PLACE PREVIEW - Magpie Colts Ready for Dangerous Opponent

This week while the Senior teams have their well-earned bye, the young Magpies take on Cooparoo on their home ground in a rare Saturday night time slot.

After a huge win last week, it will be crucial that the Colts stay focused again, and continue the recent improvement shown for the last few weeks. With the unbeaten Mt Gravatt providing Cooparoo with at least 6 players for this game, any thought of an easy night at the office has been squashed, which is a positive for our squad as we need all the quality competition they can get. The boys only have this game, then a bye and the last round against UQ before the finals start. So a continued focus on the tough contested style of footy that will win finals is the main theme for these games.

There are again a number of changes from last week’s side-- there has been no less than 4 changes every week and it’s a credit to the depth of talent in the club that the Colts are positioned well for a nice high finish after the regular season. 

Out of the side are Vice Captain Liam Reynolds, tough utility Josh Senescall, rapidly improving half back Dom Morrison, and the versatile Damon Allen.

Into the side comes key forward Jake Farrell, Tom Roderick and Billy Johnson and all will add to the team as they have all had good form in recent Reserves matches. Also in comes the talented Ethan Sivijs , who is having a sensational year with the Under 17’s. All will add quality to the squad.

Coach Justin Gore will expect a huge effort from all players to apply pressure all over the ground, as the aim is for the young Magpies to be the best defensive unit they can be.

In such an even competition, it’s a focus on pressure acts and creating opposition turnovers that will make them very hard to beat in any conditions and at any ground.

The Magpies Colts players and supporters hope to see as many of the larger family of loyal Magpies supporters come along and support your Colts in their second last home and away match this year. The Colts are currently fourth on the ladder but with a chance to climb higher and will feature in the Division 1 finals series. 

The squad for Saturday night's  game is : Misso, R.Johnson, B.Johnson, Gore, Vine, Smith, DeRooy, Lawson, Stumer, Gainford, Johnstone- Bates, Roderick, Farrell, Grant, Mazorelle, Vagne, Adamson, Luke, Burgess, Green, Renner, Sivijs.

Match is at Giffin Park at Coorparoo at 6.45 pm on Saturday, July 23.

Coopers Community Footy Update - Woodsmen press for finals

Western Magpies affiliate, the Woodsmen take on Coorparoo Kings this Friday night at the Nest at 730pm in a crucial encounter.

After a dominant undefeated 2014 Premiership Season and a Runners Up finish in 2015, the Woodies have had a tougher year in 2016 and currently sit 5th on the ladder with an 8-6 record and half a game clear of 6th place.

With 3 losses by less than 5 points and 2 more by less than 15 - the Woodsmen have been close enough but not good enough for much of the year, but hope to turn around their form as finals approach with a feeling in the squad that a Premiership is still very much for the taking in 2016.

There are 3 teams sitting well ahead of the pack at the top of the ladder, but pleasingly the Woodies have had wins over both 1st and 2nd place and went down by just 1 point to the 3rd place team - so the boys know their best is good enough when the whips are cracking come finals time.

With 2 rounds to go the Woodsmen need to secure at least one win to guarantee finals action, and this week looks like it will be the last home game of the year and in lieu of the QAFL bye we encourage the Magpies faithful to get down and support the Woodies in their quest to secure a finals berth.

It promises to be a hard fought battle against an experienced Coorparoo outfit and the Woodies would welcome plenty of support to get over the line.  The bar and kitchen will be open, so get down and enjoy a meal and a cracking game of amateur footy.

24 Fit - Ressies Review

RESERVES DOWN BUT STILL A FINALS CHANCE

The Western Magpies Reserves were well beaten by 2nd placed and defending Premier Labrador at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies had several late withdrawals and went into the match undermanned, with five Under 19 players answering the call and stepping up to play.

The Pies were defeated 16.17-113 to 5.9-39.

Labrador were cleaner in the wet conditions as the pies struggled to adapt to wet weather football, persisting with short kicks which resulted in costly turnovers.  Labrador  dominated the first half to lead comfortably at half time. The Pies lifted in the second half to match their opponents at the contest and on the scoreboard.

Coach Craig Allen was pleased with the effort and commitment of his players and says they had a number of chances early to put scores on the board but inaccuracy cost them. Labrador were a bit more polished in the first half but the Magpies proudly fought back after half time to match the Tigers.

Rhys Bridge worked hard in defence to again put his name in front of senior selectors. Charlie Pershouse also worked hard at CHF, continually making a contest and took a big pack mark which excited the crowd and on a couple of occasions soared for a speccy but did not hold them but the crowd loved it anyway.

Under 19s players Tom Roderick at half forward and Damon Allen at half back were impressive in their Reserve grade debuts,  Gabe McKinnon was strong in defence and Chris Devlin used his strength to win plenty of midfield football.  Blake McClennan on ball continued his fine form of the past 6 weeks and must be in the reckoning for a Senior appearance should the opportunity arise.

The Pies are still a mathematical chance of September action and with the return of up to 7 players from injury after the bye will be keen to step up to the challenge and secure a September birth.

Labrador Tigers 6.2 - 38 | 10.7 - 67 | 13.11 - 89 | 16.17 - 113

defeated

Western Magpies 0.4 - 4 | 1.5 - 11 | 2.6 - 18 | 5.9 - 39

Best: Bridge, Pershouse, McClennan, Devlin, Roderick, Allen

Goals: Billing 2, Roderick, W.Johnson, Pershouse

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES FALL SHORT IN WET WEATHER CLASSIC

A poor first half coast the Western Magpies a win against defending premiers Labrador at Chelmer on Saturday. A goalless first half and trailing by 46 points early in the third quarter the Pies then launched a third quarter comeback but were pipped at the post to go down by 3 points, 9.8-62 to 8.11-59 after dominating the final quarter but kicking 2.5 to 0.1

The match was a game of two halves as Labrador dominated the first half and the Magpies the second half in a hard slog played in wet and slippery conditions. The Pies first half was ordinary as they made fundamental errors in the wet conditions, trying to play dry weather football and paid the price with several costly turnovers.

