PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES LOOK TO SWOOP ON PANTHERS

The Western Magpies will be looking to hand the Morningside Panthers their third straight QAFL defeat when they meet at the Nest on Sunday at 2pm.  With the Panthers and Magpies sitting 4th and 5th on the ladder respectively, this week shapes as a crucial outing for both sides, who have experienced mixed fortunes in 2016 to date, and a win could secure a Top 5 spot with 1 game to come before the mid point of the season.

The Magpies got off to a slow start in 2016 with an opening loss to the Vultures, and also letting one slip against the Cats - while the Panthers started beautifully with a 5-0 stretch to start the year.  However, recent weeks have seen a contrast in form as the Pies have bounced back with 2 wins on the trot, whilst the Panthers will be licking their wounds after consecutive heavy losses.

While it goes without saying 'beware the wounded Panther' - the Magpies have looked up and about on the track this week and and 'beware the resurgent Magpies' is also a worthy cliche in this instance!

Into the side comes speedster Sonny Aneet after two quality games in the reserves, Drew Mitchell returning from injury to add a quality goalkicking mid-fielder to the mix and Chris Hunt to fill a key defensive post, also in his return from injury.  After an excellent display in the reserves last week, Cory Hopkins also comes into the side adding some outside class and speed to the mix in a side known to have plenty of grunt in the engine room.

Out of the side go Val Pope and Mitch Stallard due to unavailability, Brodie Easton back to the Reserves and Brent Staker due to another hamstring niggle that continues to frustrate the big man, who has been putting plenty of work in on the track.

There is a bit of a new look to the lineup this week, not just with new or returning faces - but also with how the Pies will line up.  Regular defender and Round 6 Rising Star Nominee, Ryhs Bridge has been moved onto the wing to exploit his run, carry and excellent disposal - while the bigger body of Brady Allen fills a key defensive post at Centre Half Back, where he offers size, strength, aggression and a potent left foot to launch an attack from the back half.

Drew Mitchell comes into the side on a flank, but will no doubt find himself part of the midfield mix, while Luke Scott will look to start where he finished last week by hitting the scoreboard regularly from Centre Half Forward.

Up front, Dickfos will be looking for another strong showing this week after good signs vs UQ, and will hope to finish off his hard work in front of goal this week to apply scoreboard pressure to the Panthers.

The Magpies this boast a host of on-ball options, so the starting on-ball division of Carseldine, Crawford and Sondergeld will be looking to work hard early to establish ascendancy before taking a well earned break while the likes of Mitchell, McEvoy, Hopkins, Jeanke-Cain et al push through to maintain the run needed to outwork their opposition.

Tackling machine Richard Wenham lines up on the wing and will be looking to make an impact around the stoppage exits with his superb pressure game, while Doc Davis lines up in the familiar half back role where his form has been consistent for an extended period.

The bench is a mix of speed and size with Aneet and Hopkins balancing Billing and Barling, offering versatility to the side.  Barling can offer a much needed chop out to Beer in the ruck, and also offer a marking option up forward while Aneet will be looking to light up Chelmer with his speed in his return to the senior lineup.

It promises to be a cracking contest on Sunday afternoon in front of a big home crowd with plenty of junior support expected to be down at the groundand an U/6's game to be played at half-time.

To celebrate AFL's Indigenous Round., former Sherwood Magpie star, Greg Butler will toss the coin for the Seniors match.  Greg was the eldest of seven boys who all played with Sherwood. He was a talented indigenous player who represented Queensland at all junior levels and played in four premiership sides with the Club before going to Kedron. There he played in the 1980 premiership side and totalled over two hundred QAFL games.

Current indigenous players Chris Hunt and Aaron Maricic will also lead the side onto the ground.

Western Magpies vs Morningside Panthers Sunday 29 May - 2pm @ Chelmer

B: Maricic - Hunt - L.Mitchell

HB: Davis - Allen - McEvoy

C: Bridge - Carseldine (C) - Wenham

HF: D.Mitchell - Scott - Woods (C)

F: Jeanke-Cain - Dickfos - Lewis

Foll: Beer - Crawford - Sondergeld

Int: Aneet - Barling - Billing - Hopkins

24 Fit - Reserves Preview

The Magpies take on the competition benchmark and ladder leader, Morningside on Sunday at the Nest in what will prove a crucial match for a team that has shown plenty of talent, but also gone missing at times this year.  Coach Quentin Johnson will be looking for consistent effort, and hopefully some consistency in availability in coming weeks as the regularity of changes to this team so far in 2016, have certainly been a factor in the results to date.

Coming into the side this week is plenty of youth and talent, via inclusions such as Luke De Nys, Charlie Pershouse, Sam Copland and Will Fletcher, while Jake Heard and Jake Farrell will be better for their run last week after returning from injury.

Another big inclusion is also Brodie Easton after a very solid showing in the Seniors last week, he will be looking to keep his name in the mix for senior selection by maintaining his excellent reserves form from season 2016 so far.

The Panthers lineup is known for their slick ball movement, and run from defence and the Magpies will need to be on their game across the park with their tackling and pressure on the ball carrier.  Blake McClennan, Jake Heard and Will Johnson in particular will be looking to prevent easy rebounds for the Panthers and lock the ball in the forward 50 by covering the spread.

In Hockley, Copland and Pershouse the Magpies boast a range of marking targets with different skillsets, and provided the midfield battle is not lost - should provide headaches in the air for Morningside down back.

