Westpoint Autos - Reserves Preview

PIES’ RESERVES BOOSTED WITH BIG INCLUSIONS

The Western Magpies Reserves have been boosted by several big inclusions for their clash with Wilston Grange at Chelmer on Saturday.

2012 Seniors premiership player Matt Dillon returns to the club after a stint with PBC and Broadbeach over the past few years. Dillon lives at Beaudesert and decided to play with his “local” club Jimboomba in 2016 but after they were unable to field a team in 2017, he has returned home!

He is joined by Bryce Crossley, Matt Mazarolle and Ethan Sivijs back from Seniors and fullback Tom Hall for his first official match after showing good pre-season form. They are among eight changes for the Magpies, with key outs being key defender Gabe McKinnon, ruckman Josh Uebergang and CHF Alex Dickfos.

Into the key forward role comes  Tadiwa Parirenyatwa and Sean McEvoy moves from defence into the ruck, a position he has played with aplomb in Senior football in the past . Sean Mewing relished the opportunity ofa midfield role and his experience will be invaluable and new player in rover Joshua White has been good in the first two games.

Youngsters in Damon Allen, Kurt Vine, James Gainford and Dom Morrison have stepped upin the first two matches to be good players who will only get better as will big forward Jeremy DeRooy.

Coach Craig Allen will be happy with the inclusions but understands the nature of Reserves football is that there is often lots of changes week about. After last week the team will havetheir confidence restored but the reality is Sandgate Reserves will likely finish on the bottom and Grange, a finalist last year, will pose a new challenge for the resurgent Pies.  Allen’s task is to have his side playing team oriented football and a win in this match will be a big step toward a possible finals appearance at seasons end. 

Western Magpies Reserves v Wilston Grange at Chelmer on Saturday May 6th at 11.30 am

B: Rohan Smith Tom Hall  James Page
HB: Kurt Vine Matt Dillon Damon Allen
C: Dom MorrisonBryce Crossley James Gainford
HF: Matt Mazarolle Tadiwa Parirenyatwa  Matt Cowton
F: Riley Easton Jeremy deRooy  Phil Stumer
Rucks: Sean McEvoy, Sean Mewing
Rover: Joshua White
I/c: Tom Roderick ,  Thomas Luke , Will Lloyd, Ethan Sivijs

Emerg: Julian Tabe Will BurgessScott Taylor

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES BOOSTED BY KEY INCLUSIONS

PIES BOOSTED WITH BIG INCLUSIONS FOR FIRST HOME MATCH AGAINST GRANGE

The Western Magpies will be looking to go 3-0 when they welcome old rivals Wilston-Grange at Chelmeron Saturday for the Pies first home game of the season.

Magpie supporters are excited at the manner of the club’s first 2 victories and they are playing an spectator friendly and fast moving brand of football. Most importantly, so far it has proven a winning brand of footy as well!

In comes Redlands listed Jack Goodall to centre half back, Charlie Pershouse back from Lions Academy duties to slot into centre half forward, and youngsters Lachie Dennis back in after uni exams and Dom Misso has overcome a thigh injury, both to slot into the midfield.  

Goodall had a purple patch for the Pies this time last year and then spent the rest of the year in the Redlands team, while Pershouse set the house on fire in round 1 against Mt Gravatt and adds height to the Pies forward line.

With Liam Dwyer the Pies forward line is taller than last week and with Jake De Winter (QAFL Syd Guilford nominee for Round 2) on fire with goal hauls of 5 and 7 in the first two rounds, the Pies forward line now looks quite potent. With Brenton Saunders also in good form and Drew Mitchell pushing forward the Pies have some strike power with class in the air and at ground level.  

Young ruckman Aaron Highlands has slipped into the big man role seamlessly and with the engine room of Gareth Crawford, Ben Jaenke Cain, Brodie Easton and Val Pope purring along nicely the Pies should win plenty of midfield possession.

David Lewis and Tom Ielasi have been in superb form in the first 2 rounds and with Goodall form a strong and rebounding half back line. Behind them, new recruit Harry Marshall has blended in nicelyand has formed a good team with livewire back pocket Luke Mitchell.