The Pies lost key forward Brent Staker with an ankle injury in the second quarter and while the Pies were held goalless in the first half, they had several opportunities they couldn't capitalise on.

The Tigers led by 40 points at half time and then booted the first goal of the third quarter to hold what appeared to be an unassailable 46 point lead in wet conditions. With Alex Dickfos out with injury the Pies were missing their two key forwards so Brady Allen was swung into CHF and swingman Luke Scott also moved forward by coach Nathan Clark. 

Allen was able to boot 3 goals in the third quarter, two of which were his trademark 50 metre bombs, all the more impressive this time due to the wet and heavy ball. The spark for the Pies comeback also came from the midfield where Callum Carseldine, Lachlan Woods and Gareth Crawford wrested control in the tough conditions. Earlier Labrador had been on top in the middle but the pendulum swung the Pies way with sheer guts and determination not to go down without a fight.  Six third quarter goals while keeping Labrador to 2 goals had the Pies back in the hunt, down by 19 points at the last change and with plenty of momentum.

The last quarter became a slogfest with the ball in the Pies forward line for long periods with several repeat entries, while Labrador managed just 3 inside 50's for the quarter.  Two goals with 15 minutes to go had the Pies down by 3 points and looking the likely victors but they just could not get the final goal as Labrador were impressive with their last line defense to thwart the Magpie onslaught. The match had a final twist as Lachlan Woods had a shot from 55 metres after the siren but his kick fell short—it would have been a monumental kick in the dry let alone in the wet.

Allen finished with 4 goals to highlight his versatility and Tim McEvoy gave sterling service in defence and was also pushed forward for several stints and Richard Wenham also won plenty of the ball in the tight and contested conditions.

The senior coach had this to say after the tough loss

“We made a couple of silly errors early and it cost us; switching play in the wet and stuff like that.

“They certainly deserved to win, but I was proud of the way we fought back.

“Hard to score on wet days, and it was eight goals to nil at one stage, so it’s a credit to the group to get back in to it.

“It was an opportunity to get a two game buffer on Labrador but now we are in the fight, but as I said they deserved to win yesterday, no doubt about it

The QAFL ladder at the top is tight, congested and volatile—the Pies loss was costly as they drop from second to fifth place on percentage. The final make up of the five is far from settled and there are a number of big clashes in the final rounds involving all finals contenders that will make it an absorbing final four rounds.

The flag race is wide open and the Pies face a danger game at Broadbeach in a fortnight after they enjoy a bye this weekend.

Labrador Tigers 4.2 - 26 | 7.4 - 46 | 9.7 - 61 | 9.8 - 62

defeated

Western Magpies 0.2 - 2 | 0.6 - 6 | 6.6 - 42 | 8.11 - 59

Best: Carseldine, McEvoy, Crawford, Woods, Wenham, Allen

Goals: Allen 4, Scott 2, Woods, Stallard

Sci Fleet - Colts Review

COLTS CRUISE TO BIG WIN

On Saturday morning at home the Colts took on a depleted Redcliffe and ran out 153 point winners.
 

Agreeing to play 16 a side due to a lack of personnel, it was a new challenge and possibly a danger game as the Tigers had been used to playing like this for most of the year. It must be acknowledged that their players fronted up to give our lads a game , played it in the right spirit, and despite the scoreline, they never resorted to dirty tactics or chose the easy option. It takes character to front up and keep composure when they knew they were up against it. So credit must go to Redcliffe.
 

As for our team, it was a test of the renewed commitment to the team first mantra, and the coaching staff were very pleased with the acceptance of having to rotate through the bench regularly. With 6 on the bench it kept the interchange steward Vanessa Renner and Warren , our assistant coach and rotations overseer ,quite busy.
 

It's hard to really pinpoint highlights , although Jeremy DeRooy's 4 first quarter goals were exciting as was the continued development of Dom Morrison as an attacking half back. Liam Reynolds was back to his best and has really benefitted from his run in the Reserves last week. Rory Johnson continued his late season burst of form with a classy display in the midfield and Chae Lawson, Ash Gore and Phil Stumer had a ball as small forwards . Pat Renner is finding form and the new ruck trio of Kurt Vine, Damon Allen & Connor Green shows promise.
 

Down back, Cam Smith & Tommy Luke were solid and just too good for their opponents but it was a strong showing from Mark Adamson that caught the eye. He was good one-on-one , and also showed ability to be a link up player as well, finding space and giving the option for the switch play on many occasions.
 

When you are totally in control as the Colts were , it was a good opportunity to throw the side around a bit and found that Ryan Vagne has an ability to kick goals , Josh Senescall has potential as an attacking half back, Jaidon Johnstone- Bates can give a lead-u-forward option & that Jeremy DeRooy is handy up forward.
 

Now it's time to re-focus and keep the improvement in attitude and team first acts going so the young Magpies can bridge the gap to the top three teams. Another great week on the track and willingness to learn will see them primed for another top performance this coming Saturday Night against Coorparoo.

Score :
Magpies : 25.19 -169
Tigers   :    2.4 - 16
Goals : J. DeRooy 6, C. Grant 3, C. Lawson 3 , R. Vagne 3, P.Renner 2, M.Adamson 1, C. Green 1, J.Gainford 1, C. Smith 1, A. Gore 1, P.Stumer 1, L. Reynolds 1, M. Mazerolle 1

Best: L. Reynolds, D. Morrison, R. Vagne, M. Adamson, R. Johnson, T. Luke

CK Group - Colts Preview

Colts Keen to consolidate Top 4

The young Magpies take on Redcliffe in the early game this Saturday at the Nest.