In defence, the experienced spine of Sean McEvoy and Gabe McKinnon is well supported by talented up and coming youth in De Nys, Mazerolle and Farrell as well as the more experienced Jae Humphrey in the pocket.

The starting on-ball division of Gibb, Workman, Easton and Devlin will be looking to get on top early and work hard through the middle.  With plenty of rotations available who can go through the center of the ground, the midfield brigade should get through a power of work as a collective group to push the ball forward and keep it there.

Get down to the nest on Sunday at 11am to see a classic reserves battle, blending experience with youth in what should be an entertaining battle.

Reserves vs Panthers

B: Humphrey - McEvoy - Mazerolle

HB: De Nys - McKinnon - Farrell

C: Green - Devlin - Pukallus

HF: Copland - Pershouse - Heard

F: Johnson - Hockley - McClennan

Foll: Gibb - Workman - Easton

Int: Donovan - Fletcher - Hubbert - Walker

CK Group - Colts Preview

Colts look to continue good work

The young Magpies will be looking for win number 7 in a row when they take on Morningside in the afternoon game this Sunday at the nest.

Since being given a football lesson in round 1, the squad has rebounded well and has not tasted defeat since. The victories have been built on a team 1st approach and a preparedness to use each and every member of the side in any situation. This has resulted in having 23 different players feature in the best players, we have had 19 different goal kickers, and have used 31 players so far. All this in 7 rounds of footy…

This week sees the side line up without some top end talent again, but as has been the case all year, the side that runs out will be expected to continue to play the exciting brand of football that they have been developing this year.

The coaches are looking for the full forward line of Stumer, DeRooy & Lawson to continue their recent good form, and they will need good supply from Reynolds, Gainsford, R Johnson, Allen and their fleet of running mids. This group has been superb in patches this year, but they are still to put 4 qtrs together. They will be very nice to watch when they do..

Again much will be expected of the ruck and key post division of Highlands, Fisher & Vine. They are one down this week with Rigsby-Jones set to miss due to work commitments, the loss offset somewhat by the inclusion of Mark Adamson, back from Knee & shoulder injuries.

Expect to see Smith, Vagne, Senescall & Renner rotate anywhere between Half Forward and half back, their versatility is key in getting the right matchups. All will be asked to continue to perform wherever the side needs them. They have been great this year and playing many different roles can only help their development,

The Squad also welcomes Will Burgess in for his first game of the year. After a month of solid training he has earned the right to a game and it is a good reward for some consistent effort.

The bounce is straight after the seniors game, so why not hang around and support these lads who are quietly building a pretty solid case to be considered one of the sides to beat in this year’s Colts Competition.

RHP Physio - Representative Player Update

If you don’t have plans on Sunday, head on down to Metricon Stadium to watch the QLD U/18’s side take on Tasmania at Yeronga in their final game of the NAB AFL National Championships at 11am.

This will be a cracker of a game to watch, and you will get to see young Magpie Will Fletcher lacing up the boots for the QLD U/18 side.

Will is a Magpie junior through and through, starting his football in the Sherwood U/14’s only a few years back and instantly showing a natural ability for the game, despite being a late starter.

Showing poise, balance and superb agility – Will has mixed his obvious natural talent with a strong work ethic, persistence and eagerness to learn to lift his game to the level required for State U/18 selection, despite having another year up his sleeve in this age group.

Will was a part of the Undefeated Sherwood U/17 Div 1 Premiership side in 2015, and despite being just 180cm, is great in the air and loves to take the odd ‘hanger’.  He is a versatile player, but is best when running through the midfield or off half back.

A product of the Magpies club based academy, his game has developed strongly as he progressed through to the Lions Academy and now in to the State U/18 side.  Everyone at the Magpies wishes him well on the weekend, and congratulate him on his efforts thus far.

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES LOOK TO CONSOLIDATE

The Western Magpies take on UQ at the nest on Saturday, in a crucial match for the 2016 season.  Sitting 7th and 3-3 after 6 rounds, the Pies are in a congested ladder, where just 2 wins separates 3rd from 8th and the 4 points on offer are a huge carrot for the improving Magpie outfit.

New Senior Coach Nathan Clarke is not looking to make too many changes to the Magpies game plan and wants his charges to have a strong defensive focus and make it tough for the opposition to score.  Clarke has a pretty clear philosophy, that the Magpies need to be strong on contested ball and make the opposition earn every kick - both strengths of this side over the past 18 months.

The Magpies expect a tough encounter against the Red Lions, who have had no trouble kicking a score this year and have been in most games well into the 2nd half, with only some inaccurate kicking for goal costing them against Morningside in a narrow 8 point loss.  As a result, only a strong 4 quarter effort from the Pies will ensure the 4 points are secured.

Returning to the side is important swing man Luke Scott, after being a late withdrawal last week due to illness, while Brodie Easton has been rewarded for solid and consistent reserves form with a return to the senior side for the first time in 2016.  Out go Sam Copland to the Lions NEAFL side, and Jake Goodall to Redlands.

The Magpies have named a mobile running side, well equipped to deal with a Red Lions outfit known to have plenty of zip.  With Round 6 Rising Star nominee, Rhys Bridge named at Full-Back and the mobile Luke Scott at Centre Half Back while Mitch Stallard and Doc Davis fill the flanks, creating a very skilful half-back line capable of launching plenty of attack.

