METIS WEALTH - SENIORS PRESENTATION NIGHT - COLTS FORM GUIDE

Kurt Vine :

Kurt was the youngest member of the side , eligible for the u/17’s but chose to ply his trade with the colts all year.  Throughout the year he showed his versatility by playing anywhere from wing/ Half back , in the ruck, or as an attacking fullback.  Produced consistent quality performances , was a key plank in the side.  A smooth mover and a great size for modern footy, he Is a player who if he puts the work in, could very quickly become a key member in the senior set up.

Aaron Highlands :

Aaron came to us from Yeronga, attracted to the magpies by the opportunity to play footy at a higher level and with his good mates. He quickly established himself as the squad’s number 1 ruckman, producing some dominant displays early in the year.  In the mould of GWS’s Shane Mumford, his team mates walk a little taller when Azza is up and about.  The senior coaches quickly took a liking to his aggressive manner, and it would not surprise to see him progress quickly through the ranks and get a taste of senior footy sooner rather than later.  An ankle injury whilst playing for the reserves may affect his final placing in this year’s BnF count, but the big fella can be rightly proud of his season.

Rory Johnson:

Dual B n f winner Rory is simply a footballer of the highest quality.  He had a focus this year to work on his inside game, and while it took a few weeks to come together, from the mid point of the season he was producing the type of footy we know hes capable of. On top of that he became a contested footy beast, showed that he can tackle and defend with some real sting, and still be the classy, attacking midfielder he has always been.  He’s ready for the senior levels of footy now, and should he choose to keep at it, the club has a quality player and even better person to elevate into that system. May find the first half of the year makes it tough for a 3 peat but will poll well late .

James Gainford :

Jimmy returned to footy after a few years trying other sports.  He’s a super athlete, can run all day, but its his attack on the ball and the contest that really caught the eye.  He added class, speed, and a competitive edge to the squads fleet of midfielders, and is a great height for the modern game.  Very popular within the side, he’s another one the lads walk a bit taller when he’s cracking in at the contest.  Missed a couple of games with concussion, but his consistency throughout the year should see him right up there in the votes.

Liam Reynolds :

Liam is a Sherwood junior, who missed out on the DIV 1 U/16 league B n F by 1 vote in 2013.  After a couple of seasons away , Liam came back to the nest this year and produced a quality season. He’s a challenging player to coach, has strong thoughts on the game , and is never afraid to speak his mind.  That’s a strength of his as it shows how much he cares about the sides performance .  The fact that he backs this up, week after week, with performances full of determination, gut running, aggression and a dollop of class, adds up to a player the club should be looking to progress into senior footy.  Had a super start to the year, would have to be very high in the votes at half way, and it will be interesting to see if he can hang on and win the medal. Quality season from a quality midfielder.

Dom Misso :

The sides captain, Dom led the squad beautifully this year. Returning from a couple of seasons away at Yeronga, it was clear these years in their senior system had really benefitted him.  Has speed, courage, and a real “follow me’ way of playing the game, he was another of the midfield gang to produce quality football on most occasions.  He earned his position as the most respected member of the squad by actions, and walking the walk.  He’s fearless, and attacks any contest flat out, which he sometimes pays a price for injury wise, but I seriously doubt you could get him to play any other way.  Had a super season, was brilliant on occasions, and never put in a bad game. Will be very hard to beat for the medal.

PLACE - BILL PEIRCE MEDAL FORM GUIDE

The Western Magpies will conduct the club’s Vote Count and Presentation Night on Saturday evening.

The major award for the night is the First Grade  Best and Fairest Award, the Bill Peirce Medal, named in honour of club legend and the club’s first QAFL Grogan Medal winner  Bill Peirce.

The Form guide below suggests the following players will figure highly in the voting. 

Callum Carseldine (#15), Luke Scott (#29), Val Pope (#39), Matt Sondergeld (#42) and Gareth Crawford (#50) were all named in the QAFL Top 50 players for the 2016 season as judged by QAFL writer Andrew Wiles and Wilston Grange coach Matt Trewhella.

Luke SCOTT—likely favourite to win the medal, has had a stellar season and has proved his versatility by playing in defence, in attack and on a wing during the season.  Is a rolled gold performer, never plays a bad game and has clean skills with hand and foot. His pack marking and reading of the play are second to none andhis balance at the contest is superb.  Decision making is usually spot on and leadership on and off the ground are a major reason the Pies again played in the QAFL Finals series. Has never won a Bill Peirce medal but shared Mt Gravatt’s B & F with his brother Andrew in 2012 when the Vultures were in the NEAFL. Named in QAFL Team of the Year and rated in the QAFL Top 50 players at number 29.  

QAFL Top 50 says-- 
#29-- The best swingman in the game. The definition of football versatility is having an impact wherever you play. Play him up forward, he kicks goals, down back he shuts down opponents and on the wing, he takes marks and pumps the ball deep in the forward line. If there is an area the Magpies need to win, guaranteed that’s where Scott starts.

Callum CARSELDINE—the 2015 QAFL Grogan Medallistfinished fourth in the 2015 Bill Peirce Medal count but this year if anything he has had a more consistent season and a check of the record will show he was named in the best players in 15 of the Pies 21 matches this season. Tough as nails, consistently wins the hard ball in the congested middle part of the ground, has a big motor and keeps running all day from one contest to the next. Wins clutch possessions to get the Pies going and this year took some great contested marks when needed and kicked several  goals at crucial stages of matches. Leadership on and off the ground is first class and he continually seeks ways to improve himself, his teammates and his club.  Named in QAFL Team of the Year and listed in the QAFL Top 50 players as the highest rated Pie at number 15.  Will be in the mix at the end of voting.

QAFL Top 50 says—

#15-- Cal was as impressive this year as he was in his triumphant win in last year’s Grogan Medal win. Any criticism last year came from the finals series when not many Magpies fired – not this year. Either first or second best on ground in the finals highlighted his fantastic season. Team of the year again and a solid contributor in the state game in difficult conditions.

Matt SONDERGELD—had a breakout season for the  Magpies and improved as the season progressed. Started as a small forward but worked his way into the midfield mixand was an important ball winner in the middle of the ground. In the midfield he became a terrier, attacking the contest and ball in a ferocious mannerand his tackling and pressure around the ball was a highlight of his play. He added pace to the Pies midfield mix and he attracted the umpire’s votes to poll 13 votes in the Grogan Medal count to finish sixth in the count and be the Pies highest vote getter. Listed in the QAFL Top 50 players at number 42.

QAFL Top 50 says—

#42 --Another underrated player in the competition. When Sondergeld gets going, he can do it all. He wins the footy in the middle, but can also impact the scoreboard, creating opportunities out of nothing. When he gets busy, the Magpies’ ball movement looks quicker, more dynamic, and more dangerous.

Luke MITCHELL—Another player with a breakout season and at the halfway mark of the yearquite possibly led the Pies B & F voting.  Missing the last four home and away matches could have cost him a spot in the QAFL Top 50 and he must have been in the mix for a QAFL Team of the Year nomination—then again maybe not as hewas a no-fuss contributor for the Pies and only the discerning at the Pies would have noticed his work on and off the ball and the contribution he made to the Pies season.  He was superb in a back pocket, equally adept at the shut down role as well as the attacking defender and his intercept work and ball distribution was high quality. May not be a winner but should be rewarded for a fine season.

Val POPE— Another fine season for the 2 time and reigning Peirce Medallist but was not as consistent as last year.

Had 4 weeks off mid-season to travel but was back to his brilliant best on return. He was asked to play more in the midfield this year and was still a fine contributor, still displaying his class in most matches and his balance and marking skills still delight the Magpies faithful.