The Pies under new coach Brydan Morgan are playing an exciting brand of football with quick ball movement and with De Winter in scintillating form, both in the air and at ground level and options in Pershouse and Pope up forward, the Magpies have the firepower to overcome the Gorillas.

Grange are 1-1 and with ex-Magpie coach Nathan Clarke at the helm  will be well preparedand primed for a big effort against the Pies. Anything less than 100% from the Magpies could open the door for the visitors and this is a message Morgan will have reinforced to his side

A big crowd is expected for a great days football, the first at Chelmer this season.

Western Magpies v Wilston Grange at Chelmer on Saturday, May 6th  at 2 pm

B: Aaron Maricic, Harry Marshall, Luke Mitchell

HB: Tom Ielasi, Jack Goodall, David Lewis,

C: Val Pope, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Chris Hunt

HF:  Matt Davis, Charlie Pershouse, Liam Dwyer

F: Drew Mitchell, Jake De Winter, Brenton Saunders  

Rucks: Aaron Highlands, Gareth Crawford

Rover: Lachie Dennis

I/C: Brodie Easton, Rory Johnson, Dom Misso, Logan Murray

Emerg: Ethan Sivijs

Anytime Fitness - Colts Preview

COLTS KEEN FOR THREE IN A ROW IN LATE GAME

The Western Magpies Colts are in an enviable position this week with almost a full list to choose from for their Round 3 match up with Wilston Grange. Playing at home for the first time this year, and with a 4:45 pm start after the Seniors match, the Colts will be pumped and primed for a big outing.

The focus this week has been about ensuring that the  intensity remains up for the full four quarters and that all players remain switched on and dedicated to the team’s structures for the entire game. If the Colts are able to minimise the gap between their best footy and their worst footy they should be able to present a difficult challenge for the other teams in the QAFL.

This week sees the return of Abdullah Haddad, Max Webber, Saxyn Pobjoy and Tristan Jackson which should provide some much needed run and energy around the contest. Hopefully the forwards all pack their kicking boots this week and finish off some of the good work happening further down the field. Jordan Bonney, Jack Austin and Jacob Sheath have been in great form so far this season and coach Reid Dobson is looking forward to them really taking a game by the scruff of the neck. The Pies defence looks far more settled this week with Hamish Campbell and Whitlam Bishop holding down the key posts, which should give the running backs the opportunity to spread and create from the half back line.

With competition for spots heating up it's important that the group prepares well this weekend and puts their best foot forward in what promises to be a real challenge up against the Gorillas.

Western Magpies Colts v Wilston Grange at Chelmer on Saturday, May 6th at 4.45 pm

B: Saxon Pobjoy, Hamish Campbell, Tristan Dowdy

HB: Sam Hartog, Whitlam Bishop, Tristan Jackson

C: Cal Grant, Sam DeNys, Dan Edwards,           

HF:   Jordan Bonney,  Christopher Jenkins, Jacob Sheath

F: Jayden Johnson, Jack Austin,  Abdullah Haddad,

Rucks:  Finn Collison,  Noah ResugganRover:  Max Webber

Int: Josh Commons, Will Gillespie, Jye Enever, Tom Slatter

New Sponsor Alert - ONE2ONE Plumbing

The Sherwood Football Club welcomes local plumbing business, ONE2ONE Plumbing on board as a sponsor for 2017.

ONE2ONE Plumbing is owned and operated by past player and 2009 Woodsmen Premiership Player - David Green, who is also local to the area.

Affectionately known as 'Lavender' to his teammates (due to his older 2 brothers already playing at the club and being dubbed 'Greeny' and 'Bluey') Dave was a Premiership winning defender before going onto become a Best & Fairest winning Centreman, however his dedication to his plumbing career and starting his new business 'ONE2ONE Plumbing' resulted in a premature retirement!

ONE2ONE deliver a new standard of professional and friendly service to the plumbing industry. They stand out through understanding the care and quality of workmanship that is expected within your home and or business.