Brent Staker in his 2nd game for the Pies should be better for the run and will take his place in a dangerous looking half forward line, with Val Pope on one flank and Co-Captain Lachlan Woods on the other.  With each player offering a very different, but effective skill-set - this half forward line should pose plenty of problems for the UQ defenders.

Matt Sondergeld has been in excellent form in recent weeks, and will be looking to work off tall targets Staker and Alex Dickfos when the ball hits the deck.

The Magpies have a very strong on-ball division, particularly with Co-Captain Cal Carseldine in his Grogan Medal winning form, and Gareth Crawford showing in recent weeks why he was such a highly prized recruit with his superb work at stoppages.

The Magpies will need to ensure UQ can't get the ball on the outside and use their pace, as they have proven they can be a high scoring side when they get going and the Magpies won't be looking for a Saturday afternoon 'shootout'.  Strong defence first footy over 4 quarters and playing to the Magpies strength is what will get the job done for the Magpies in this must win encounter.

Western Magpies vs UQ Red Lions - Saturday 21 May, 2pm @ the Nest

B: Tim McEvoy - Rhys Bridge - Luke Mitchell

HB: Mitch Stallard - Luke Scott - Matt Davis

C: Aaron Maricic (R) - Cal Carseldine (C) - Richard Wenham

HF: Val Pope - Brent Staker - Lachlan Woods (C)

F: Matt Sondergeld (R) - Alex Dickfos - Brodie Easton

Foll: Dom Beer - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Gareth Crawford

INT: Nick Barling - Brady Allen - David Lewis - Todd Billing

CFMG Capital - Reserves Preview

Magpie Reserves looking to bounce back to winners list

The Western Magpies Reserves take on the UQ Red Lions in a twilight match this week commencing at 5:15pm at the Nest.

Once again, the team has had significant forced changes, but still looks like a formidable outfit with plenty of senior experience on every line.

Some of the players going out of the side are hard nut back flanker Ricky Dudley and recent senior debutant Luke De Nys who are both unavailable, Charlie Pershouse off to the Lions NEAFL side and Brodie Easton, elevated to the Seniors after consistent reserves form every week, while Rigsby-Jones and Morrison return to Colts football for the weekend.

Into the side are speedster Jake Heard returning from injury, who will add plenty of zip up forward and a good on-ball change if required.   The experienced Cory Hopkins also comes in on a flank, Billy Johnson will add some penetrating kicking on the other flank to add great balance to the half forward line.

Spearhead, Matt Hockley has overcome an injury scare to line up in the goalsqaure, and will be looking to return to his dominant 2015 form that saw him kick a few bags when he was up and firing.

Sonny Aneet on a wing will be better for the run after his first game in 2016 last week, and will be looking to show some dash with his unquestionable outside speed.

It's an experienced defence, with Jadan Morton and Sean McEvoy filling the key posts and the experienced Gabe McKinnon setting up play across half back.

With the Western Magpies Reserves sitting 8th on the ladder, just 1 spot above the 9th place UQ - this is an important game, with the Magpies looking to stay in finals contention.

Be sure to hang around after the Seniors to watch the Reserves strut their stuff under lights.

Western Magpies Reserves vs UQ - Sat 21 May @515pm at the Nest

B: Page - McEvoy - Humphrey

HB: McKinnon - Morton - Mazorelle

C: Aneet - Devlyn - Pukallus

HF: Johnson - Walker - Hopkins

F: Hubbard - Hockley - Heard

Foll: Gibb - McClennan - Workman

INT: Hyndman - M.Davis - Burton - Donovan

24 Fit - Colts Preview

Magpie Youth gunning for 6 straight

This week our young magpies break away from the Senior squads to take on Aspley at their home ground.

After showing some steady and consistent improvement each week, they now have the challenge of proving that gains made are permanent. The level of effort and commitment required to stay in the top 4 means each and every week they have to be mentally ready to perform and the test of that is when they play these games away from the senior club. They will need to have no drop off in intensity and that the standards set over the last 5 weeks.

Aspley's best is very good, as their record shows, so the lads are prepared for a high quality opponent and have prepared for a true 4 qtr battle .

Into the side comes Dom Morrison back from Reserves duty, Connor Green and Matt Davis . Out of the side are the very unlucky Alex Davila with an ACL, Skipper Dom Misso with a calf/ Achilles strain, and W.Johnson to the reserves for this week.

Coach Justin Gore says " This is a danger game for our boys, Aspley are much better than the ladder suggests, but as we've shown, if we have the right mindset, play team 1st footy, and back ourselves, we will be hard to beat again"
 

Game starts at 9.30am at Graham Rd Aspley's home ground. All are welcome and the Young Magpies would sure love your support.

Team :

B: Smith . Vine . Luke
HB: Vagne . Fisher . Senescall
C: Green.  Allen . Gainsford
Hf: Renner.  Mason. Morrison.
F : Stumer. DeRooy. Lawson
Foll: Highlands Reynolds Johnson

Int : Roderick . Grant . Rigsby- Jones . Davis.

Western Magpies appoint new Senior Coach

The Western Magpies Football Club announces the appointment of Nathan Clarke as the Senior Coach for the remainder of the 2016 season. 

Nathan has an extensive and impressive background as both a player and coach, and has also been involved with the Western Magpies in recent years in a development and leadership capacity.