QAFL Top 50 says—

#39 There were two distinct factors to the resurgence of the Magpies, one was Nathan Clarke taking over as coach and the other was the influence Clarke had on Pope. His form mid-year was up there with the best in the competition, especially his goal kicking ability. Didn’t have the finals series he would have liked but he was one of the main reasons for the Magpies finishing where they did.

Tyler JONES—Had a fine season across half back and was a major part of the Pies revival mid season with dashing play and penetrating kicking into the forward line. Took many fine intercept marks and ball use was a highlight.

David LEWIS—revelation this year as he held down the key centre-half-back position from early in the season after starting at half forward. Undersized for a key position player his reading of the play enabled him to best larger key forwards with solid spoilng and strong marking. Break out season and consistency was a highlight, rarely playing a bad game.

Chris HUNT—Had some dashing games this season as he returned from pre season surgery earlier than expected to boost the Pies defence. Able to play tall or small, his marking was strong and his run out of defence was a key part of the Pies game plan. He played in all the defensive positions, equally at home at CHB, FB or on a flank.

Late season injury book-ended his season and was missed in the finals campaign

Gareth CRAWFORD— took some time to find his feet but his mid season form was sensational as he won plenty of hard ball midfield possessions. Keeps going all day and when he was good he was very good, resulting in being named in the QAFL Top 50 players.

Struggled in the final part of the year as his form deserted him, he was still a great recruit for the Pies this year.

QAFL Top 50 says—

#50 Crawford was a revelation for the Magpies at the start of the year. He landed in Queensland with big raps on him, and certainly delivered. He played his best footy in the first half of the year, where he was a contested ball bull in the black and white. He had a massive say in the Magpies getting their season back on track after a slow start to their year.

Brent STAKER-- injury affected his year but when he played he was a vital player for the Pies. He straightened the attack and his leadership on the ground was instrumental in the Magpies mid year resurgence. His AFL experience was on show in many matchesand players around him lift when he plays and was the recruit of the year in that his presence on and off the field lifted the standard throughout the club.

Drew MITCHELL-- did not quite reach the consistent standard he set last year but stil had a good year. Hampered late in the season with a foot injury, he still provided plenty of grunt in the midfield and this year featured regularly on the goal sheet to add another string to his bow.

Jadan MORTON-- improved fitness and regular availability resulted in his recall to the Senior side this year and his form in the ruck was another reason for the Pies mid season resurgence. His leap enabled him to compete against taller opponents and his mobility made him resemble an old fashioned ruck-rover. His stamina enabled him to cover plenty of ground and his long left footkicks also opened up play and he kicked several imortant goals in a number of matches.

Ben JAENKE-CAIN—the 2014 Peirce medallist had another consistent season in the midfield, working at both ends of the ground. Always works hard back into defence then providesa link forward as well as winning plenty of hard ball in the centre square.  

Not the season he had in 2014 but a fine contributor all season and rarely had a bad game—Mr Consistency.

MAGPIES APPOINT REID DOBSON AS UNDER 18's 2017 SEASON COACH

Western Magpies are pleased to announce the appointment of Reid Dobson as part of the Senior Coaching Team in Season 2017 as the Under 18's Head Coach.  Reid coached our Magpies Under 17's team in season 2016 playing into the finals series. 

Reid's background of playing many years of Senior Football in Brisbane and with his career passion as a teacher, under pins our future vision of teaching our young Magpies to achieve their full potential in football, as well as creating the right environment for young Magpies to develop as quality young men.    

MAGPIES ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF BRYDAN MORGAN AS SENIOR HEAD COACH FOR 2017 SEASON

Brydan Morgan comes to the Western Magpies with over 15 years experience within various levels of senior football. As a player and coach he have been directly involved in many successful teams across various levels of football. Most of his playing experience stems from Victoria with the Romsey football Club and a stint at West Adelaide in 2006.  He was made captain of the Romsey Football Club (RDFL) as a 21 year old and played over 100 games with the club over a number of years.  Brydan enjoyed premiership success with the Romsey Football Cub in 2003 and made grand finals in 2005 and 2008 (Heathcote Football Club). 

At 27, ongoing injuries and a career opportunity in the fire service prompted Brydan to retire from football and move to Queensland. 

After 5 years away from the game, Brydan served as an assistant coach with the Western Magpies in 2015. His influence in 2015 at the Western Magpies led to an assistant coaching role at the Aspley Hornets NEAFL in 2016, where the club made a preliminary final. 

Prior to working in the fire service, Brydan was a Physical Education teacher for 5 years. 

Brydan returns to the Western Magpies with undeniable passion and knowledge of the modern game, and of the Western Magpies playing list. We look forward to the on going development of the Western Magpies Football Club under his tenure. 

Inset photo:  Western Magpies Football Director, Peter McClennan, congratulating Brydan Morgan on his sucessful appointment as Western Magpies Senior Head Coach 2017 Season

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES SAVE WORST FOR LAST IN PREMIERSHIP EXIT

The Western Magpies had a disappointing exit from the finals after saving their worst performance for the year when thrashed by Palm Beach-Currumbin in the QAFL Preliminary Final at Aspley on Saturday.

In blustery cross wind conditions in the first half then rain early in the third quarter, the Pies struggled to adapt and after having squandered opportunities with the majority of the play in the first quarter with a slight wind advantage, were outplayed thereafter.

The Pies went down in their worst defeat of the year, 16.17-113 to 4.10-34.

The Lions were cleaner with their hands and feet and had the best of the midfield battles which allowed their fleet footed runners space and they opened up the Pies through the middle of the ground.  

The Pies paid for every small fumble and mistake as PBC pounced and then with superior skills would sweep the ball forward and score. In fact if they had kicked straighter the loss would have been worse and while they did score several freak goals they also missed easy chances.  If you had a nightmare on Friday night about the worst game imaginable it would have just about summarised Saturday afternoon.

The Pies selectors made some big brave calls pre-match, omitting Alex Dickfos and Gareth Crawford from the side and bringing in Lachlan Woods and Nick Barling.

Both competed well without putting a stamp on the match.

The Pies had the better of the early exchanges in the first quarter but fell into the trap of kicking the ball long to a contest and were unable to boot a goal despite numerous opportunities.

The early part of the second quarter was again tight with the Pies within striking distance mid-way through the quarter, but the Lions were able to break the match open with 4 successive goals before half time to hold a commanding 27 point lead at the long break. Rain bucketed down at halftime and early in the third quarter and in slippery conditions the task for the Pies even then was almost insurmountable. The Pies cause was not helped just before half time when defender Brady Allen injured his right knee when his foot slipped when kicking and he took no further part in the game.

The Magpies threw caution to the wind in the third quarter but did not get reward for effort and again PBC made them pay for a fumble or turnover with goals in transition to have the match well in their keeping at three quarter time.

The margin was 41 points and coach Nathan Clarke reminded his players that in similar wet conditions they had come back from 6 goals down against Labrador to almost steal a famous victory and that nothing is impossible.

However it wasn’t to be as the Pies could not get on the scoreboard early in the quarter and in the last 20 minutes were going through the motions as the sting had gone out of the game.

The Pies did not have a winner on the day but Cal Carseldine battled hard as did Brenton Saunders with hustle and bustle to apply forward pressure. Luke Mitchell was tireless in mopping up down back and Tim McEvoy used his experience to try to stem the tide.