After getting back on track last week, and with possibly the best week of training this year, the renewed enthusiasm of the Colts has the group looking forward to a strong showing this week. With only 3 games to go until the finals, these games are so important in the push to close the gap between them and the top 3.

This week the squad welcomes back its Skipper Dom Misso, Vice Captain Liam Reynolds, Slick half forward Phil Stumer, the improving Tommy Luke and utility Ryan Vagne, who both had a successful few weeks up in the Reserves.  Out of the side are Jake Farrell, back to the reserves, Jimmy Hardess after his cameo last week, and the unlucky Jack Simonson, who showed some real toughness last week when playing half a game with a broken wrist.. Both of the u17’s who had a taste of the colts footy, Jordon Bonney and Tristan Dowdy, return to the u17’s program to help them in their push for finals footy. The colts thank these lads for the effort they put in for us. As we already knew, they will be players to watch in the coming years.

The Magpies are primed for a good showing, and while it may be played in some boggy conditions, no excuse will be offered or accepted for anything other than a total and honest effort.

Squad :

Smith, Adamson, Luke, Senescall ,Vagne, Morrison, Gainford, Misso, Grant, Gore, Renner, Stumer, Lawson, DeRooy, Allen, Vine, Reynolds, Johnson, Johnstone-Bates, Burgess, Roderick, Green,Mazerolle.

Game starts 9.30 Saturday at Chelmer.

CFMG Capital - Reserves Preview

RESERVES UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

The Western Magpies Reserves will be up for the challenge when they host the second placed Labrador at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies will be boosted by the return from injury of Sean McEvoy and Ricky Dudley and with Nick Barling recovering from a knock early in the match last week.

The Magpies have hit form recently with a more regular core playing group, but the 2nd placed Tigers will be a formidable challenge as the Pies make their late surge at finals.

A win in this match will boost the Pies slim finals chances but a loss will also not spell the end of the Pies finals assault.

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES FACE NEXT BIG CHALLENGE

The Western Magpies will meet last season's Premiers Labrador in the QAFL Match of the Round at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies have had one hick-up in the past 6 matches and other than that have taken all before them in the middle part of the season.

Labrador are also on a surge after a slow start to the season and are growing in confidence each match as they get key troops back into their lineup

The Pies match committee had a pleasant selection dilemma on Thursday night with the availability of Tim McEvoy and Lachlan Woods after recovering from injury and with almost a full list to choose from, it was going to be tough.  However, unfortunately both Alex Dickfos and Brenton Saunders succumbed to injury and it was 2 in and 2 out.

The Pies were a little flat last week and will need to be at their best from the first bounce in what will be a classic match pitting thr two form sides of the competition against each other on what looks like could be a very wet Saturday afternoon classic.

Coopers Club News - 2006 Premiership Reunion

The reunion of the Western Magpies 2006 Seniors and Reserves premierships won over Noosa was held last Saturday night with approximately 30 players in attendance.

MC Andrew McDonald interviewed Seniors coach Paul Grentell who commented on the strength of the group as players but also as a team where all players did that little bit extra for each other.

He mentioned the unlucky Todd Dunn who strained a hamstring on the eve of the Grand Final--Dunny was too keen to take on his old club. This allowed Will Fozard to come into the side from the Reserves and he was one of the better players in the victory.

Paul mentioned a number of players who played in the Reserves such as Scott Matthews, Phil Wills (now with NT Thunder) and Jye Spencer who would have been senior players in any other season to highlight the depth at the club at the time.

Grentell said the team was so disappointed after a straight sets exit from the 2005 finals that after the Preliminary Final loss they vowed never to experience that gut wrenching feeling again.

David Hamill, who was absent as he was attending Mackay City AFC 40thAnniversary where he was a premiership player, had one of his best matches for the Pies and Reid Dobson with three long goals and plenty of possessions vied for BOG honours. Grentell lauded captain Chris Mihalopoulos who sacrificed his game to tag Noosa's key playmaker and his winning of that battle went a long way toward the victory

McDonald also interviewed Mihalopoulos who as usual led from the front in the 2006 flag but also as organiser of the reunion.

Best on Ground players Reid Dobson (Seniors) and Matt Thompson (Reserves) were also interviewed and gave their views of the respective matches. Thompson mentioned several teammates who played well in captain Brad Wright, backman Leigh Rudd and centreman Luke Knight.

President of the club in 2006 Matt Vowles also gave an insight into the work behind the scenes to get the club to where it was able to win two flags in one season.

A successful night to celebrate two wonderful Premierships.

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES EDGE TO 2ND ON LADDER IN SCRAPPY WIN

To paraphrase Steve Waugh, "an ugly win is better than a good loss".

The Western Magpies were made to work hard by an exuberant Sandgate who had come to play in their clash at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies extra class won the day as they had a hard fought 28 point victory, winning 14.13-97 to 11.3-69.

The home tweak were out of the blocks early to post the first three goals of the match but the Hawks steadied with 3 of their own to narrow the gap. In the second quarter the Pies struggled to get the ball through the Sandgate flood as the Hawks used a loose man in defence. In fact the Pies were held goalless for the quarter as Sandgate went into the long break with 9 point lead.

The Pies were making uncharacteristic errors as they tried to maintain possession to break through the visitors defensive wall.

