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES PREVAIL IN SCRAPPY AFFAIR

The Western Magpies won a scrappy contest when they prevailed in a mistake riddled and tough contest by 9 points at Sandgate on Saturday.

It was a 'Steve Waugh victory' --an ugly win, better than a sparkling loss!

The Pies won 9.8-62 to 7.11-53 in a tight finish.

The Pies now move into 5th place on the ladder with a 2-1 record and face another tough contest at home against Broadbeach next Saturday. 

A tricky cross wind did not help the skill level of either team and Sandgate obviously turned up to play on their big home ground after 2 disappointing losses to start the season. 

The Magpies won plenty of ball early in the first quarter and should have had a 4 goal lead but after 2 early goals squandered numerous chances, which set the tone for the day. 

The Magpies were guilty of overusing the football and again missed targets proved costly and slow ball movement into the forward line resulted in congestion which was the order of the day.

In fact Sandgate missed several shots at goal in the final quarter that could have cost the Pies dearly but they were able to hold on to a valuable win and lock away the 4 points. 

The defence led by Luke Mitchell, Luke Scott and Chris Hunt repelled numerous Hawk attacks and Mitchell in particular was superb in mopping up and made some telling intercept marks and tackles and without his contribution the Pies may not have won the game. 

Callum Carseldine and Gareth Crawford won plenty of contested ball to drive the Pies forward and both also were good as link players when the ball came out of the back line.

Redlands listed Matt Sondergeld had his best game for the Pies with plenty of possessions on the wing and across half forward and he was a busy player all match.

Another Redlands listed player in Liam Dwyer played also played his best match for the Pies at CHF and in the ruck. His was a brave effort as he kept running and presenting all match despite a foot injury suffered in the first quarter. X-rays later confirmed a broken bone in his right foot and he will miss for 6 weeks. 

Ruckman Nick Barling was reported for striking and will be in doubt for the next match, depending on the Tribunal hearing. He played under duress suffering back spasms in the match. 

Senior Coach Glenn Humphrey had this to say:

“It was a scrappy contested football game, where neither side really got any flow going.

“It was a struggle for most of the day. We are happy to win ugly, but if it was any uglier I wouldn’t date it.

“The important thing is we got the four points on the board, and we will take a few things out of the game in terms of structures, some things we didn’t do well, and some things we did.”

The Pies will look forward to playing their first match at home at Chelmer next Saturday against Broadbeach with a 1-2 record. 

Western Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 6.3 - 39 | 8.5 - 53 | 9.8 - 62

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 3.2 - 20 | 5.5 - 35 | 4.7 - 37 | 7.11 - 53

Best: L.Mitchell, C.Carseldine, G.Crawford, M.Sondergeld, L.Scott, C.Hunt

Goals: A.Dickfos, D.Mitchell 2, D.Lewis, G.Crawford, C.Carseldine, V.Pope, B.Allen 1

24 Fit - Colts Preview

Colts look for back to back wins in twilight match

This week the Western Magpies Colts travel to Sandgate to take on the Hawks in a twilight game starting right after the Seniors.

It is  the first of many twilight matches for the squad and we are looking forward to the later start time and and atmosphere created by playing straight after the Seniors sides.

This week the Colts are looking to back up last weeks great rebound win and consolidate a solid start to the season. Coach Justin Gore is looking for the team leaders to continue their strong start to the year, and continued improvement shown by the likes of Callum Grant, Cam Smith, Kurt Vine, and in particular Tommy Luke, who is showing the benefits of a senior pre season and a total commitment to training.

The side will have a reshaped forward line due to some key players missing, but the coaching group are very confident in the depth of talent in the side that the players given the opportunity this week will step up to the challenge.

The mids  have been very good so far, a real strength of the side , but the big open spaces of the Sandgate ground will test the fitness of a few of them and keeping as fresh as possible through rotations is going to be a key.

Coach Gore says" If we can continue to put great pressure on the opposition, and then take them on when we have it , continue the gains made with skill level and ball movement, we know we are very hard to beat . We'll be down a bit on manpower , but these are the games that build a season and really solidify the squad if we can stay the course and earn a great victory"

Round 3 : Sandgate v Western Magpies at Sandgate @ 4.45on Saturday, April 16th

B: Tom Luke  Jesse Rigsby-Jones  Callum Grant

HB: Kurt Vine  Ryan Vagne  Cam Smith

C: Billy Johnson  Dom Misso (c)  Conner Green

HF : Josh Senescall  Dom Morrison  Jaiden Johnston-Bates

F: Zeleke Fisher  Jeremy deRooy  Luke Brown

Ruck: Aaron Highlands  Liam Reynolds

Rover:  Rory Johnson

Int : Ash Gore, James Gainsford ,  John Mason , Chae Lawson.