For the Pies it was a bitter end to a season and finals campaign that promised so much. The Pies can take small comfort from the fact they finished top three after a slow start to the season but cannot be satisfied with another early finals exit.  Coach Nathan Clarke resurrected the Magpies season after taking the reins from Glenn Humphrey after round 5  and they were a genuine premiership chance before the wheels fell off on Saturday. On reflection the Pies were not playing great football in the past 6 weeks but to their credit in most matches found a way to win or remain in the contest to the final siren in matches they lost. There will be post season reviews to come and the Pies hierarchy will look at their shortcomings and try to rectify those in the off season if they are to seriously challenge at the business end of the season next year.

Senior Coach, Nathan Clarke had this to say:

“That’s where we were at. When good sides played well against us, we did struggle.

“I watched what Palm Beach did to Mt Gravatt last week, and I knew that we would have to play our absolute best to beat them.

“They beat us in the contested ball, an area the club has prided themselves on for a while, so full credit to them, and good luck to them.

“I’m proud of our guys. We were seventh when I took over. We have just struggled finding a key defender, but the way that the boys fought out all year was terrific. Today doesn’t diminish anything.

“They are as good of a team as I have coached in terms of effort. What they do is extraordinary.”

AFLQ writer Andrew Wiles had the following to say:

Magpies can hang their heads high: Look, it definitely wasn’t the way they wanted their season to end, but they can be proud of what they have achieved this year. You don’t make a prelim by accident. They spent a lot of petrol tickets getting themselves back into the five after a slow start to 2016, and I think today showed that. They just ran out of legs.

Western Magpies 0.3 - 3 | 3.3 - 21 | 4.7 - 31 | 4.10 - 34

lost to

PBC Lions 1.4 - 10 | 7.6 - 48 | 10.12 - 72 | 16.17 - 113

Best: Carseldine, Saunders, L.Mitchell, McEvoy

Goals: Fletcher, Copland, D.Mitchell, Carseldine

PLACE PREVIEW - GRAND FINAL BECKONS AS PIES LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies will need to bounce back if they are to reach the QAFL Grand Final when they meet old foe Palm Beach-Currumbin in the Preliminary Final at Aspley on Saturday.

Coach Nathan Clarke and his selection panel made one change to the side from last week with young half-back Will Fletcher coming back into the side for the injured Richard Wenham. Wenham's wretched run of injuries during finals continues --he missed the 2012 Premiership with injury--but his injury is low grade and should the Pies win he should be available for selection for the Grand Final.

Clarke resisted the temptation of bringing back key defender Chris Hunt and Co Captain Lachlan Woods has been named as an emergency but both may not have got through Thursday training at 100%. Woods could play if there is a late withdrawal but another weekwill have him fully fit for a Grand Final challenge should the Pies prevail on Saturday.

Ruckman Nick Barling must have been close to a recall but Clarke decided to go with Alex Dickfos and Charlie Pershouse as his pinch-hit ruckmen, a tactic that seemed to work in the win over the Lions 2 weeks ago. Luke Mitchell stays in the back pocket after coming into the side for Woods, who was a late withdrawal last week.

The Pies will be keen to get a good start to then have control of the agenda. Last week they started well but by quarter time were playing catch up football vs the Tigers.

The midfield will want to establish early supremacy and how does a centreline of Pope, Carseldine and Scott sound as a good starting point?  Jadan Morton has been a fine player in ruck and his around ground work is a vital component if the Pies are to gain midfield ascendancy. Ben Jaenke-Cain has been his consistent self, and Gareth Crawford and Matt Davis will add to the Pies firepower.

Up forward Brent Staker has been good for the Pies and he troubled the Lions defenders a fortnight ago and he allows the likes of Sam Copland and Drew Mitchell to get off the leash to give the Pies more scoring options. Val Pope was relatively quiet last week but he is a hard man to keep down and no doubt he will drift forward to provide another avenue to goal.

The versatile Brady Allen has been named at fullback but Clarke will have his options anddon't expect Allen to remain in the last line of defence all match. David Lewis and Tyler Jones were both good players across half back last week and will again be key players to hold up the PBC forwards. Jones and Sean Mewing both provide attacking run out of half back and with Luke Mitchell set up many of the the Pies attacking raids.

The narrow Aspley ground will suit the tough, hard contested football the Pies revel in and which wins finals matches.

The Pies again need to control the midfield football to stop the Lions outside run and if they do that are well on the way to the QAFL Grand Final.

Western Magpies vs Palm Beach Currumbin Lions - Graham Road, Aspley - Sat Sep 10 @ 2pm

B: Tim McEvoy - Brady Allen - Luke Mitchell

HB: Sean Mewing - David Lewis - Tyler Jones

C: Val Pope - Cal Carseldine (C) - Luke Scott

HF: Drew Mitchell - Alex Dickfos - Brenton Saunders

F: Sam Copland - Brent Staker - Matt Sondergeld

Foll: Jadan Morton - Ben Jaenke-Cain - Gareth Crawford

INT: Matt Davis - Will Fletcher - Charlie Pershouse - Brodie Easton

EMG: Nick Barling - Lachlan Woods - Luke De Nys - Dom Beer

Place Preview - brought to you by Premier Sponsor - Place Graceville

The fantastic team at Place have signed on for the 2015-2017 seasons as one of our valued club partners and sponsors, and as much as the club appreciates their support - Place will appreciate the club support in return. So for all your real estate needs, make sure Place are your one stop shop.

As an added bonus, Place will be providing further financial support to the club for every new listing - so make sure you tell them you're from the Western Magpies Community when you consider listing your home and support those that support you!

Coopers Update - Grogan Medal Count Sunday 11 September

The QAFL Grogan Medal count and Awards Night will be held at the Gabba on Sunday evening.

Reigning Grogan Medalist and Western Magpies Co-Captain Callum Carseldine has had another fine season, with his consistent ball winning ability in the midfieldhaving him among the Magpies best players week in, week out.

His distinctive white head band means he is hard to miss and incumbency also gets a certain amount of recognition from umpires—he will be among the contenders at the business end of the count.

Luke Scott has had an outstanding season with plenty of intercept marks when in defence, a heap of midfield possessions to keep the umpires interest in him and the odd goal to add to the CV.

Another who might surprise is Jadan Morton who has been outstanding in ruck and around ground and his distinctive left foot often sets him apart. David Lewis has taken plenty of marks since moving to CHB, Val Pope will get a few votes as usual but missing 5 matches mid season will hurt his prospects and Ben Jaenke-Cain racks up the possessions in a no-nonsense manner and should also poll a few votes.

QAFL writer Andrew Wiles has Gareth Crawfordas a smoky, particularly on the back of his good early season form and purple patch in the middle of the year when the Pies were playing outstanding football.

QAFL writer Andrew Wiles had this to say about the Magpies prospects for the night:

Callum Carseldine: The reigning Grogan Medalist has been as good, if not better, in 2016. Went to work again in the middle and was the catalyst to a couple of Magpies wins. Kicked a few more goals this year, which will help his cause.

Luke Scott: One of the biggest game changers in the league. Whether it is forward, back or even on a wing, Scott goes to where the footy is. Named in the Magpies best 11 times this year, and should poll well in the first six rounds.

Smokey: Gareth Crawford

The Western Magpies hopes for theBill Clerke Medal for QAFL Reserves B & F rest with midfielders Chris Devlin and Blake McClennan who were prolific ball winners in most matches they played and will have picked up a few votes. With the Pies mixed year in the Reserves they may not poll enough to figure in the final running. Todd Billing also had a good year and will likely poll reasonably well.