Nathan is a past Brisbane Lions player, listed from 2000 to 2002 during the golden era and also served as playing coach in the ACT for Eastlake Football Club for 6 seasons.  He then returned to the Brisbane Lions in a variety of roles, includingLions Academy Head Coach, Player Development Manager and also Reserves Coach where he coached the Lions to back to back NEAFL Premierships in 2011 and 2012.

A local to South East Queensland, Nathan has exceptional credentials to take on the role and we look forward to the remainder of the season ahead.

Player:

6 x AFL Appearances – Brisbane Lions

200+ Senior Appearances at State League Level in QLD and ACT

Coach:

Level 3 High Performance (AIS 2008)

Eastlake Senior Coach 2005 – 2009

Brisbane Lions Academy Coach 2010

Brisbane Lions Development & Leadership Manager 2011-2012

Brisbane Lions Reserves (NEAFL) Coach 2011-2012 (2 x Premiership)

Western Magpies Leadership Consultant 2015

Registered Physical Education Teacher

The club wishes to acknowledge the outstanding contribution from Glenn Humphrey who has resigned from the senior coaching position.  Glenn was in charge of the club during a transition period, as the Magpies moved from the old Division 1 competition, back to the reformed QAFL State League.  In 2014, a young Magpie outfit played some good, but inconsistent football to finish in 8th position with 5 wins and a number of close losses as the team tired late in the year.  In 2015, the Magpies showed their rapid development with a 15 win season to finish the Home & Away season in 2nd place before a disappointing finals exit.  Glenn was also instrumental off the field, attending club working bees and providing great leadership and initiative in the project to complete the new club rooms. 

The club thanks Glenn and Heather for their contribution, both on and off the field, and wish them well in the future.

24 Fit - Colts Review

COLTS MAKE IT 5 IN A ROW

The young Magpies traveled down the coast to take on Labrador in the early game on what turned out to be a good day for the footy Club.

The challenge was to keep the level of improvement going that we have seen the past month, and produce a brand of footy that will stand up against anyone, anywhere at any time.

Having entered the game short on some speed and running capacity, The Magpies needed to be direct, use the footy well, and share the workload if they were going to come out on top against a side that was touted as one of the favourites preseason. That’s exactly what they did, and the result was a solid victory by 55 points.  

The fact this side does not rely on 1 or 2 superstars, and needs all 22 to have an influence was on show when returning big man Alex Davila was struck down with what appears a reoccurrence of his ACL injury just 2 minutes into his first game back after first injuring it early last year. The clubs best wishes are with you mate and look no further thanBig Jonno Mason to see that it’s possible to make your way back after consecutive ACL’s . We will be there for support or guidance whenever needed, as this club does not drop off our guys when the going gets tough, we will rally and support you and we look forward to the day when we can announce you're back big fella!

With our skipper Dom Misso hobbled by a calf complaint, the midfield needed to have some guys stand up and Jimmy Gainsford, Damon Allen, Cal Grant & Tommy Roderick all lifted to give the regulars we had left in Liam Reynolds, Rory Johnson and Ruckman Aaron Highlands the support needed. Both Key Forwards in Mason and De Rooy presented all day and both finished with 4 goals. They were well supported by the fleet of small forwards Chae Lawson 2, Billy Johnson 2 and Phil Stumer. With tackling pressure and a real physical presence provided by Josh Senescall.

Ziggy Fisher continues his rapid development and seeing him take the game on is great to watch. I’m sure he’s got no idea what he’s about to do, but that’s the best thing about watching him play. Let’s hope we get to see him for many more years, as with a couple of years development, this lad has the ability to be absolutely anything. The settled backline of Vine, Smith and Luke continue to impress, it’s the 4th week in a row they have conceded 6 goals or less. That’s a quality effort. Ryan Vagne’s versatility was useful between half back, half forward and wing, as was Pat Renner, after a slow start he worked his way in to the game and had a good second half at half forward. It was great to see Jessie Rigsby-Jones back up and play for the Reserves as well. Big effort seeing as he had to play many more minutes than expected due to Alex going down.

The colts next play Aspley at Aspley 9.30 next Saturday Morning. All are welcome to come and have a look at the next wave of Senior Magpies developing nicely.

Magpies 13.9 - 87 defeated Tigers 4.8 - 32

Best: L.Reynolds, R.Johnson, D.Allen, J.Gainsford, C.Lawson, A.Highlands, J.De Rooy

Goals: Mason, De Rooy 4, Lawson, B.Johnson 2, Fisher 1

CK Group - Ressies Review

PIES RESERVES SUFFER ANOTHER BIG LOSS

The Western Magpies Reserves were given a football lesson by Labrador at Labrador on Saturday. The Pies were competitive for about half of the first quarter before being overwhelmed by a strong and bigger Labrador team containing several regular senior players returning from injury. Labrador won 21.11-137 to 3.5-23, inflicting the Magpies biggest defeat for over 10 years. 

The Pies were thrown into some disarray before the match with promising youngsters Charlie Pershouse and Lachie Dennis called into the Brisbane Lions NEAFL team for their match in Sydney and Todd Billing called into the Senior team.

The Pies had a crack early in the match but were beaten in the midfield and were back pedaling from then on. 

There were some good inclusions for the Magpies but the Pies' intensity dropped off quickly and they were second to the football from quarter time onwards.

Joel Workman continued his good form with plenty of effort and Jamie Page tried hard on a wing and he is being rewarded for regular training with improved form after not making the side earlier in the year.  Ricky Dudley continued to try hard to stem the tide across half back, Brodie Easton again picked up plenty of possessions in the midfield and drifted forward to boot 2 goals and Jadan Morton worked hard to plug the gaps.