ONE2ONE remain flexible with working hours to suit the busy lifestyles of clients, ensuring that requests can always be met. They also delivery 24 hour emergency services that provide peace of mind that any job can be taken care of by a member of their team.

Next time you need some plumbing work done, please ensure you support those that support your club by giving ONE2ONE Plumbing a call, not just because they support your club - but because we can highly recommend their customer service and workmanship.

SPECIALISING IN:

• Water supply and sewer repairs
• Taps and toilets
• Blocked drains
• Roof and gutters
• Hot water unit repairs and replacement
• Bathroom and kitchen renovations
• Emergency plumbing
• No job too big or small

http://www.one2oneplumbing.com/

0430 229 881

Coopers Review - Woodsmen

Woodsmen hang on for close win

The Western Magpies 3rds, affectionately known as the Woodsmen held on for a hard fought 7 point win over Morningside on Friday night in what was a high quality game of footy.

Newcomers to the competition in 2016, the Panthers are more of a known quantity in 2017 and had selected a strong side to put the new look Woodsmen side to the test, and test them they did.

The Woodies started as they did in Round 1, with a strong first quarter – winning the ball out of stoppages and moving it up the centre of the ground with accuracy.  Thomson got on the end of a couple early to kick 2 goals in the early quarter after strong marks, while Mihalopoulous also found himself on the end of some good stoppage work to mark and goal to send the Woodies to a 3 goal quarter time lead.

In the second quarter, the Panthers started to push a couple of talls back into the defensive 50 to clog up the space and the Woodies failed to react with repeated poor entries being cut off with uncontested intercept marks.  The Panthers began to look through the middle of the ground with short passes from half back, but ultimately it was a low scoring quarter with Morningside registering their first goal from a 50m penalty and the Woodies kicking 2 behinds after Thomson missed two relatively simple shots on goal.

Unfortunately, the 3rd quarter was more of the same.  Lachy Woods had enjoyed a dominant opening half, but with a hard tag applied was pushing both forward and back to take some telling marks.  However, with the younger Panthers side working harder for longer the Woodies were held scoreless in the 3rd quarter to go into ¾ time just one goal up and looking a bit tired.  The Panthers certainly had the better of the term, but for the efforts of Tim Green and Chris La Burniy in defence, constantly rebounding the ball out, only to see it come flying back like a boomerang.

However, with the game on the line – the Woodies kicked the first 3 of the final term via Woods, Thomson and Mihalopoulous to get out to a 4 goal lead before also spurning several easy chances in front of goal, including a dropped handball on the goal line (culprit shall remain nameless! To hold a 30 point lead with just 10 minutes remaining.  The Panthers sensed their opportunity as a few Woodies struggled to get to the next contest and put their foot on the pedal to kick 3 quick goals, while also missing some simple chances of their own to close to gap to just 7 points.

An experienced Woodies lineup sensed the danger and outnumbered the Panthers at the contest late in the game to force repeat stoppages in the attacking half of the ground for the Woodies and prevent any clean exits.  After 5 or 6 ball-ups in a row, the Woodies pushed forward and unfortunately for best on ground defender Chris La Burniy, his shot at goal split the middle but the siren sounded just 1 second before he got the kick away and the Woodies held on to go 2-0, registering a 7 point win.

The Woodies are away vs 2016 Grand Finalist UQ next week in what promises to be another tough battle, with the 2 encounters last year shared 1 each with a 1 point win and a 3 point win respectively.

Western Magpies (Woodsmen ) 3.1 -19 | 3.3 – 21 | 3.3 – 21 | 6.9 -45

Defeated

Morningside Panthers 0.3 – 3 | 1.3 – 9 | 2.3 – 15 | 5.8 – 38

Best: La Burniy, Woods, Green, Mudge, Thomson, Long

Goals: Thomson 3, Mihalopoulous 2, Woods 1

Anytime Fitness - Colts Review

COLTS GRIND OUT GUTSY WIN

The Western Magpies Colts didn't get things all their own way on Saturday as they were forced to grind out a hard fought 13 point over Sandgate in the first game of the day.