Normal transmission was restored in the third quarter as the Pies booted five goals while keeping Sandgate scoreless in perfect football conditions. The Pies had a scare early in the final quarter -  after kicking the first goal of the quarter to go what seemed like a comfortable 29 point lead, Sandgate played some scintillating football to boot three quick goals to trail by 11 points before the Pies steadied and then took control again to run out comfortable, if not convincing, 28 point victors. 

Ben Jaenke-Cain was back to his best with a non-stop display all over the ground and had good support from Brodie Easton and Matt Davis on the wings. All three won plenty of possessions in midfield and pushing back to help out the defence. Easton keeps getting better with each game and Davis is recapturing his brilliant form from 2015. 

David Lewis also played well in several positions forward and back and has also been a consistent player and ever reliable Luke Scott marshalled the defence as usual. 

Luke Mitchell continues his fine season and must be in the reckoning in best and fairest voting as he has not had a bad game and keeps on mopping up and being creative out of defence.  

Up forward Brent Staker often competed with 2 or 3 defenders but managed 3 goals and Sam Copland booted 3 important goals as well, 2 in the last quarter when Sandgate were threatening which gave the Pies breathing space.  

Alex Dickfos kicked 2 goals but missed another 5 gettable goals and when he clicks he will boot the Pies to an important win in the near future. 

Senior Coach Nathan Clarke had this to say:

“It was a really good win for us, we were pleased with it.

“I don’t think we played our best, but that is a credit to Sandgate, I’m surprised they haven’t won more games, our boys will definitely take a lot out of it.
“We nearly doubled their scoring shots, but it was just one of those games.

“We moved the ball a bit better in that third quarter. In the second quarter we got a bit spooked when they had a few numbers in front of the footy, which we rectified.”

The win coupled with Morningside's loss to Labrador moves the Pies to second on the ladder and seriously eyeing off top spot after Palm Beach-Currumbin were defeated by Surfers Paradise and are now only 4 points clear of the Pies.

Top spot will be in reach if the Pies can overcome a resurgent Labrador in what will an absolute cracker of a game at Chelmer next Saturday between arguably the two form sides of the competition with the Pies in a 5 win streak and the Tigers enjoying a 4 match winning streak.

Western Magpies 5.2 - 32 | 5.5 - 35 | 10.7 - 67 | 14.13 - 97

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 3.2 - 20 | 7.2 - 44 | 7.2 - 44 | 11.3 - 69

Best: Jeanke-Cain, Lewis, L.Mitchell, Easton, Scott, Davis

Goals: Staker, Copland 3, Dickfos, Jeanke-Cain 2, Saunders, Pope, Lewis, Allen 1

24 Fit - Ressies Review

The Western Magpies Reserves posted their biggest win for several years when they defeated a gallant Sandgate by 118 points, winning 29.12-186 to 10.8-68.

The Pies have been decimated with injury over the past few weeks and this has impacted heavily on the Reserves. The selectors included several Under 19s in Liam Reynolds and Ryan Vagne and they did not let the team down and Woodsmen in Andrew Thomson and Kiran Verma saddled up after playing on Friday night to help the club out.  All enjoyed the victory. 

In addition to the inclusions, regular 17 and 18 year olds in Charlie Pershouse, Jake Farrell, Lachie Dennis and Matt Mazerolle all contributed to the win, with Farrell booting 4 goals and Dennis and Reynolds 2 each.

The Pies were rocked early with injury to the experienced Nick Barling at CHB and winger Hunter Heath, both off early in the second quarter. Barling is expected to recover for next week but Heath will miss several weeks. 

However this did not slow the Pies down as the experienced forward duo of Matt Hockley and Todd Billing enjoyed the glut of supply given to them by the midfield duo of Blake McClennan and Chris Devlin. Young ruckmen in Geoff Gibb and Trent Walker are both improving with each match as was their aim when they moved from the Darling Downs to the Pies to further their football education.

Hockley booted 7 goals and he has to be one of the best kicks for goal in the QAFL with a beautiful action and Billing continues to enjoy life as a forward.

McClennan has put together 4 good matches in a row to be in the selectors eyes for a possible call-up to the Seniors and Chris Devlin just keeps getting to the contest all match,, winning plenty of ball in tight and directing traffic.

The Pies will hopefully have several players return to the side for a big clash with the second placed Labrador and a win in this match will put them right back in the hunt for fifth position on the ladder. A loss is not season ending and with coach Craig Allen having his side playing a positive brand of football and enjoying the game they will be a chance of an upset. 

Western Magpies 6.3 - 39 | 12.7 - 79 | 22.9 - 141 | 29.12 - 186

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 4.1 - 25 | 5.5 - 35 | 6.7 - 43 | 10.8 - 68

Best: McClennan, Gibb, Hockley, Billing, Devlin, Walker

Goals: Hockley 7, Billing, Farrell 4, Taylor 3, Dennis, Reynolds 2, Walker, Barling, Mazerolle, Burton, Vagne, Devlin, Pershouse 1

CK Group - Colts Review

IMPROVED EFFORT SEES COLTS WIN WELL

This week the young Magpies had the opportunity in the twilight match against Sandgate to make it 3 from 3 for the club in front of the 2006 premiership reunion.

After a huge win by the Reserves and a gutsy victory by the Seniors it was pleasing to see the Colts produce in front of a nice home crowd.

Fielding a very different side that was without virtually all its senior core, all three first choice ruckman , and a bit of silk at both ends of the ground, it was true test of the squad’s depth of talent. Calling upon two under 17's in Jordon Bonney and Tristan Dowdy (who unfortunately tweaked a groin in the warm up) and a surprise homecoming from long time Magpie junior Jimmy Hardess , recently stationed with the Air Force out at Amberley, it was going to take a full 22 man effort to earn the win.