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES LOOK TO BUILD MOMENTUM

The Western Magpies will look to build on last week's victory when they travel to Sandgate to take on the hawks on Saturday.

The Pies bounced back with a strong victory last week while Sandgate have two losses but have been competitive both weeks.

The match poses a danger game for the Pies and look no further than opponents last week in Wilston Grange for a cautionary tale as the Gorillas, after a big victory over the 2015 Premiers in Round 1, did not bring the same intensity to their clash with the Pies a week later and were well beaten.

The Pies have included versatile big man Jadan Morton into the senior side and he will start at fullback, the position he played in the Pies 2006 premiership. Morton can play at either end of the ground and in ruck and gives the Pies plenty of big man options with his inclusion. Also in are Co-captain Lachlan Woods and centreman Ben Jaenke-Cain, both missing last week due to unavailability, so they will be fresh for the contest. New recruit Brent Staker is still recovering from a hamstring strain and will again miss.

Out are Doug Lawrence for his debut with Aspley after terrific form at CHB for the Pies and all at the Magpies wish Doug all the best on Saturday. Tyler Jones has also been rewarded for his scintillating form last week with a recall to the Redlands team and Brenton Saunders misses after rolling an ankle last week. 

Morton at fullback releases Luke Scott to the back flank where his intercept marks and attacking football is important for the Pies. Chris Hunt to CHB adequately covers for Lawrence and with Matt Davis again in good form the Pies half back line is strong. Reece Bridge was good on debut last week and takes one back pocket with Luke Mitchell continuing his good pre-season form in the other pocket.

Callum Carseldine gave the Pies the midfield  grunt they were missing in round one and with Gareth Crawford finding his feet with a superb Round 2 showing and the return of Woods and Jaenke-Cain the Pies can control the midfield.

Dom Beer, Nick Barling and Liam Dwyer rotating through the ruck should give the Pies first use of the ball from the midfield and around ground..

Up forward Alex Dickfos will rotate between full forward and CHF. He has worked hard but has yet to hit the form of last year but another week of hard work should see him notch up a few goals this week.  Small forwards Jake Heard and Matt Sondergeld were both busy last week with Sondergeld playing his best game for the Pies in last week's good win.

Val Pope was again good last week despite carrying a sore foot but with another week to get better will cause the Sandgate defenders a few headaches. Most sides find him a difficult match up and as a measure of the respect they hold him do much of their planning in how to curtail him--usually without success!

The Pies will be looking to make it 2 from 3 and get their season well and truly on track but will need to be wary of complacency and to be on their guard to thwart a Sandgate ambush.

Western Magpies vs Sandgate Hawks - 2pm Sat April 16 @ Sandgate

B: Luke Mitchell - Jadan Morton - Rhys Bridge

HB: Matt Davis - Chris Hunt - Luke Scott

C: Brady Allen - Callum Carseldine (C) - Aaron Maricic (R)

HF: David Lewis - Liam Dwyer (R) - Val Pope

F: Jake Heard - Alex Dickfos - Matt Sondergeld (R)

Foll: Dom Beer - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Drew Mitchell

INT: Tim McEvoy - Nick Barling - Lachlan Woods (C) - Gareth Crawford

BodyKey Chiropractic - Reserves Preview

RESERVES KEEN TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Reserves will be looking to bounce back when they takeon the winless Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday. 

The Pies were disappointing last week but with 10 changes to the side their lack of cohesion was understandable. Sandgate have been competitive in both matches this year and ran Mt Gravatt close last week so the Pies can expect a tough encounter

Coach Quentin Johnson will look to his side to improve in their decision making and disposal as turnovers proved very costly last week.  

The side has some good ins with the return of Jae Humphrey and Joel Workman after both missing the first 2 rounds due to unavailability and both should be raring to go.  Youngster Lachie Dennis returns after playing with the Lions Reserves last week and new player Troy Hartman gets his chance.

Out are the injured Jake Farrell, Sean Mewing and Sam Donovan with skipper Matt Hockley out due to work commitments.