The Pies overcame inaccuracy to triumph by 13 points, 8.16-64 to 8.3-51.

A late withdrawal from Saxon Pobjoy saw the team run out with 21 players, a situation that was compounded throughout the game with several players picking up niggling injuries. By the end of the game the Magpies bench was without a fit player and the boys were required to dig deep and protect their lead against a fast finishing Sandgate outfit.

They say bad kicking is bad football and this was certainly the case for the young Magpies as they held sway for the majority of the game but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard. Sandgate, on the other hand, managed to keep the score board kicking over with some very handy goals over the back and taking their opportunities when they arose.

Whilst it was a tough day at the office, there were some really pleasing signs with young Jack Austin starring in his first game for the club in the forward line and co-captain Noah Resuggan having a cracking day on the ball. Running defenders Sam Hartog and Tristan Dowdy continued their good run of form and once again Jordan Bonney and Jacob Sheath looked dangerous up forward. The ruck pairing of Finn Collison and Jye Enever are starting to click and this should provide more opportunities for the key midfielders to get first hands on the ball. Sam de Nys, Jayden Johnson and Josh Commons also showed some good signs throughout the game and will be looking to consolidate on this good form in the coming weeks.

A key learning for the Pies Colts this week will centre around maintaining consistency and intensity for a full four quarters of football. When they stick to the game plan, are relentless around the contest and maintain their team structures they are hard to beat. The challenge for the team is maintaining this high standard from quarter to quarter, game to game.

The Colts now set their sights firmly on Wilston Grange in the first home game of the year. It'll be great to play under lights for the first time in 2017 and the team is really looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd after the Senior match.

Western Magpies 3.3 - 21 | 5.7 - 37 | 7.11 - 53 | 8.16 - 64

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 3.0 - 18 | 4.0 - 24 | 7.1 - 43 | 8.3 - 51

Best: Austin, Resuggan, Hartog, Dowdy, De Nys, smith

Goals: Collison, Sheath 2, Jenkins, Hartog, Bonney, Johnson

Metis Wealth Match Review - Reserves

MAGPIE RESERVES ENJOY BIG WIN

The Western Magpies Reserves had a resounding 78 point victory over Sandgate on Saturday, keeping the home team goalless until the last quarter in their 12.16-88 to 1.4-10 victory. It will be a confidence boosting win for the Pies and they will be confident of 2 wins in a row when they face old rivals Wilston-Grange at Chelmer on Saturday.

The win was set up with midfield dominance led by a couple of new young players to the club in Josh White and Will Lloyd, who attacked the ball with relish and won numerous possessions. They were ably assisted by a long serving club veteran in Sean Mewing, who relished his chance in the centre of the ground and led his young charges well. 

Another highlight was the return of small forward Riley Easton, who sizzled on his time managed return to the side and notched 2 goals.

Three youngsters in Kurt Vine, Damon Allen and Dom Morrison all had big games where they blocked many Sandgate attacks across half back and played excellent rebound football.
Ruckman Josh Uebergang  showed he will be a fine acquisition as he played well in only his 3rd official AFL match. 23 year old Lochie McDonald backed up from Friday night's Woodies victory to be a key player across half forward, while Kiran Verma also backed up less than 24 hours later to be an important link player.

Coach Craig Allen was pleased with the manner of the victory but last quarter inaccuracy cost the team a bigger victory. The Reserves look to be building and will only get stronger each week. 

Sandgate      0.0 - 0 |   0.1 - 1 |   0.3 - 3 |  1.4-10

Western Magpies   2.3 - 15 |    6.5 - 41 |  11.6 - 72 |   12.16-88

Best: Lloyd, White, Mewing, Morrison, Uebergang, Vine

Goals: Dickfos 3, Mewing, Easton, De Rooy 2, Mckinnon, Verma, Vine 1

MACK TRUCK MATCH REVIEW - PIES FLEX MUSCLE EARLY IN BATTLE OF BIRDS

Western Magpies new forward Jake De Winter has stamped his class with a 7 goal haul as the Pies had a 59 point victory over Sandgate at Sandgate on a bright Autumns Saturday over the weekend. De Winter booted 4 of the Pies first 5 goals of the match and had 5 goals before quarter time as the Pies kicked 7 first quarter goals to take control of the contest early.