It was extremely pleasing to see Rory Johnson take the captaincy and produce his best game of the year. The back to back B&F winner has been solid without standing out this year, but with the side needing every player to stand up, he was outstanding for the full four quarters. He wasn't alone though, with Jimmy Gainford, Kurt Vine in the ruck, Damon Allen, Tom Roderick and Ash Gore all working  together to win the midfield battle. They were well supported by Jake Farrell, Matt Mazerolle (both backing up from Reserves duty) Cal Grant and Conner Green, playing a new role as a backup ruckman. Dom Morrison was superb across half back and is developing very quickly in his new role . Has more than a little bit of Will Fletcher about his play and is one to watch in the future.

Backline leader Cam Smith,  Jordon Bonney, Josh Senescall , Jimmy Hardess, & Mark Adamsonwere very solid and show potential to be a quality group.

A make-shift forward set up worked extremely well considering they have never played together as a unit. Big Jeremy DeRooy had a day out and his 6 goals could have been 10 if he had the radar on, Chae Lawson continued his excellent season, and Johnston-Bates continued his improvement . With Pat Renner playing deep to help provide another option, the midfield gave these players nice service. It was good to see Jack Simonson get some touches his second game for the squad and finally be able to sing the song.

On face value it was just a regulation win, but after an ordinary month of football, an absentee list that stretches to 9 players and the need to finish the day off for the club in style, this win was full of merit.

The Colts would like to also thank the increased help from the senior footy department and also the off field support given to the squad from our legend of a manager Gregg Misso and Rob Lawson, Richard Smith and Vanessa Renner. Great to see the players who were not playing also helping out with off field job, running the water etc... It's meant the squad can now focus on the upcoming finals series and doing our club proud.

Western Magpies 12.9 - 81 def Sandgate  5. 3 – 33

Best : Johnson, DeRooy, Morrison, Vine ,Gainford, Johnston-Bates

Goals : DeRooy 6, Renner 2, Johnston-Bates, Johnson, Farrell , Roderick

BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Preview

This week sees the Western Magpies Colts tackle Sandgate on Saturday afternoon in the twilight match at Chelmer. The game will be played in front of the 2006 Senior & Reserves premiership reunion gathering, and the young Magpies are determined to do the occasion justice.

The side has had a challenging month dropping 3 of their last 4 games, so a return to the winners list is a must. Still clinging to a top four spot, a strong showing for the last four matches of the regular season will have them primed for a strong finals series, but they need to recapture the early to mid-season form.

The side is much changed from early in the year, with injury, work commitments and some new recruits coming on board. Up to eight new faces will run out this weekend from when the sides last met in round 3. That game saw a tough contest with the Magpies running out 23 point winners.

This time around the Colts welcome Tristan Dowdy and Jordon Bonney from the Under 17s and will have Jake Farrell, Matt Mazarolle & Ryan Vagne back up from the Reserves. With the Captain, Vice-Captain and both usual starting rucks unavailable, it will be a true test of the depth of talent in the squad.

Despite this, Coach Justin Gore is certain that an improved showing and ultimately the victory is very possible. The squad has put in a much improved showing on the track this week and they have addressed the attitude issues and worked with the intensity that’s needed to continually improve.

The Colts were rewarded for their effort by having an after training meal put on by twoof the squad’s biggest supporters in Kev Kluver and David Bartlett. The players enjoyed the informal setting, had a good chat and laugh, and it is these things that when as a group they have had a tough month, that the club rallies behind them and shows they believe these Colts players are the club's future.

The Colts now look forward to playing back on their home ground patch with a new combination, a fresh attitude and ready to get back in the winners list. Players to watch will be Kurt Vine in the ruck,  Allen,  Gainford,  Johnson , Gore and Roderick through the midfield, Chae Lawson & big Jeremy DeRooy in front of goals, and the skilful Dom Morrison continuing his development at half back.

The match is scheduled for 4.45pm on  Saturday to hopefully finish off a successful day at home for the Pies..

Coopers Catchup - 2006 Premiership Reunions

The Western Magpies will celebrate the dual Premierships the club won in both seniors and reserves in 2006 at a reunion of the players, officials and supporters at Chelmer on Saturday.  Everyone is welcome to attend and join the celebrations.

The Premiership players will celebrate as they watch the current day side take on Sandgate with several survivors still playing! Luke Scott, Tim McEvoy, Val Pope, Gabe McKinnon, Matt Davis, Jadan Morton, Sean Mewing (injured at present) while Chris Mihalopoulos, Sean Toohey, Laurie Bere and Greg Matthews turn out for the Woodsmen on Friday nights.

The Pies defeated Noosa in both grades on different days back in 2006, with the Seniors on Sunday at Cararra and the Reserves on the Saturday at Zillmere.

SENIORS WIN BY 51 POINTS

The Senior side defeated the Noosa Tigers with a dominant second half display after an arm wrestle in the first.

Noosa actually hit the lead shortly before half-time, before the Pies booted 2 crucial late goals to take a valuable half time lead.  However it was still anyones game at 3/4 time as the Pies held a slender margin of 14 points, but the Pies dominated through the middle in the final term to kick 5 unanswered goals and kept Noosa scoreless.  The Premiership win was the Pies first Senior Flag since Sherwood ended their dominant era in 1982.

Coach Paul Grentell elected to use skipper Chris Mihalopoulos in a tagging role on Noosa playermaker Luke Matthews, who was regarded as one of the best players in the competition and would go on to be selected in the All Australian Country team.  Mika successfully shut him down and it was a major reason the Pies went on to win the flag.

Ian Carroll at CHB held Tigers key forward Brett Duke well, while David Hamill worked hard up and down the ground at CHF to present as a target.  Val Pope kicked 5 goals to add to his 80 goals for the season as the competition leading goalkicker.  It was deja vu for this old campaigner, as Pope bagged 5 only last week a decade on!