Sci Fleet Taringa Update - Magpies Preliminary final to be played at Aspley

AFLQ have announced the Western Magpies QAFL Preliminary Final against Palm Beach-Currumbin is to be held at Graham Rd Oval, Aspley at 2 pm on Saturday, September 10th.

Yeronga is hosting the QFA South Grand final on Saturday so was not available.

Preliminary finals and Grand Finals are to be played at a neutral venue in all competitions this year, however the smaller confines of the Aspley ground should suit the Pies style of play.  The Pies have scheduled a light training run at the ground on Tuesday night to familiarise themselves with the oval.

Put the time and date in your calendar now to ensure you get up to Aspley on Saturday to support the Magpies as they fight for a spot in the 2016 QAFL Grand Final

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES MISFIRE VS TIGERS

The Western Magpies were defeated by 22 points by Labrador in the QAFL Second Semi Final at Labrador on Saturday.

The Pies were like a misfiring V8, spluttering on 6 cylinders and the 6 cylinders weren't exactly in tune either!!

The bad news is the Pies lost a game they could have won. The good news is they get another chance next Saturday and despite the fact that they have not been playing at their best and have a few players down on form - they still play for a spot in the Grand Final next week.  Pleasingly, while they were off the pace on Saturday, the Pies never let Labrador off the leash and were like a dog with a bone -- this side just keeps grinding away and every opposition player knows they won't go away.  Losing by the relatively slim margin of 22 points after a spluttering display should give the group confidence that their best football is definitely good enough.

As QAFL reporter Andrew Wiles suggested, the Pies just keep coming-- "The Magpies just hang around: Even when things aren’t going their way, they are never out of it. They have got a lot of players with a lot of ticker. To beat them, you have to be on all afternoon, because if you ease off, they will pounce".

The final scoreline was 16.14-110 to 13.10-88 but the Pies gifted Labrador 4 goals with basic errors or turnovers in the defensive 50, and also missed a couple of sitters in front of goal.  This proved to be the difference in the final analysis.

In mild blustery conditions that were benign for the Labrador ground and did not favour either end, the Pies were out of the blocks in the first 10 minutes, booting the first 2 goals of the game then allowing the Tigers a reply before booting a third. One early goal was from Brent Staker who won a free kick after being manhandled and despite several similar infringements during the game that was the only free kick he was awarded for the match - a consistent theme in recent outings.

The home team then consolidated and attacked for the rest of the quarter to first peg the Pies back then go to a 15 point lead at quarter time.

It was catch up football for the Pies from then on and whenever they looked like closing the gap the Tigers had an answer. The lead was often in the 3 to 4 goal range and the elastic band at times looked like it would break but to their credit the Pies never gave up and would boot a timely goal to give their supporters faint hope of a comeback.

After half time the Pies would mount an assault and kick a goal to narrow the gap, then through hard work seem on course to boot another to put some doubts in the home team's psyche, but then cough up possession and the Tigers would boot an easy goal to release the pressure and keep the margin and their confidence up.

Best players for the Magpies were Drew Mitchell and Cal Carseldine in the midfield, both winning plenty of hard ball gets then also proving to be good link up players. Both also were strong when resting across half forward.

Luke Scott tried hard to lift his teammates and he bobbed up all over the ground but was a rock across half back and then linked through the middle of the ground.

Rover Matt Sondergeld was frenetic as usual and attacked the contest with gay abandon at times and put his body on the line time and again.

David Lewis again played a strong game in defence with good spoiling and then winning tough football at ground level. He has been in fine form in the latter half of the season.

Jadan Morton also broke even in ruck and Ben Jaenke-Cain worked hard as usual. The Pies were well beaten on the outside run and in all honesty the Pies midfield lowered their colours to Labrador

The other statistic the Pies can both be unhappy and happy about in a convoluted way is that they missed 47 tackles for the match and were beaten in the middle of the ground.

Tighten up in both these areas, reduce the turnovers and the Pies are more than capable of defeating Labrador.

However, the next task is to overcome Palm Beach-Currumbin, easy winners on Sunday over Mt Gravatt, in the sudden death Preliminary Final next Saturday to earn another crack at the Tigers a week later in the Grand Final.

Coach Nathan Clarke and his selectors have a difficult yet enviable task selecting the bestteam this week with Co-Captain Lachlan Woods and key defender Chris Hunt likely to be fit after missing with injury, half back Will Fletcher in the mix after being omitted this week and a host of other quality options ready to go if needed.

The AFLQ has again decreed the Magpies home ground at Chelmer is not up to standard to host a QAFL finals match and with Yeronga booked for a QFA Grand Final next week the venue for next week's Preliminary Final is yet to be announced.

Hopefully the AFLQ selecta venue in consultation with the Magpies heirarchy to acknowledge the Western Magpies as the club with hosting rights after defeating PBC last week.

Coach's thoughts

Nathan Clarke – Western Magpies

“Today was one that got away. Labrador definitely deserved to win though, and were the better team all day.

“We were beaten around the stoppages all afternoon, which was disappointing.

“We just didn’t play that well to put it simply, but we have just got to butter up, see who we are playing next week, and learn from today.

“I think our forward line needs to be re-wired; it just hasn’t fully clicked into gear for probably a month.

“It’s business as usual though. We gave ourselves every opportunity leading up to it, we just had a few too many players not playing well enough.”

Labrador Tigers 5.4 - 34 | 9.7 - 61 | 12.10 - 82 | 16.14 - 100

defeated

Western Magpies 3.1 - 19 | 6.2 - 38 | 9.4 - 58 | 13.10 - 88

Goals: Staker 3, Sondergeld, Copland, Saunders 2, Easton, Carseldine, Jeanke-Cain, D.Mitchell 1

Best: D.Mitchell, Carseldine, Lewis, Sondergeld, Scott, Morton

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES READY TO SWOOP TIGERS

The Western Magpies are ready to take on Labrador in the QAFL Second Semi Final at Labrador on Saturday. In a huge match, the Pies can make history if they win and go straight into their first QAFL Grand Final as a standalone club.

The Pies are ready for the big match and the Tigers now hold no fears for the Pies, which may not have been the case in 2015.

The sides share a win apiece this season with both wins by less than a goal combined. In the last clash in the wet the Pies gave Labrador an 8 goal start and then almost reeled them in after a frantic last quarter, so the Pies know they are more than a match for the minor premiers.

In their earlier clash the Magpies won after a late goal, so no matter what the situation, the Pies players know they if they apply pressure then Labrador are vulnerable.

That will be the theme coach Nathan Clarke has drummed into his players this year and no doubt emphasised it this week--pressure football at the contest, do the "one percenters"  and work together and the rest will look after itself.

The selectors have made two changes to the side with Co-CaptainLachlan Woods not overcoming a lower abdominal strain and Charlie Pershouse returning after missing last week with illness and Will Fletcher omitted. With Labrador having several tall forwards, the tall Pershouse was a better option for this game.

The selectors brought in Luke Mitchell for Woods and despite missing the past 4 matches with unavailability he is fit and well, and should be able to resume where he left off. Mitchell was one of the form Magpies before he became unavailable and he will be fresh for the contest. Ruckmen Nick Barling and Dom Beer were again overlooked for a more versatile option in Jadan Morton with Alex Dickfos to pinch hit in ruck as well as play as a key forward. Woods hardness at the contest will be missed as he has been playing his best football for some time in the latter half of the season.

The mobility and athleticism of Jadan Morton means he can play as 1st ruck and be also a ball-winner around ground which has allowed the selectors more flexibility.  Chris Hunt was close but it was decided to give him one more week.

The Pies selectors have versatility on their side with Val Pope and Luke Scott swinging between deep forward and in the midfield rotations, with Scott also having the ability to play down back with aplomb.