Regular 2015 Senior player Sonny Aneet played his first match in 2016 for the Pies and quickly gained touch in a pleasing display.

The Magpies are still only 4 points out of the five and have a chance to get their season back on track when they host the winless UQ at Chelmer on Saturday. However,  the Pies will have to lift significantly after 2 disappointing matches in a row as the Red Lions will no doubt smell blood and will throw everything at the Magpies. 

Labrador 4.5 - 29 | 10.7 - 67 | 14.9 - 93 | 21.11 - 137

defeated

Magpies 1.1 - 7 | 2.2 - 14 | 2.2 - 14 | 3.5 - 23

Best: Workman, Page, Dudley, Easton, Morton, Aneet

Goals: Easton 2, Hubbert 1

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES IN 1-POINT THRILLER

The Western Magpies have won a season defining contest overcoming defending Premiers Labrador by one point in a thrilling finish on Saturday afternoon at Labrador.  The Pies came from 11 points down with 3 minutes to play to kick 2 goals to steal a magnificent victory against a side that the Pies have found difficult to beat.

In fact this was the Magpies first win over Labrador at this level, and completes the full set as the Magpies have now defeated every side in the QAFL since their their admission in 2009-10 and re-admission from 2014 onwards.

The win was vital in the context of a congested QAFL ladder and a very even competition, with the Pies sitting mid table at 3-3.

The match was an arm wrestle from the first bounce to the final siren with the greatest margin being the Pies 15 point lead at the 10 minute mark of the second quarter. 

The Pies were lifted by the inclusion of Brent Staker and he did not let down on his debut with 3 important goals and being a strong target across half forward.

The Pies were rocked before that match with the withdrawal of key player Luke Scott with illness and were also missing Chris Hunt and Drew Mitchell with concussion. Todd Billing was called into the side after impressive Reserves form and did not let his team down with a solid match in defence against his old team where he was a regular senior player.

The match was a seesawing affair with the Pies getting on top in the second quarter only for the Tigers to fight back.  The third quarter was again goal for goal then in the final quarter it looked like Labrador would run away with it, but the Pies dug in and refused to go away and with 3 minutes to play David Lewis was felled by a stray elbow across half forward and had to leave the field with a nasty head gash so Ben Jaenke-Cain stepped up and drilled a 40 metre goal to give the Pies hope. 

A quick centre clearance resulted with the ball in the ever reliable Val Pope's hands and he kicked truly to give the Pies a 1 point lead.  The Pies were able to hold on in a tense final 90 seconds for a memorable victory. 

Midfield hard nut Gareth Crawford continues to get better each match to show why he is a multiple B & F winner in Victoria and was strong in the clinches all day, Cal Carseldine was back to his Grogan Medal winning best with a non stop display of contested football, Mitch Stallard showed why he is highly rated in midfield and across half forward and Brady Allen was good on a wing and is starting to be a consistent performer to the delight of his coaches who know what he is capable of. 

Dom Beer gave his usual sterling effort for 120 minutes in ruck and around the ground and Redlands based Matt Sondergeld was again busy around the contests and up forward. Young high flyer Sam Copland was also lively up forward on his return to the side. 

Brent Staker's inclusion gave the Magpies a big lift in confidence and they victory will be vital as the Pies get their season back on track. The Magpies host the winless, but improving UQ next Saturday before playing Morningside at Chelmer the following Sunday. The previously undefeated Morningside were surprisingly defeated by Surfers Paradise by 90 points on Saturday to throw the QAFL season wide open.

Labrador Tigers 3.1-19 | 8.3 - 51 | 10.5 - 65 | 12.9 - 81

defeated by

Western Magpies 3.4 - 22 | 7.6 - 48 | 9.8 - 62 | 12.10 - 82

Best: G.Crawford, C.Carseldine, M.Stallard, B.Allen, D.Beer, M.Sondergeld

Goals: B.Staker 3, D.Lewis, V.Pope 2, M.Sondergeld, B.Jeanke-Cain, D.Beer, J.Goodall, S.Copland

Coopers Player News - Doug Lawrence

Former Western Magpie key defender Doug Lawrence was named as the NEAFL Round 6 Rising Star after a fine performace for Aspley in their victory over Canberra on the weekend.

Lawrence had a stand out season for the Pies last year, being Runner-Up in the club's Best and Fairest and being named in the QAFL Team of the Year.

Lawrence played in the Pies first 2 matches before being called up for Aspley, which is a good effort as the Hornets back six has been solid and touted as the best in the NEAFL.

The following article appeared in the NEAFL website this week:

South African-born defender Doug Lawrence is still pinching himself at the thought of being offered a spot on Aspley’s star-studded NEAFL list.

The 20-year-old had been on the Hornets’ radar for the last couple of seasons before earning his opportunity in the NEAFL this year.

Recruited from the Western Magpies, Lawrence hit his strides in the QAFL last season where he earned the competition’s Rising Star nomination in Round 1.

Even more impressive in his rise up the ranks was the fact Lawrence spent two years out of the game while concentrating on his final years of high school.

When he returned to football in 2014 at age 18, he made his senior debut in Round 1, and hasn’t looked back since.

In just his fourth NEAFL game against the Canberra Demons last weekend, Lawrence was among the Hornets’ best in a 45-point victory, earning the Round 6 NEAFL Rising Star nomination as a result.