Tyson Kenny at full back was also strong, while Reid Dobson won plenty of ball through the middle and was the hero late with 3 goals early in the final quarter to give the Pies breathing space and break Noosa hearts, including 2 long bombs from outside 50.  Dobson was awarded the Bill Ryan Medal for Best on Ground.

2006 Seniors Grand Final vs Noosa at Carrara

Western Magpies 5.1 - 31 | 10.2 - 62 | 14.6 - 90 | 19.13 - 127

defeated

Noosa Tigers 4.3 - 27 | 9.4 - 58 | 11.10 - 76 | 11.10 - 76

Premiership Team:

B: Tom Roberts - Tyson Kenny - Gabe McKinnon

HB: Luke Scott - Ian Carroll - Ben Heffernan-Roper

C: Will Fozard - Tom Power - Jimmy Rozynski

HF: Val Pope - David Hamill - Brett Gwyther

F: Adam Gillespie - Steve Tapp - Matt Davis

Foll: Steven Cook - Chris Mihalopoulos - Reid Dobson

Int: Sean Toohey - Tim McEvoy - Jadan Morton - Sean Mewing

RESERVES DEFEAT NOOSA BY 31 POINTS

The Western Magpies Reserves kicked off a successful weekend with a comfortable victory over Noosa in the Reserves Grand Final played on the Saturday at Zillmere.

The Pies had a strong team with plenty of Senior experience with the likes of full forward Scott Matthews turning out for the Reserves despite kicking a bag of 7 in a late season Senior appearance vs Surfers Paradise.  Also playing Reserves that day were other regular Senior players such as Jye Spencer, Chris Garner and Phil Wills such was the strength of the squad at the time.

Coach Andrew Farr was a very good coach and he had a skilled and motivated team who played for each other.  The Pies lost the toss and kicked against the wind in the first quarter.  Noosa had plenty of early chances, but were inaccurate and the Pies snuck in a goal against the wind and only trailed by a goal at quarter time.

The Pies used to the wind to have a 3 goal half-time buffer but Noosa used the wind advantage better in the third quarter to close the gap, but thePies retained a 9 point lead at the final change and with the wind at their back, dominated the last quarter to win comfortably.

Brad Wright at CHB took countless intercept marks and Luke Knight won plenty of ball through the middle to drive the Pies forward.  james Dobson also worked hard in midfield and in defence John Moore and Leigh Rudd stood tall.  Up forward Matt Thompson booted 4 goals and was named Best on Ground, however there is a bit of contention about this as Brad Wright feels he was robbed of BOG honours by the one-armed bandit!

2006 Reserves Grand Final

Western Magpies 12.8 - 80 defeated Noosa Tigers 6.13 - 49

Reserves Premiership Team:

B: Scott de Wever - John Moore - Leigh Rudd

HB: Gus Graham - Brad Wright - Peter Fardon

C: James Dobson - Luke Knight - Adrian Rachele

HF: Matt Thompson - Chris Garner - Jim Somerville

F: Phil Wills - Scott Matthews - Chris Judson

Foll: Chris Keane - Rob McNaughton - Jye Spencer

INT: Jason de Wever - Greg Matthews - Laurie Bere - Nick

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES LOOK TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM VS HAWKS

The third placed Western Magpies will be favoured to take the four points when they host ninth placed Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday, but as this 2016 season has shown so far, nothing can be taken for granted.

The Pies will be keen for a good showing in front of the 2006 Senior and Reserves Premiership reunion crowd and for a number of players there is incentive to play well to hold their place in the side.

Into the team come defender Rhys Bridge and speedster Jake Heard after good Reserves form. Heard's last Senior match was against Sandgate in Round 3 when he sprained an ankle and he forced his way back into the side with several good Reserves matches in which his second and third efforts and forward pressure have been a feature.

Out are Lachlan Woods with bruised ribs and Matt Thomson gets a Redland recall after he played well last week for the Pies.

Sam Copland has captured his form of last year with an increased work rate and now doing the team things that were missing for a while and was rewarded with this week's QAFL Rising Star Award.  With Brent Staker next to him he can only continue to learn. These two with Alex Dickfos, who is ready to kick a bag after recent good form,  and the evergreen Val Pope form a formidable and multi dimensional forward line.

Pope's ability and durability is underlined by the fact he booted 5 goals in the 2006 Premiership and was the league's leading goalkicker with 80 goals in 2006- he reminded the Magpie faithful of his class with a 5 goal haul last week after missing 3 matches.  Also, the Pies recent forward pressure has pleased coach Nathan Clark.

The Magpies engine room is back with a V8 grunt as Callum Cardeldine, Drew Mitchell and Ben Jaenke-Cain have re-discovered their 2015 form and with the addition of the experienced hard nut Gareth Crawford the Pies are wresting midfield control allowing them to dictate terms. Dom beer's ruckwork last week was his best for some time and 2006 premiership player Jadan Morton has proved a revelation in the ruck and around the ground in support of Beer.

Down back another 2006 hero in Luke Scott just rolls along like a well oiled Rolls-Royceand Luke Mitchell continues to play a key role as an attacking back pocket. 

Matt Davis, 16 yo in the 2006 flag side, has regained some of his brilliant 2015 form to be a versatile option for the coaching staff --he can play both back and forward. Add Brady Allen and Chris Hunt, both consistent players recently, and the Pies have the defence to keep Sandgate to a low score.

Sandgate pushed the Magpies all the way in their first clash and the Pies need to be vigilant against a side that has also pushed the top teams for three-quarters in recent matches, with fast starts in several of their recent matches - Sandgate will be looking to put 4 quarters together.

The Pies should prove to be too good, but it will only be a 4 quarter effort that gets the job done and maintains the good work of the past month.