Theforward line rarely lines up these days in the traditional format with Brent Staker and Sam Copland rolling around deep then pushing up the ground and Alex Dickfos dropping into the key forward role when necessary. Brenton Saunders provides forward pressure and Drew Mitchell also adds firepower as he spends more time up forward than on the ball. 

The midfield lifted last week when the match was on the line and none better than Cal Carseldine who was at his inspirational best in the tense final quarter, winning tough contested ball and putting his body on the line time and again. He has a few partners in crime who followed willingly last week and will do so again in Ben Jaenke-Cain, Brady Allen and Gareth Crawford.

Crawford in particular showed signs of a return to his dominant mid-season form last week and will be setting the bar high again this week, with his vast experience invaluable for the Pies, particularly in big games.

The half back line of David Lewis, Sean Mewing and Tyler Jones is a dashing one but they can also lock down opponents. Lewis and Jones in particular have been exceptional in the past month with intercept marks, pack packs and dash out of the backline. However each will have a Labrador forward to contain so and will have done their homework on each assigned player

Pershouse has been a revelation at fullback since his promotion 6 weeks ago and will again have a big job on one of the Tigers key forwards.

This is the biggest match to date in the Magpies' standalone QAFL history and the Pies know they can match it with Labrador and Labrador know that the Magpies are their biggest threat in this year's premiership race.  The Pies must win the contested football and stop any outside run from Labrador to give their defenders time to match up. Expect a tough contest and as the Pies excel in the tight, hard, close-in contested football they will give themselves every chance of victory.

If the Pies bring their A game then they have every reason to be confident of overcoming Labrador on their home ground and advancing to the QAFL Grand Final.

Western Magpies vs Labrador - Cooke-Murphy Oval, Labrador - Saturday September 3 @ 2pm

B: Tim McEvoy - Charlie Pershouse - Richard Wenham

HB: Sean Mewing - David Lewis - Tyler Jones

C: Matt Davis - Cal Carseldine (C) - Luke Scott

HF: Drew Mitchell - Brent Staker - Sam Copland

F: Brenton Saunders - Val Pope - Alex Dickfos

Foll: Jadan Morton - Ben Jaenke-Cain - Matt Sondergeld

INT: Luke Mitchell - Gareth Crawford - Brodie Easton - Brady Allen

EMG: Will Fletcher - Nick Barling - Liam Dwyer

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES WIN FINALS THRILLER OVER PBC

The Western Magpies have had a thrilling 4 point victory over Palm Beach-Currumbin at Currumbin in the QAFL Qualifying Final on Saturday. The Pies hung on in a nail-biting final few minutes to win 13.10-88 to 12.12-84 and book an appointment with Labrador at Labrador next Saturday with a spot in the 2016 QAFL Grand Final up for grabs.

The match was a high quality contest played in front of a big crowd and after the Pies had established a good quarter time lead and then PBC fought back to level the score at halftime it was a nail-biting contest for the entire second half. First one side would sneak a goal lead only to have the other side fight back to wrest the lead. The scores were again locked together at three-quarter time and then at the 24 minute mark of the final stanza, the scores remained level before a Brodie Easton snap put the Pies a goal up.

There was more drama to come in the final five minutes as the Pies supporters had their hearts in their mouth as the Lions attacked and attacked but their long range shots from tight angles failed to register the answering goal they needed to level the scores or take back the lead. The Magpies were on the attack as the siren sounded with the ball safely in Will Fletcher's hands whose after the siren shot from 30 metres missed but it didn't matter as the Pies celebrated their victory.

The Magpies were a player down from quarter time with Co-captain Lachlan Woods off with a leg strain so with a player down on the rotations the win was full of guts and merit.

The other Co-captain Cal Carseldine drove himself relentlessly at each contest and his side followed him in the tense last quarter and his 2 goals almost book-ended the Pies victory.

The Pies selectors elected to go in with a smaller team than in recent weeks to add pace to match the speedy Lions and they brought in Richard Wenham to mark the fast leading Lions full forward in Douglas but he was able to get off the leash a number of times.

This meant ruckman Nick Barling, who had been playing well, was rested and Luke Mitchell, missing the past 4 matches due to work commitments, could not squeeze back in ahead of Matt Sondergeld coming back from 1 week out. Charlie Pershouse did not shake off a virus and was spelled.

With Jadan Morton competing well in the ruck, the Pies were on top early. Ben Jaenke-Cain worked hard up and down the ground to be a good player and Brady Allen was solid all over the ground. Luke Scott was, well, Luke Scott--directing traffic, taking intercept marks and marshalling his players in the tough and tense affair.

David Lewis continues to be a fine defender holding down the key CHB post and his contested marking was a highlight and Brent Staker was solid at CHF despite being man-handled whenever he went near the ball without reward.

Coach Nathan Clarke praised his players for the their intensity all match and resilience and composure in the tense final quarter to ensure the win.  He complimented the leadership group for how they marshalled all the players and continued to apply pressure all match.   

With Nick Barling, Luke Mitchell, Dom Beer and Charlie Pershouse all available for selection, Chris Hunt recovering quickly from a less serious then first thought hamstring strain and Joe Murphy all in the wings, Nathan Clarke and the selectors have a wealth of talent to consider and an unenviable task picking the team for next Saturday's big clash at Labrador.

Western Magpies 5.1 - 31 | 7.4 - 46 | 10.8 - 68 | 13.10 - 88

defeated

Palm Beach Currumbin 1.4 - 10 | 7.4 - 46 | 10.8 - 68 | 12.12 - 84

Best: Carseldine, Morton, Scott, Lewis, Jaenke-Cain, Allen

Goals: Carseldine, Copland, Staker 2, D.Mitchell 2, Dickfos, Easton, Jones, Saunders, Morton 1

CK Group - Colts Review

PIES COLTS BOW OUT WITH HEADS HELD HIGH

The Western Magpies Colts gave everything they had in their Preliminary Final against Maroochydore on Saturday morning. Unfortunately it just wasn't enough for victory, but anyone who witnessed the match would agree, the side lost no admirers in defeat and can hold their heads high.

It was a tight defensive arm wrestle in the first half, with both sides using the extra defender behind the ball, and both midfields gut-running to block up the oppositions forward line.

Scoring was difficult as a result and the half-time score reflected this with a 4 goals to 1 lead to the home side.

The game was played in perfect conditions and on one of the best surfaces you would ever see. Despite the scoreline, it was an entertaining half of footy, and the pressure both sides put on each other was immense. The 22 point lead to Maroochydoore was a result of the home side taking their chances while the Pies were trying to be too perfect, pushing the extra possession when attacking the goals was the best option.

The coaching group made adjustments and asked the boys to be bold and back themselves. Setting up with a more traditional structure, and using a bigger midfield in Jake Farrell, Dom Morrison & Matt Mazorelle, the game opened up a bit. With the mids and half backs getting well on top, and ruckman Aaron Highlands dominating both at ruck contests and around the ground ,  the Pies had much the better of most of the 3rd quarter. Rory Johnson’s move forward was paying off, but again just couldn't take full advantage. The Pies would pay dearly for not being able to apply scoreboard pressure in the third quarter to go with the territory advantage held and it proved crucial in the final result.

2.5 to 1.2 for the quarter didn't do the effort justice and if it was 5.2 instead the result may have been very different.

Still the team went into three quarter time believing if they were good enough they they were close enough to cause a boilover. Again injury struck, with Skipper Dom Misso an early casualty, and Phil Stumer, Patty Renner, Jimmy Gainford and Ash Gore all spending time getting treatment. It's a credit to the lads that they all would not let the boys down and returned to play important roles for the side.