The 20-year-old said it’s still hard to believe how far he has come.

“I’ve always wanted to try and go as far as I could with it,” he said.

“I’ve got a very strict mum who didn’t want me to play rugby when we moved over to Australia, so that’s how I got into footy originally.

“In Year 11 and 12 my parents made me stop playing for two years. They said to play school sport while I could and to enjoy my last years of high school.

“Then I just wanted to get back into it so I joined the Magpies. They were a really good bunch of guys and that’s when I got that hunger back again.

“One thing led to another and now I’m at Aspley and trying to crack into the senior team and see where it goes from there.

“I guess that’s why I’m shocked (about the nomination), I’m still getting used to the fact I’m on Aspley’s list, let alone get a couple of NEAFL games for them.”

Lawrence was named for his NEAFL debut to replace star defender Michael Hutchinson in Round 3 against NT Thunder in Darwin.

His first assignment? Taking on three-time league goalkicking winner, Darren Ewing.

“I was pretty nervous. Well, that’s an understatement,” Lawrence said.

“I didn’t watch too many YouTube clips because everyone was telling me how good he was, and I knew aswell.

“It was a pretty unreal experience though. I was pretty happy with how I went on him. I know he kicked eight, but at least three were absolute ‘gimmies’.

“But it was really good to play on him and see someone as good as him goes about it. He constantly keeps you on your toes. He is so smart and knows how to use his body. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was a good test.”

Lawrence has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, keeping his place in the side ever since.

With Aspley set to miss Gavin Grose and Hutchinson for an extended period of time, Lawrence will have every chance to further his development at NEAFL level.

“After my first game (against NT Thunder in Darwin) I was a bit shaky. But when you’ve got some of the guys like ‘Bourkey’ (Jordon Bourke), Jack Stanley and Jackson Allen around – even when Gav and ‘Hutchy’ have gone – I’ve been feeling a lot more comfortable each game.

“It’s just basically about starting to believe in myself a bit more. As a backline, I think we are clicking. There are a few new faces around, so everyone is starting to gel a bit better. I definitely felt comfortable on the weekend.”

The Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition.

Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 senior games at the start of the 2016 season.

PLACE PREVIEW - COLTS LOOK FOR 5 IN A ROW

The young Magpies are on the road this week playing the early game at Labrador.

  It's a new challenge and will be a stern test against a side that saves it's best for home games. 

  With 4 wins on the trot, the young Magpies head in to this game with some solid form, but know that they have much improvement to come . The depth will be tested as injuries to key running players  Gore & Green ,the elevation to the Reserves of Morrison and the departure of Fletcher to the Lions NEAFL side has put a dent in the midfield that will need to be covered by the existing fleet of midfielders Reynolds, Misso, R Johnson and Co. 

  The return of Big Alex Davila from almost a full year out with and ACL is a great boost for the boys and a reward for his dedication to rehab and continued commitment to the club and squad. Up until now he has been the team’s runner, and has looked like a 6ft 7in pink lipstick at times , but we know where he would rather be and he has worked extremely hard to get back playing !

   This is a danger game, but if the  lads have the correct mindset, each plays their role, and they go at it for the full 4 quarters, they have every chance to put win number 5 on the board. 

Western Magpies Colts v Labrador at Labrador at 9.30 am on Saturday, May 14th

Smith Vine Luke

Renner Fisher Roderick

Grant Misso. B Johnson

Senescall Mason Vagne 

Stumer  DeRooy. Lawson

Ruck: Highlands  Reynolds  R Johnson

Int : Gainsford, Allen, Davila, Rigsby- Jones. 

24 Fit - Late Mail! - Changes to Reserves Side

Young stars Lachie Dennis and Charlie Pershouse have been called into the Brisbane Lions NEAFL team for their match against Sydney University in Sydney on the weekend.

As a result, both will be unavailable for the Reserves match vs Labrador.

Likely changes will be Matt Davis and Sam Donovan.

Sci Fleet Taringa - Reserves Preview

The Western Magpies Reserves will try to put an ordinary performance last week behind them and bounce back against an equally vulnerable Labrador at Labrador on Saturday.

The Pies have not met their pre-season expectations but neither have last year's Premiers Labrador who have quickly come back to the field this year--the Tigers are on 3 wins and the Pies are at 2-3 after 5 rounds. The third placed team on the ladder is only on 3 wins so the Pies can really kick start their season with a victory on Saturday.

The Pies have five big inclusions in ruckman/forward Jadan Morton back from the Seniors, key defender Todd Billing, half back Luke de Nys, midfielder Blake McClennan and speedy winger Sonny Aneet returns to the club.  The outs are Alex Dickfos back to Seniors, Hunter Heath and Jesse Pukallus both injured and youngters Sam Donovan and Matt Davis omitted.

Morton will add grunt in the ruck and with de Nys and McClennan both class players and likely to join the midfield mix the Pies look stronger than in recent weeks. McClennan has had plenty of Senior experience but has had a delayed start to the season due to a niggling injury and will be jumping out of his skin to help lift the Pies.

Aneet provided plenty of leg speed to the Pie Seniors last year and it is good to see him back and he will give the midfield a boost.

It should have been a long week for the Magpies at training after an underwhelming performance last week and if there is any pride in the team they will bounce back hard to seek redemption and prove last week was an aberration.