The Pies backline were under the pump last week due to turnovers but the back six look very strong with Todd Billing in good form and Luke DeNys playing consistent football. Add reliable Sean McEvoy and new player Ricky Dudley, who has been good so far, and the Pies will be confident of shutting down the Sandgate forwards.

Up forward Jack Goodall moves to CHF and Charlie Pershouse to FF and both will be key targets for the Pies. Young Pershouse has played well in both matches and looks to have a big future for the Pies.

Young Toowoomba recruit Geoff Gibb in ruck was good last week on debut and midfielder Brodie Easton also had plenty of the ball and will again be key player for the Pies.

Mitch Stallard is slowly regaining the form that made him a Rising Star in 2014 and as he gains more confidence in his body, his skills will come to the fore to give the Pies plenty of midfield drive.

The Magpies will be looking to make it 2 from 3 but will need to be at their best to overcome a solid Hawks outfit on their home ground.

Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate Hawks - 1130am Sat April 16 @ Sandgate

B: Luke DeNys - Sean McEvoy - Gabe McKinnon

HB: Ricky Dudley - Todd Billing - Jae Humphrey

C: Jamie Page - Chris Devlin - Hunter Heath

HF: Lachie Dennis - Jack Goodall (R) - Jesse Pukallus

F: Stuart Hubbert - Charlie Pershouse - Joel Workman

Foll: Geoff Gibb - Mitchell Stallard - Brodie Easton

INT: Matt Mazerolle - Josh Burton - Troy Hartman - Brent Walker

The Full Swoop - Episode 2

Coopers Community Footy Update - Woodsmen Start 2-0

Western Magpies affiliate the Woodsmen have enjoyed a promising start to their season, winning their opening two away games to get off to the perfect start.

Round 1 saw a new look Woodsmen side take on a strong UQ outfit who came out firing, and had the Woodsmen down by 5 goals in the first half.  As new players learnt on the run, and the established senior players lifted their intensity the Woodsmen fought their way back into the match to end up prevailing by 1 point.

Tim Green was outstanding at centre half back taking close to 20 intercept marks on a slippery night when everyone else was making handling and skill errors.  In the 2nd half, Green managed to keep the Woodsmen camped in their front half as he dominated in the air and continually pumped the ball back inside 50.  Sam Curtis was at his industrious best, winning plenty of ball and applying great pressure while Andrew Thomson playing through the ruck with stints resting forward was solid with 3 first half goals.  Gerard Moore chimed in with 2 second half goals, including a 50m bomb to win the game after tirelessly presenting across half forward despite the poor delivery.

In Round 2, the Woodsmen traveled to Coorparoo to take on a highly fancied Kings outfit featuring many experienced players at QAFL level.  The Woodsmen welcomed back several key players of their own, including Captain Sean Toohey up forward and outstanding defender Matty Prior, eventually running out 10 goal winners after a dominant first half.  The Woodsmen were 'on' from the start of the match, with Sam Curtis playing an incredibly dominant match, racking up in excess of 50 disposals in an eye catching display also noteworthy for his superb defensive play, with some exceptional tackling of much bigger opponents.

Chris Mihalopoulous also played well through the middle, while Kiran Verma had a good night on the wing and newcomer Nick Masters showed his potential in just his 2nd game with an early goal and regular touches across half back and through the wing, showing rapid improvement for a player completely new to the game.

Tim Green was again solid at CHB, and the Woodsmen defence were again back to their stingy ways allowing just 3 goals for the night with Matty Prior's return offering composure and skill execution down back that was missing the week before.

Up front enjoyed a touch of class with the inclusion of Sean Toohey back into the fold in an undersized forward line.  A slightly ill Gerard Moore offered a target, allowing the small forwards plenty of loose ball which they pounced on, an area that was sorely lacking the week before.  Toohey snagged 4 goals in a great return to the side, while Gerard Moore managed 2. The rest were evenly distributed amongst the ground level forwards and midfielders in an improved forward effort.

The Woodsmen take on Morningside at the Nest this Friday night at 7:30pm - get down to cheer the boys on and enjoy a meal and a drink at the club.

Sci Fleet Toyota - Ressies Review

PATCHED UP RESERVES GO DOWN

A patched up Western Magpies Reserves team were easily defeated by Wilston-Grange on Saturday.

The Pies went down 16.17-113 to 10.2 -62.

ThePies had 10 changes to the team that defeated Mt Gravatt last week and found the going tough against a strong and speedy Gorilla outfit.  The side was further affected with the late withdrawal of key forward and ruckman Jadan Morton with illness.