Unfortunately the effort put in to peg back Maroochydore was starting to tell, and although the young Pies never chucked in the towel and fought right to the end, the final margin was the same as half time. It was a great game of Colts footy, and a credit to both sides. Tough and hard, no quarter asked or given, but in the end the home side was a little bit better forward of centre and they move through to the Grand Final, where they will be strong favourites for the flag.

Coach Justin Gore was very proud of the side and to reach a Preliminary Final was above expectations given the Magpies did not field a Colts team last year and had this to say:

“So,  that's the end of the road in 2016 for our reborn Colts program. We hope the supporters are proud of the way the young Magpies have represented our club, and we wish Nathan , Cal, Lachie and all the senior squad the very best of luck as they strive to bring the Flag back to the nest...”

Score :

Maroochydore        9.12.66

Western Magpies.  6. 8 44

Goals : DeRooy 3, Burgess, R.Johnson, Farrell

Best : Highlands, Adamson, R.Johnson, Farrell, Gore, Reynolds.

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES CONFIDENT FOR QUALIFYING FINAL

The Western Magpies will be full of confidence going into their QAFL Qualifying Final clash with Palm Beach-Currumbin at Currumbin on Saturday.

The Pies had a nail biting win last week to secure the double chance but it has instilled confidence into the group, while PBC had a 6 goal first quarter against Labrador but booted only 2 more goals for the game as Labrador ran riot.

The Pies have named an extended interchange bench with an illness cloud over young fullback Charlie Pershouse and they have brought in Richard Wenham after recovering from injury and Matt Sondegeld after missing through unavailability to both add pace to the side and Luke Mitchell comes onto the extended bench after missing the past 3 matches due to work commitments. 

The Pies have looked to pick a 'horses-for-course's team as the last time these two met in round 11  the Pies won by 9 goals after being themselves thrashed by a similar margin in round 5. In the first clash the Pies were beaten for pace and outside run but in the second game the Magpies had a faster team, and were more intense at the contest and reversed the earlier result--hence Wenham and Sondergeld back into the side to inject pace and intensity.

In the last clash, Brent Staker booted 5 goals and Sam Copland his second 4 goal haul in 2 outings in Senior football at Salk Oval, and they again figure as key forwards for the Pies. Staker avoiding the wrath of the QAFL Tribunal was great news for the Magpies as he will be a vital player in the finals. He will be better for the run last week after missing 4 games with injury and with Alex Dickfos running into form at the right time of the year the Pies have a strong forward set up. Copland has regained his leading and marking mojo and he will be a great foil for Staker and Dickfos. That does not even include Luke Scott who will play some role up forward and Val Pope was missing the last time these sides met so while named on a wing is known to drift forward to kick the odd goal.

The engine room has had some fits and starts recently but Cal Carseldine and Ben Jaenke-Cain have been consistent ball winners and were keys to the Pies win in round 11.

Gareth Crawford was dominant through the middle part of the season, and while slowing down a bit recently - he is a class player who has plenty of finals experience and will revel in the increased tempo and intensity of finals football and is expected to regain his outstanding mid-season form.

Jadan Morton has been superb in Ruck with a good leap and his mobility has been a bonus, playing as a ruck-rover around the ground. Drew Mitchell is shaking off a nagging foot injury and last week started to get back to his mid season form on ball and across half forward where he has also kicked crucial goals for the Pies.

Luke Scott has also spent some time on a wing and Matt Davis floats there as well so the centreline has plenty of class.

Down back youngsters in Charlie Pershouse and Will Fletcher have done all that was asked of them but Pershouse has a virus and will be fitness tested tomorrow morning. Fletcher providespace out of defence to add to Tyler Jones and Sean Mewing's run and carry and they also complement the experience and toughness of 200 gamer Tim McEvoy.

David Lewis has been a revelation at CHB taking on both tall and/or leading CHFs and matching them in the air and on the ground.

Wenham has been named at fullback but will likely play and little more up the ground--his tackling pressure at the contest and closing speed will be valuable on the small Salk Oval.

Who starts favourite in this match is anyone's guess but the Pies have enjoyed success over the years at Salk Oval and it does not hold any fears for them. The Magpies' hardness at the contest and then spread and run will be crucial to the outcome and if they can replicate their round 11 form then will be well on the way to a win and an appointment with Labrador the following Saturday for a chance to get to the big one.

Western Magpies vs Palm Beach Currumbin Lions - Salk Oval, Currumbin - Sat Aug 27th @ 2pm

B: Tim McEvoy - Richard Wenham - Will Fletcher

HB: Sean Mewing - David Lewis - Tyler Jones

C: Matt Davis - Cal Carseldine (C) - Val Pope

HF: Drew Mitchell - Brent Staker - Sam Copland

F: Brenton Saunders - Luke Scott - Matt Sondergeld

Foll: Jadan Morton - Lachlan Woods (c) - Ben Jaenke-Cain

Int (from): Alex Dickfos - Nick Barling - Gareth Crawford - Brodie Easton - Brady Allen - Luke Mitchell - Charlie Pershouse

EMG: Dom Beer - Liam Dwyer

BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Preliminary Final Preview

Big Challenge Big reward for colts in Preliminary final .

This week sees the Magpie Colts travel up the coast to face off with Maroochydore for a place in the 2016 QAFL Division 1 Colts Grand Final.

They have earned this chance after producing a stirring win against a highly rated Aspley side last week at Chelmer . The confidence gained through earning that win will be invaluable this week.

It's fair to say the Magpie Colts will start fairly large underdogs against a side that has only tasted defeat once this year, but as we all know, in finals, anything is possible. We only have to beat them once, this Saturday, and the grand final awaits.

The side will be looking for a continuation of the of the recent hot form of Rory Johnson & Dominic Morrison. Both these lads have proved they like a challenge, and both have senior football in them should they want it.

The midfield has been a strength all year for both teams. The winner of this battle will go a long way to deciding who comes away with the victory. Much will be needed from Dom Misso, Liam Reynolds, Ruckman Aaron Highlands and our multitude of rotation options to provide tall towards in Jeremy DeRooy & Jake Farrell, Mid sized options in Billy Johnson , Patty Renner & Matt Mazzerolle and excitement machine Phil Stumer, plenty of quality delivery so they can kick the side to victory.

The back line has been greatlately, led by Kurt Vine at Full back and Mark Adamson. The willingness to work for each other and to make sure that there are no easy goals for the opposition has been the key . With the tough and combative Josh Senescall, Ryan Vagne and Tommy Roderick, all the Maroochydore forwards will know they have played a game. Tommy Lukes tight checking role is just as important .  It's not all lock down defence however, as the lads are given the license to attack and be bold when we have possession.

The side welcomes back Jake Farrell and Billy Johnson from reserves duty and Damon Allen back from injury.

Last weeks tough battle has claimed Jessie Rigsby Jones and Chae Lawson with Shoulder and neck injuries. Along with backline general Cam Smith's news last week, they have likely played their last games for the year, making it 8 young Magpies who have had their season cut short by injury. The depth of talent at the club has been vital in keeping the 2016 Magpie Colts in contention for a Grand final spot.

The colts wish the seniors all the best of luck in their final against PBC and realise that most supporters will rightly be headed that way, but anybody game enough to head up to Maroochydore to cheer on the boys will be rewarded with a magpie side that will give everything it has to cause an upset and earn the right to play either Mt Gravatt or Southport for the title of best colts side in Queensland .

Game starts at 9.15 Saturday Morning at Maroochydore sports ground.