Coach Quentin Johnson was bitterly disappointed in the effort from his side last week and will no doubt have laid down the law this week about what is required to be successful at this level.

There are a number of positional changes as well with the backline reorganised and it looks particularly strong with the return of Billing and the experienced Chris Devlin moving into defence. Ricky Dudley has been exceptional in his first year at the club and should continue his good form.

Joel Workman has been rewarded with solid form to start in the middle and the experienced Matt Hockley at CHF will marshall promising youngsters in Lachie Dennis, Dom Morrison and Charlie Pershouse to give the forward line a bit of youthful exuberence.

The Magpies season hangs in the balance and in a vital match must lift significantly to get the four points against a Labrador side that is not the same team as last year. 

Western Magpies Reserves v Labrador at Labrador at 11.30 am on Saturday, May 14th

B:  Chris DevlinSean McEvoy (VC)  Gabe McKinnon (Co-Capt)

HB: Ricky Dudley Todd Billing Jae Humphrey

C: Sonny AneetJoel Workman Jamie Page

HF:   Lachlan DennisMatt Hockley (Co-Capt.) Dom Morrison

F: Stuart HubbertCharlie Pershouse Blake McClennan

Rucks: Jadan Morton, Matt Mazarolle

Rover: Brodie Easton

I/c:  Josh Burton, Trent Walker, Geoff Gibb, Luke de Nys

Emerg: Matt Davis, Michael Hyndman, Sam Donovan

PLACE PREVIEW - STAKER TO 'DEBUT' VS TIGERS

Off season recruit, and former West Coast Eagle/Brisbane Lion -  Brent Staker is a big "in"  for the Western Magpies when they travel to the Gold Coast to play the 2015 Premiers Labrador. Staker comes into the Magpie side for his first match after suffering a hamstring injury in the pre-season.

Both the Pies and Labrador are not where they expected to be at this stage of the season so this game is another one in the category of a "must win match".

Staker adds not only skill but experience to the Pies side and will demand attention from the opposition hopefully freeing up another star Magpie eslewhere. Staker has been slotted to play at centre half back but expect him to spend some time up forward during the game.

Also into the side are full forward Alex Dickfos who has recovered from a viral illness and was asked to play Reserves last week after missing 2 weeks of training due to his illness. That said Dickfos has not reached the heights of last year and needs to get back to his bullocking and goal kicking best to give the Pies the lift they need up forward.

Also into the side is Sam Copland who returns from Queensland Under 18 dutties and will give the Pies forward line a lift.

On the debit side the Pies lose key defender Chris Hunt and strong midfielder Drew Mitchell, both with concussion after suffering head knocks last match, and Jadan Morton goes back to the Reserves.

The Pies were smashed in the outside run and on transition last week and as a result were second to the ball and looked reactive. This can be rectified with increased workload both with and without the football and coach Glenn Humphrey has emphasised the importance of winning the midfield battles. Nick Barling looked to be getting back to form in the ruck with some beautiful taps after half time and he will need to continue this form to give the Pies first use of the football. 

Brady Allen was one player to hold his head high last week and while he was good he always looks like he can rip a game apart at any time but has yet to do so. This Saturday may be just the match where he can lift even further and become the match-winning dominant player he threatens to be. 

With Mitchell out, the Pies have moved Lachie Woods back into the midfield mix and added Mitch Stallard as well to give some outside pace.

Luke Scott to CHF is a good move and with Val Pope and Jack Goodall either side of him the Pies forward power looks potent but only if given good delivery.

The Pies have been stung hard by losses in the past two matches and know their season hangs in the balance so will be fired up for a big game against a Tigers side which will be equally desperate.

For two sides struggling compared to pre-season predictions this match is a big one and still deserves "Match of the Day" status.

Western Magpies v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday, May 14th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke MitchellRhys BridgeRichard Wenham 

HB: Matt DavisBrent Staker Tim McEvoy

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

HF: Jack Goodall (R)  Luke ScottVal Pope

F: Matt Sondergeld (R) Alex DickfosSam Copland

Rucks:  Dom Beer, Ben Jaenke-Cain 

Rover: Gareth Crawford

I/C  Nick Barling, Mitchell Stallard, Lachlan Woods (Co-Capt), David Lewis

Coopers Fan Profile - Mark Milne

Mark Milne is a regular face down at the nest, watching his beloved Western Magpies - but what you may not know, is that Mark is a Pies supporter with a difference!

Mark is also a former elite sportsman himself, representing Australia at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics in both 7-a-side soccer and shot put.

Mark was the Skipper of the Soccer team, who finished 5th to narrowly miss out on a medal and he also finished a creditable 6th in the shot put.  He was classed as a C8 athlete, which is a cerebral palsy classification for athletes retaining a good level of mobility.

Mark was already an elite soccer player before suffering injuries in a car accident in 1985 just 4 months before his 21st Birthday.  Mark reflects that he was forced off the road by a car on the wrong side, and as a result he hit a power pole and suffered and acquired brain injury.

Before the accident he was a member of the Brisbane Lions team, playing as a sweeper when they were in the then National Soccer League (NSL).

His longtime connection with the Magpies involves playing at Sherwood as a youngster with some of his good mates, before his talent for the round ball game saw him pursue that sport at the highest level in Australia at the time.

If you see Mark around the footy club, be sure to say g'day and chat to him about his own impressive sporting career, as he was certainly a very special talent both before and after his accident. 