The positives are that witha long list of players missing this week the Pies still had the numbers and depth to field a solid Reserves team and it gave several youngsters an opportunity.  Young new players in ruckman Geoff Gibb, wingers Sam Donovan and Josh Burton and half forward Stewart Hubbert all had good debuts for the Pies, the latter 2 late inclusions to the side.  

In hot conditions at Yeronga, the Pies had the better of the early exchanges but could not convert.  Then when the tables turned a little, several defensive errors resulted in Grange kicking a string of easy goals and they were able to get on top and maintain momentum.

The Pies fought hard but coach Quentin Johnson again lamented skills errors , turnovers under pressure and poor decision making. He sad his side were slow to man up at times and Grange are a good side with good disposal which made the Pies pay for their errors.

Best players were Brodie Easton who won plenty of midfield ball, Gibb in ruck, Hubbert in the forward half (2 goals,including a long bomb from 50 near the boundary line after the three quarter time siren),  another youngster in Charlie Pershouse, who slotted 3 goals, Jesse Pukallus, who was busy all match on ball and Luke De Nys, who played well at both ends of the ground and had clean ball handling skills.

Grange 4.4 - 28 | 7.9 - 51 | 12.11 - 83 | 16.17 - 113

defeated

Magpies 2.0 - 12 | 2.0 - 12 | 6.2 - 38 | 10.2 - 62

Best: B.Easton, J.Pukallus, G.Gibb, S.Hubbert, C.Pershouse, L.DeNys

Goals: C.Pershouse 3, S.Hubbert 2, B.Easton, C.Devlin, L.De Nys, H.Heath, J.Burton 1

Metis Wealth Match Review - Seniors Bounce Back

What a difference a week makes...

The Western Magpies hit back hard after a poor match last week to have a comprehensive victory over the highly regarded Wilston Grange at Yeronga on Saturday.

The Pies were comfortable 41 point victors in the end, winning 13.14-92 to 7.9-51. It was obvious from the first bounce that the Pies were on-song, with renewed vigour at the contest and a much improved work-rate.

The first quarter was an arm wrestle, though the Pies looked stronger without getting the reward their efforts deserved. The second quarter saw the Pies midfield gain control with Callum Carseldine back to his Grogan Medal winning best and Gareth Crawford in and under all game to show why he is a league B & F winner in Victoria.

With the uncompromising defence of 2015 returning, led by Luke Scott, Doug Lawrence, Chris Hunt and Tyler Jones the Pies repelled many Gorilla attacks and led by 21 points at half time. Lawrence was strong in the air and at ground level, Scott was back to his best with brilliant reading of the play and intercept marks and had 10 first quarter possessions when the game was up for grabs and Hunt just does what he does best by shutting down his opponent and then providing run out of the back line. The Pies were hard at the contest all over the ground and won the physical battles in a positive sign for the season ahead. 

The first half saw more direct football from the Pies with half back Tyler Jones playing a great game with long incisive runs and direct and penetrating kicks into the forward line.

Inclusions Brenton Saunders and Jake Heard added pace the the Pies forward line and Saunders was a live wire up forward until he injured his ankle in the third quarter. 

Other inclusions in David Lewis and Reece Bridge (in his first senior game for the club) were both good, with Lewis winning plenty of the ball across half forward and Bridge playing well in a strong defensive unit. 

The third quarter saw the Pies play indirect football and it became a "fumble-a-thon" with dropped marks and poor disposal by both sides, with the saving grace being that Grange were as bad, if not worse, than the Pies.

The Pies led by 20 points at the final change and dominated the last quarter with a 60 metre Nick Barling goal sealing the victory as the Pies went onto an emphatic win which puts their season well and truly back on track.  

Dom Beer was again good in ruck and Drew Mitchell won plenty of the ball, Matt Sondergeld was busy and Alex Dickfos worked hard in the forward line.

Coach Glenn Humphrey was pleased with his team's endeavour, winning the contested ball and clearances, laying ten more tackles and having 20 more inside 50s than Wilston Grange.

The Pies were without Brent Staker and Richard Wenham (both injured) and Lachlan Woods and Ben Jaenke-Cain (both unavailable) and Sean Mewing made his return in the Reserves after recent injury.

Best: Pope, Carseldine, Crawford, Jones, Scott, Davis

Goalkickers and quarter by quarter scores are currently unavailable