Squad is

D. Misso, A. Highland L.Reynolds, R. Johnson, W. Johnson, A.Gore, K.Vine , D.Morrison, J. DeRooy, M. Adamson, J. Senescall, R.VagneJ.Gainford, P.Renner, J. Farrell , M. Mazerolle, C. Grant, J. Johnstone-Bates, P. Stumer, T. Roderick, T.Luke, W.Burgess, D.Allen

Alchemy Night 2016 - A Big Thanks!

Alchemy 2016 was once again a stand out event; made possible by all of our generous event sponsors – thank you so much.  Without the support of our event sponsors, the fabulous Alchemy event would not be possible.  Alchemy is a major fund raiser for the Sherwood Football Club, and it was an absolute pleasure to see so many people enjoy the big night out.

As usual, there were patrons there from all walks of life present on the night; mingling, laughing and just enjoying each others company.  The guys from GWS were a welcome bonus, and they provided some rather impromptu entertainment; hosted by the Western Magpies Coach, Nathan Clarke.  Who would ever have known about the ‘girl contact’ competition if it hadn’t been brought up at Alchemy!  Simon Black was very gracious with his time as usual; and Sofie Formica was absolutely outstanding as the MC. 

It was great to see so many senior players and club members in attendance.  Top marks again go to Brad, Angie and the magnificent staff from Alchemy – the food and beverages were exquisite, and it just kept flowing the entire evening. 

We are indebted to our wonderful Alchemy event sponsors; and at every opportunity you get, we would like you to utilise their services where possible.

Mack Trucks – for all things trucking. Mack were great sponsors to the club in 2015, and for that we are very thankful.

Finlease – when you need finance for the extra things in life, you need to call Finlease or go to www.finlease.com.au

Pacific Petroleum – well now you have finance and a new truck, you need to put fuel in it, and who better to help you than Pacific Petroleum – head to www.pacificpetroleum.com.au

JHK Legal – amazing supporter of Alchemy.  For all your legal needs; nothing is too big or too small – head straight to JHK Legal and they will solve your issueswww.jhklegal.com.au

Aqua Aqua – now this is something pretty special.  If you have the desire to take a luxurious holiday, or just rest for a couple of days; then this is the place for you   www.aquaaqualuxurypenthouses.com.au

Of course, we can't forget our valued club sponsors- many of whom were in attendance.  Thanks to our major club partners Place Graceville for providing one of QLD's top auctioneers for the evening, as well as for their attendance and support.  Thanks also must go to the folks at 24 Fit, Coopers, Sci Fleet Hino, Sci Fleet Toyota, BodyKey, Bardon Medical, Cooper Fozard, CFMG Capital, Metis Wealth and Jimboomba Turf for attending the event and supporting the club throughout the entire season.

To everybody that attended Alchemy 2016 and supported the Sherwood Football Club; thank you so much, we really appreciate it.  Every dollar that was raised goes straight back to the club, and this is possible due to these wonderful sponsors.  So every chance you get, please support our sponsors and utilise their services.

Sci Fleet Taringa - Tribunal Update

STAKER CLEARED BY AFLQ REVIEW PANEL — NO CASE TO ANSWER

Western Magpies CHF Brent Staker is free to play in Saturday’s QAFL Qualifying Final against Palm Beach-Currumbin after the AFLQ Review Panel decided he had no case to answer after reviewing footage of the second quarter incident when he was reported for striking on Saturday.

The panel agreed there was no reportable contact in the incident.

Staker is a key player for the Pies and was in fine form when the Pies defeated the Lions by 9 goals at Palm Beach in Round 11. He was a little rusty on Saturday after missing several weeks with injury but should be fit and firing this week.

Salk Oval at Palm Beach holds no fears for the Magpies as they have had some memorable victories there over recent seasons and after a nail-biting win last week secured the double chance the Pies will be confident of victory.

Coopers Player Update - Jacko named in NEAFL Team of the Year

Ex Sherwood/Western Magpies player Jackson Allen has been named in the NEAFL Team of the Year at a gala function in Sydney last night.

Jackson joined Aspley this year and was named in a back pocket although he has spent most of the season on a back flank.

Jacko played for Sherwood at Under 16 level then played for the Western Magpies as a teenager in 2009-10 when the Pies were in the QAFL before joining Morningside in 2011 after the Pies went to the Pineapple Hotel Cup with the formation of the NEAFL.

He was then drafted by Gold Coast in 2012 and played 4 AFL matches for the Suns in 2012-13.

He then joined Sturt in the SANFL for two years before moving back to Queensland to link with Aspley in the NEAFL.

Aspley have finals coming up but he will take a close interest in the Magpies assault on the QAFL premiership with his brother Brady a senior Magpies player and Dad Craig the Pies Reserves coach this season.

BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Review

COLTS INTO PRELIMINARY FINAL

The Magpie Colts produced when it mattered this week and came away with a win full of courage and commitment against a fierce and willing Aspley. The 20-point victory was achieved mainly through sheer guts and a refusal to lose.

The injury curse struck again, and hard, with the side having no bench to call on at all for the majority of the second half, although the side was down 2 players from very early in the second quarter. So the end result was full of merit and the confidence gained from toughing it out will be invaluable.

The first quarter was intense with both sides cracking in and it was only straight kicking from the Magpies that saw them ahead 3.0-18 to 1.3-9. The defence worked really hard and it’s a credit to fullback Kurt Vine and his partners in crime Mark Adamson, Ryan Vagne, the 2 Tom’s, Roderick and Luke, and the always combative Josh Senescall for keeping Aspley’s quality tall forwards and fleet of mid-sized players under control. In fact, Vine was so good on the full forward he was moved onto a wing to get him into the game. Dom Morrison has had a fantastic last month playing as the 7th defender, and his aerial work, courage to fly for his marks and reading of the play caused the opposition to re think their plan of attack. He truly has been a revelation in that role since being shifted to defence. He’s one to watch in the future.

This commitment to defence, and then switching to attack after gaining possession was causing havoc for Aspley, and a 5 goal second quarter was the reward. This style of play does take a large amount of effort though, and being down 2 players was effecting rotations and ability to give the midfield the rest they needed.  The 31-point halftime margin looked good on the scoreboard, but there were concerns about the ability to keep the level of effort required going for the full game. The 3rd quarter saw another injury and the Magpies were down to one fit rotation. Aspley sensed they were wobbling and piled on the pressure. The midfield group of Rory Johnson, Dom Misso, Liam Reynolds, Jimmy Gainford, Ash Gore, Matt Mazerolle and the twin ruckmen in Aaron Highlands and Jessie Rigsby-Jones, who had been absolutely dominant in the first half, just couldn’t get the rest needed. The defence again stood up as best they could while being under siege, and their efforts to hold on were a key in the final result.

Aspley got within 5 points, and had all momentum, but a late goal from the boundary from an unlikely source in the improving Will Burgess, lifted the lads and whilst Aspley got that one back, the Pies still went into 3 quarter time with the lead.

With the coaches giving honest feedback and the squad accepting it was up to the 17 or 18 fit players to get the job done, the boys headed out for the last quarter knowing it was all over for the year if they didn’t find it within to lift again. What we saw was a group of young men who found something deep down inside.  Together they just refused to lose and as the intensity lifted, Aspley couldn’t handle the pressure and folded. As is often the case and certainly not unique to the Hornets, they went the man and it backfired on them. Our lads stood up and did not take a backwards step, didn’t give away cheap free kicks or have guys sent off with yellow cards, but flew the Magpie flag well. The result was stirring to see, and the forward line of Jeremy DeRooy, Jaiden Johnstone Bates, the sore but brave Phil Stumer, Patty Renner, who played his best game of the season when it counted, and a rotation of our exhausted midfielders, kicked straight (except for a missed shot from the top of the square!) and worked overtime to keep the ball in the area. It was enough for the Colts to earn the Victory and the chance to play off for a Grand Final spot this weekend.