Place Match Review - Improving Colts get the job done

The Western Magpies Colts kicked off the day with a solid win over rivals PBC by 38pts.

It was built on an excellent first half, with the forward press and full ground pressure the team applied proving too much for PBC. The result of this was a 38 point half time lead. It should have been even better than that, but missed opportunities, and a desire to share the footy around, meant some excellent work from the backline and midfield , who were both well on top, wasn't exploited fully.

The forwards were not bad by any stretch of the imagination, and with a focus on the press and pressure inside the forward 50 it's understandable that some attacking fluency wasn't quite as it should be.

The highlights were forcing many turnovers from PBC's kick out's ,the ruck work of both Highlands and Rigsby-Jones, the constant power running of the midfield group led by Reynolds, Misso, R Johnson , Fletcher & Gainsford, both key defenders Vine and Fisher, hard ball work of Smith , Roderick and Renner, and the pressure and crumbing work forward of centre from Lawson, Stumer and B Johnson.
 

Both big key forwards worked tirelessly with Mason being targeted constantly by PBC and he must be commended on keeping fairly cool whilst being harassed by multiple opponents.

A flat second half was proof the Colts still have much to work on and having improved fitness to bury sides when in a strong position as they we were at half time is the next step for these talented lads.

Magpies 11.14 - 80 defeated PBC Lions 6.6 - 42

Best: Reynolds, Misso, Vine, Smith, R.Johnson, Rigsby-Jones

Goals: Reynolds 3, Lawson, Stumer, De Rooy 2, Mason, Misso 1
 

Body Key Chiropractic - Ressies Review

PIES RESERVES BLOWN AWAY

The Western Magpies Reserves were blown away by a more determined and strong Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies were disappointing in the loss and looked disinterested and their efforts were below what is required and expected at this level. 

Subsequently they were beaten by 98 points, 18.14-122 to 3.6-24. 

The Pies were slow to start and had 5 goals kicked against them before they knew it and never recovered.  

They were second to the ball, fumbled and were smashed on the transition.

From all reports numbers at training have been less than desired and this is reflected on what occurs on a Saturday. The Pies on paper looked a good side but with Alex Dickfos injured early it did throw the side out up forward. 

The Pies were goalless to half time.

Players who did show the required effort were Joel Workman, who was given more time in the midfield, Jamie Page, Gabe McKinnon and Ricky Dudley in defence trying to stem the tide, Brodie Easton continued his recent good form in the centre and new player Stuart Hubbert in his first season of AFL showed some fight in the clinches.

Magpies 0.2 - 2 | 0.6 - 6 | 1.6 - 12 | 3.6 - 24

defeated by

Palm Beach 5.4 - 34 | 9.8 - 62 | 14.9 - 93 | 18.14 - 122

Best: Workman, Dudley, Page, Easton, McKinnon, Hubbert

Goals: Dickfos, Pershouse, Pukallus

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES GO DOWN IN CLASSY CONTEST

The Western Magpies were beaten by a speedy and vastly improved Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer on Saturday,  the Pies were defeated by 38 points 19.15-129 to 14.7-91.

The match was a high class affair with the Lions getting a break on the Pies late in the second quarter which they were able to hold onto for the remainder of the match. The visitors were good in transition and had several speedsters who troubled the Pies with their pace and penetrating kicking.

The Lions were able to score 3 cheap late second quarter goals when the ball squirted out the back of the pack deep in the Pies defence, allowing the Lions to grubber them through from the ground inside the goal square which disappointed the coaching staff. 

The Lions skipped to an 8 goal lead mid way through the third quarter but the Pies fought back with 3 goals to give faint hope of a comeback late in the quarter but PBC always had an answering goal to dampen the Pies hopes.   

The Magpies were beaten by a better side on the day but their effort and hardness at the contest was back to the expected high standard this team had set for themselves over the past 18 months. 

The Pies were down to 20 fit men by the last quarter with both Chris Hunt and Drew Mitchell suffering head knocks in the second quarter--Hunt was subbed out and Mitchell returned to the fray but struggled as a result and was taken from the ground early in the final quarter. 

Rhys Bridge in the last line of defence was a fine player with numerous intercept marks and strong spoiling.

Jack Goodall kept presenting at CHF despite a couple of heavy knocks and was rewarded with 4 goals, Brady Allen had his best game for the year working hard back then injecting forward when needed. Richard Wenham returned to his best after several weeks out with hard running and defensive work across half back and in midfield. 

Ben Jaenke-Cain and Gareth Crawford also won plenty of the ball and Luke Scott ranged far and wide up forward to boot 3 goals.  

Senior Coach, Glenn Humphrey had this to say:

“We were just outplayed. They were very good around the stoppages, well organised, and simply outplayed us on the day.

“I think our defensive work was very good at times, as was our offence when we got out the other side of the ground, but they had more use of the football.”

The Pies depth will be tested when they travel to Labrador next Saturday with both Hunt and Mitchell in doubt in what will be a big game for the Pies in the context of the season.  

Western Magpies 4.1 - 25 | 7.4 - 46 | 12.4 - 76 | 14.7 - 91

defeated by

Palm Beach Lions 5.4 - 34 | 10.7 - 67 | 17.13 - 115 | 19.15 - 129

Best: Goodall, Bridge, Allen, Scott, Wenham, Jeanke-Cain

Goals: Goodall, 4, Scott, 3, Lewis 2, Sondergeld, Stallard, Maricic, Pope, Morton