Western Magpies vs Sandgate Hawks at Chelmer on Sat July 9 @ 2pm

B: Luke Mitchell - Jadan Morton - Aaron Maricic

HB: Luke Scott - Chris Hunt - Richard Wenham

C: Matt Davis - Cal Carseldine (C) - Brady Allen

HF: Drew Mitchell - Brent Staker - Val Pope

F: Brenton Saunders - Alex Dickfos - Sam Copland

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

INT: Rhys Bridge - David Lewis - Brodie Easton - Jake Heard

24 Fit - Ressies Preview

The Western Magpies Reserves aim to keep their finals hopes alive when they host Sandgate on Saturday.

The Pies currently occupy sixth place on the ladder but must keep winning if they are to remain in the finals hunt. Sandgate have struggled this season but in their first clash the match was in the balance until the final quarter and the Magpies are well aware of the up and down nature of this competition.

The Pies welcome back key defender / ruckman Nick Barling anddefender Ricky Dudley from injury and youngsters Connor Green and Liam Reynolds come up from the Colts to get a taste of senior football. 

The Pies are still missing key defender Sean McEvoy and half back Jae Humphrey with injury and out of the side are Jake Heard and Rhys Bridge, promoted to the Seniors, with Joel Workman and young Colt Aaron Highlands injured and Billy Johnson back to the Colts. Workman will be missed as he has had a consistent season to date.

The Pies forwards in Charlie Pershouse, Matt Hockley and Todd Billing should get enough opportunities to boot a winning score and young half forward Josh Burton had his best game for the Pies last week.

The consistent Chris Devlin in midfield has been a workhorse all season and with Blake McClennan have been prolific ball winners in recent matches.

The experienced Dudley is a welcome inclusion in defence to support Gabe McKinnon, another 2006 premiership player, who has enjoyed a couple of strong games recently.

The Magpies should win this match but again any complacency will be punished. They are on a knife edge every match now and cannot afford to let this one slip.

Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday, July 9th at 11.30 am

B: H HeathG McKinnon  R Dudley  

HB: S Donovan N Barling J Page

C:  L Dennis C Devlin M Mazarolle

HF: L Reynolds C. PershouseJ Farrell

F:  M Hockley T. BillingJ Burton

Rucks:  G. Gibb, S Taylor  B McClennan

I/C : R Vagne, B. Walker C Green, one to be named  

BodyKey Player Update - Copland Round 12 Rising Star

Queensland Under 18 rep Sam Copland is the round 12 QAFL rising star nominee.

The week in the reserves has inspired the Western Magpies’ forward’s two goal, best on ground performance.

The 17-year-old says it was the wakeup call he needed.

“The coach chucked me back in the twos for a week to get my confidence up,” Copland said.

“I have struggled all season to play like I used to, but I took the reserves game with both hands and played my guts out. I think it was what I needed.

“The coach just wanted me to start performing at the level I am capable off.”

The Magpies are having a strong season, currently sitting in third position, and Copland believes they can go all the way.

“The coach didn’t say much about the win and he went straight onto next week,” Copland said.

“We can’t let our focus slip from the task at hand which is getting as far as we can this season.”

The youngster’s talent hasn’t gone unrecognised and he’s been rewarded with a spot in the Queensland under 18 side.

Playing at a higher level has improved his footy IQ.

“It developed some smarts about my game, especially with my running,” he said.

“I no longer just run around aimlessly and I can now play at a higher intensity.”

In his second season of senior footy the teenager says he is finally starting to adjust.

“At the start it was tough. This season I have managed to put on a bit of weight which has helped me a lot, especially with my aerial game,” he said.

“It helps to put on some muscle, and have some wits about you, when you play senior footy.”

Living in Toowoomba he journeys to Brisbane for training, and games every week.

Travelling doesn’t faze him as he has been doing it for three, to four years.

“I got my licence this year so it has taken time to get confident driving on my own. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy my footy,” he said.

The young prospect is in the leadership group of the Brisbane Lions academy and says he likes to lead by example.

“Being a captain one day would be nice, however I don’t really think of myself as a leader,” he said.

“For me it’s about getting around your mates and having a good time and being serious when you need to.”

Despite aspirations of playing in the AFL, he is staying grounded in his pursuit of consistency.

“At the moment I’m just focusing on staying in form and working with the team to win a premiership,” he said.

“I have two jobs so that helps me escape from footy. I like catching up with friends and playing a bit of basketball every now and then.”

The value of family is not lost on Sam who says his parents have been extremely supportive.

“My dad has a bit of footy knowledge and I ask him for advice,” he said.

“My parents have never pushed me to do anything and have always encouraged me to play at a level I enjoy.”

The Western Magpies will be looking to continue their winning form when they host Sandgate on Saturday at 2pm.

http://www.aflq.com.au/20099-2/

Place Gracevile - Colts Review

On a Saturday morning in perfect conditions against an opponent that the Magpies had beaten by 90 points earlier this season, the young Pies managed to produce their poorest effort for this season.
 

There is no nice way to report for the Magpie faithful what was a game the squad needed to win to secure their spot in the top four.

Just when a win would have given them a game and percentage ahead of the chasing pack, they now face a scenario where any loss from here will mean they miss the top 4 and the crucial double chance.

More importantly than that was the style and quality of the football produced and the generally poor body language displayed by too many of the side. Too much was left to to few and that's always a danger sign.
 

Grange just gave an honest effort for longer than the Pies did, kept their heads up when the Pies  had brief moments on top, and out worked the visitors over the course of the game.

The Colts had their chances, but in the end if they had snatched the win, it would have been a hollow victory. The test will be how the squad and coaching group react to the last month's slide in the quality of football and the attitude and the poor body language being displayed by some of the playersthe lads.
 