It will be a busy week for the medical staff as at least 6 players finished the game with various injuries, and while there may be some players returning from injury or from being required elsewhere, it will take 22 fit and committed Magpie colts to stop a strong Maroochydore side and earn the right to play off for the title. A big week awaits.

Magpies 12.7 - 79

defeated

Aspley 9.5 - 59

Best: R.Johnson, L.Reynolds, D.Morrison, R.Renner, K.Vine, M.Mazerolle, J.Rigsby-Jones

Goals: DeRooy 3, Stumer 2, Highlands, Reynolds, Burgess, Gore, Adamson, Mazerolle, Lawson 1

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES SECURE DOUBLE CHANCE

To quote Brian Taylor, "Oh boy, oh wowee!!"

The Western Magpies have hung on for a 2 point nailbiting win over Surfers Paradise Demons to secure third place and the double chance in the QAFL on Saturday.

"Who would have thunk it" as the QAFL final round script could not have been envisaged - the Pies and Demons both took the field thinking the loser of their match would miss out on finals but then Sandgate go and have a huge upset win over Morningside to knock the Panthers out of the finals and give Surfers a lifeline.

Mt Gravatt and Wilston Grange play their seconddraw of the season and on the back of that the Vultures climb from sixth to fourth--go figure!! Labrador thrash Palm Beach-Currumbin and take top spot for the first time this season and PBC drop to second and will host the Magpies next Saturday in the Qualifying Final.

A healthy crowd that had plenty of Sherwood juniors on hand to congratulate 200 gamer Tim McEvoy and also the attendees of the 1981 Sherwood Premierships were treated to a high quality match that was played with finals-like intensity-- for both sides it was a finals match a week earlier than scheduled!

Huge crowd watching the action

Surfers Paradise were quick out of the blocks and had the first 3 goals on the board and were looking threatening whenever they went forward with quick movement of the ball and plenty of outside run. They capitalised on any Pies mistake and it took the home team 15 minutes to settle, tighten up and then start to win some midfield football. Two goals to Alex Dickfos, who took a couple of strong grabs to announce he is officially back as the spearhead, narrowed the gap to keep the Pies in it.

In a pulsating second quarter where each contest was fierce the Pies looked to wrest control but each time it looked like they were about to break away the Demons fought back with a goal to keep their noses in front at half time.

In the second quarter Magpies CHF Brent Staker was reported for striking in a marking contest and he will contest this at the Tribunal, claiming he collided with his opponent but did not strike him. The verdict will be eagerly awaited by the Pies faithful as he is critical to the Magpies assault on the flag.

Sam Copland booted 2 goals and Brenton Saunders was busy up forward and David Lewis and Tyler Jones were getting on top across half back with telling intercept marks. Luke Scott was back to his best in the unfamiliar position of wing and again used his experience to break up Demon attacks and also drive the Pies forward.

The Magpies came out firing in the premiership quarter to kick 6 goals to 2 to take a 19 point lead at the final break. It was here that the Pies midfield started to get on top with Lachlan Woods hardness at the contest setting a few opponents backwards, Cal Carseldine was in and under and Brodie Easton worked up and down the ground to gain numerous possessions as a link player. Up forward Dickfos booted another 3 goals and Brenton Saunders forward pressure netted him 2 goals to add to his second quarter goal. Ruckmen Nick Barling and Jadan Morton, both playing like old fashioned ruck rovers were able to negate their taller opponents then win plenty of the ball around the ground.

In the final quarter the Pies were keen to kick the first goal to put the contest to bed but Surfers were not done and booted 2 early goals to make all supporters nervous --the club is considering purchasing a defibrillator!! When Val Pope, who had been good all day, emulated Warnie with a vicious leg break after bursting through 50 and landing his kick right on the goal line, it looked like a sure goal and the would-be sealer, only to turn so sharply, it failed to even score.  Saunders then missed a gimme for him, the door was still open for the visitors. The tough contested football of the second half went up a notch and at one point there 5 ball-ups on a row in the centre of the ground as the tackling went into overdrive.

With the Pies 8 points in front late in time-on a misfired switch kick resulted in a Surfers goal and it was nail biting time again. The Pies hung on for the final 90 seconds with tough football and when the siren sounded with the ball on the Pies half forward line the home supporters were elated as well as breathing a sigh of relief. 200 gamer Tim McEvoy had a solid match and was chaired from the field among his jubilant team-mates and Magpie supporters.

A lot can happen in a week in football-last week the Pies were dejected and Morningside elated and this week it was the polar opposite. For Surfers they fight another day and the Pies meet PBC at Currumbin next Saturday full of confidence as they defeated the Lions down there by 8 goals mid season.

Senior Coach, Nathan Clarke had this to say after the game:

“In the end, we were really pleased with that. Surfers played really well.

We butchered the ball a couple of times, which we need to fix up before next week.

They were very good in periods, but I think after quarter time, we can feel comfortable that we played really well.

One thing that was getting us is that they were getting a lot of easy ball because our forwards were getting too high, so once we forced them to defend us more, we got into the game."

Crowd gathers around Clarke's 3/4 time address

Western Magpies 2.0 - 12 | 7.2 - 44 | 13.4 - 82 | 14.7 - 91

defeated

Surfers Paradise3.3 - 21 | 7.6 - 48 | 9.9 - 63 | 13.11 - 89

Best: Woods, Scott, Lewis, Jones, Dickfos, Easton

Goals: Dickfos 5, Saunders 3, Copland, Staker 2, D.Mitchell, Morton 1

24 Fit - Ressies Review

PIES RESERVES BOW OUT WITH BIG LOSS

The Western Magpies Reserves were given a football lesson by a slick Surfers Paradise team which is finals bound while the Pies finish in seventh place on the ladder--probably where they deserve to be after an inconsistent year.

In a match which the Pies had to win to give themselves a chance of reaching the five they rarely fired a shot and after quarter time were overrun by a fast and confident Demons outfit. As it turned out a win either last week or on Saturday would have seen the Pies in the finals but they just couldn't quite get it done last week, and were comprehensively outplayed this week.

It was as if the Pies effort to push Morningside last week took it out of them and they looked a deflated lot after quarter time on Saturday. The Pies went down by a 100 points in their worst defeat of the season, 6.7-43 to 22.11-143.

Blake McClennan returned after a week away and played a solid game in the middle of the ground and he has been a consistent player in the latter half of the season.

Ricky Dudley was carrying a niggle into the match and answered coach Craig Allen's plea to play and he was solid in defence and had plenty of work to do.

Hunter Heath had another good game on a wing and half back as did Aaron Maricic on half back who will have pleased the selectors with his effort and could be back in the Senior selection mix next week.

Likewise Richard Wenham, back from injury, who had a good game trying hard to give the Pies driveand Joe Murphycontinued his good form in the midfield since joining the club 4 weeks ago.

Western Magpies 2.2 - 14 | 3.3 - 21 | 4.4 - 28 | 6.7 - 43

defeated by

Surfers Paradise 6.1 - 37 | 11.3 - 69 | 18.8 - 116 | 22.11 - 143

Best: McClennan, Dudley, Heath, Maricic, Wenham, Murphy

Goals: Farrell 3, Hockley, Billing, De Nys