Coach Justin Gore offered this " Footy is a very honest beast. You can talk all you want, and promise anything , but in the end, what you produce is all that counts. Credit to Grange, they worked together, and had more people prepared to actually play the for the team. Unfortunately we only had a few, and too many lads whoseem to be not prepared to play a specific role for the side. That's got to change for us to improve"

So it's now very clear what the young Magpies need to focus on.

For the keen supporters of the squad, let's hope they learn the lessons of this week, regain the zest and energy of early in the season, and adapt to the basics of the game plan that both the Senior sides are enjoying. If they do, success awaits. If not , matches like Saturday will be the result.
Score :
Magpies 9.16-70
Grange11.7-73
Goals : Lawson, Allen, Reynolds , DeRooy 2 , Johnston-Bates 1

Best : Allen, Misso, Gainford, Vine , Roderick.

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES FLEX MUSCLE

The Western Magpies have flexed their muscle to a resounding victory over Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday.

The Pies treated the match as a danger game after the Gorillas pushed Morningside last week and were prepared for a strong stoush as Grange attempt to keep their finals hopes alive.

However it did not take long for the Pies to get on top with a 4 goals to nil first quarter establishing a handy quarter time lead. 

The Pies squandered 2nd quarter opportunities to open up a larger half time lead but were well in control at half time. Val Pope returned from a trip overseas to pick up where he left off and had an impressive return with a 5 goal haul. However at times he was blowing up a little earlier than normal to underline a good time on the trip! 

The back line was right on top and kept the home team to 2 goals at half time-in fact the Pies kept Grange goalless from the 2 minute mark of the second quarter until half way through the final quarter. Brady Allen, Luke Scott and Luke Mitchell were all on top and provided plenty of rebound for the Pies. A magnificent and dominate third quarter which netted 9 goals while keeping the Gorillas to a solitary behind saw the Pies out to a 87 three quarter time lead

Up forward Brent Staker booted the first 2 goals of the match to set the scene and Sam Copland was busy with strong leading and plenty of ball but poor kicking for goal (2.5) tarnished an otherwise standout game. 

David Lewis started on a wing then moved to half back and never put a foot wrong and Matt Davis enjoyed pushing forward. Brenton Saunders with 3 goals was a dangerous player up forward and put his body on the line several times to underline the Pies' commitment.

Brodie Easton worked hard  on a wing and has established himself in the side and Cal Carseldine was again up to his neck in it with numerous contested possessions and taking the honours in shutting down Gorillas key playmaker in Steve Brittain. 

Gareth Crawford just seems to be at the contest all day and bobs up with the ball in tight situations and rarely wastes it.  

Dom Beer won in ruck in a welcome return the the side and to form.

The Pies eased off in the last quarter and rested a few players who were carrying niggles but the commitment by the team was demonstrated by Brodie Easton and Ben Jaenke-Cain in the final quarter--Easton x5 efforts in a row to keep the ball in the forward line and Jaenke-Cain x4 similar efforts with 5 minutes to go and a 95 point lead!  

The win has boosted the Pies percentage and ensconced them in third position on the ladder and they are now eyeing second place.

The Magpies host Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday in front of the 2006 Seniors and Reserves premiership players celebrating their ten year reunion, with a few of them still getting about in the senior side to give them plenty of entertainment!

Western Magpies 4.4 - 28 | 8.8 - 56 | 15.14 - 104 | 19.16 - 130

defeated

Wilston Grange 0.3 - 3 | 2.4 - 16 | 2.5 - 17 | 5.5 - 35

Best: Crawford, Easton, Lewis, Saunders, Copland, Carseldine

Goals: Pope 5, Saunders, Staker 3, D.Mitchell, Copland 2, Dickfos, Allen, Thomson, Lewis

Sci Fleet - Ressies Review

RESERVES BACK IN FINALS HUNT 

The Western Magpies Reserves had a strong win over Wilston Grange on Saturday and the 40 point victory puts them back in the finals race. 

Like the Seniors, the Reserves had a dominant 5 goals to one behind third quarter which enabled them to establish a winning lead after a tight first half to have a comfortable win, 12.15-87 to 7.5-47.

The win sees them outside the five by 4 points and percentage and in reality the top four are well clear and there is now a three way fight for only one finals place between Mt Gravatt, Broadbeach and the Pies. 

Coach Craig Allen was pleased with his team's pressure and praised his back line which was solid and created opportunities for attack by being prepared to switch the ball to open up play.

Gabe McKinnon had a good game as the back line organiser and Rhys Bridge again took many intercept marks to push his case for a Senior recall.

Charlie Pershouse and young half forward Josh Burton set the scene with strong first quarters and Pershouse showed he had already learnt a few things after his first senior game last week.

Under 19 players in Aaron Highland and Ryan Vagne enjoyed their taste of senior football and were good players and another 2 youngsters in Lachie Dennis and Billy Johnson were busy players on the wings and rover Blake McClennan constantly drove the Pies forward from the midfield contests. 

Young recruits from the Darling Downs in ruckmen Geoff Gibb and Brent Walker were good around ground to continue their development as players. 

The Pies now have their destiny in their hands and need to win against one of the better sides in the next few weeks to push toward the finals. They will be favourites against Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday but cannot rest on their laurels.  

Western Magpies 3.6 - 24 | 5.9 - 39 | 10.13 - 73 | 12.15 - 87

defeated

Wilston Grange 2.2 - 14 | 5.3 - 33 | 5.4 - 34 | 7.5 - 47

Best: McClennan, McKinnon, Gibb, Walker, Johnson, Dennis

Goals: Johnson, Heard 2, Taylor, Pershouse, Heath, Burton, Hockley, Vagne, Devlin, Farrell