The Pies dominated the first quarter with slick ball movement by keeping it simple-- a quick handball to a running player who delivered quickly toward De Winter,  who was thriving in one on one contests in a wide open 50.  De Winter started with a strong pack park, before kicking 2 more after marks inside 50 on the lead and going back with the flight.  The Hawks responded by putting a bigger key defender to him to curb his advantage in the air, and he responded with 2 more quick goals using his ground level speed.  Certainly a tough match up, when you can play tall and small!  The midfield dominance and quick ball movement, also plays into the hands of a good forward in a one on one battle - and the Magpies had it on a string in the first quarter.

The Magpies won 17.17- 119 to 8.12-60. The victory means the Magpies and Labrador are the only two teams with 2 wins  after 2 rounds. 

The only blot on the copybook was inaccuracy in front of goal in the last quarter with the Pies booting 5.8 for the quarter.

With such blistering opening quarter it was no surprise that the midfield  dominated with Drew Mitchell, Tom Ielasi, Brodie Easton and Ben Jaenke-Cain continually running through the middle and pumping the ball forward. Sandgate blocked up the centre corridor after quarter time and this forced the Pies to go to the flanks and reduced their efficiency. The Pies were guilty of not playing smart football with long kick to a clustered forward arc being less productive and playing into the Hawks hands.

Harry Marshall and David Lewis continued their good early season form with another dominant display across half back which restricted the home team's ability to score.

Bryce Crossley came into the team as a late replacement for youngster Dom Misso, who could not shake off a thigh injury, and while not as fit as he could be, Crossley played his role well. Also doing the job asked of him was Matt Mazarolle, who came into help cover the Sandgate tall forwards.

It was good day for the Pies with three victories on the day, with the Reserves notching up a  78 point win and the Colts earning a hard fought 13 point victory. 

This Saturday the Magpies have their first home game for the season when they host Wilston-Grange at Chelmer, who are 1-1 after 2 rounds.

Western Magpies 7.3 - 45 | 11.7 - 73 | 12.9 - 81 | 17.17 - 119

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 1.2 - 8 | 4.4 - 28 | 7.11 - 53 | 8.12 - 60

Best: Jaenke-Cain, De Winter, Lewis, Ielasi, D.Mitchell, Marshall

Goals: De Winter 7, Davis 2, Dwyer 2, Johnson, Saunders, Ielasi, Jaenke-Cain, D.Mitchell, Pope 1

Westpoint Autos - Reserves Preview

RESERVES LOOK TO OPEN ACCOUNT

The Western MagpiesReserves will look to open their account when they travel to Sandgate today.

The Pies welcomed back Alex Dickfos last week and while short of a gallop he will give the Pies a forward target for a few more weeks before he heads to London for a working holiday.

The other good news is the inclusion of young small forward Riley Easton who returns after a year on the sidelines after an ACL reconstruction.  After establishing himself as a 16 year old senior player in 2015, Riley will be looking to make up ground after 12 months out.

The Pies goal to goal line looks solid -- Gabe McKinnon, Sean McEvoy, Bryce Crossley, Dickfos and tall youngster Jeremy deRooy -- and with several youngsters in Dom Morrison, Damon Allen, Kurt Vine and James Gainford all showing improvement,  coach Craig Allen is expecting a strong showing from his team.

Sandgate were given a lesson last Monday night but who knows how strong they will be today.

The Magpies will be keen for a good start to put scoreboard pressure on the Hawks and go onto gain the 4 points.

Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday April 29th at 11.30 am

B: Rohan Smith Gabe McKinnon James Page
HB: Kurt Vine Sean McEvoy Damon Allen
C: Phil StumerBryce Crossley James Gainford
HF: Tom Roderick Alex Dickfos Scott Taylor
F: Riley Easton Jeremy deRooy Dom Morrison
Foll: Joshua Uebergang Sean Mewing Joshua White
I/c: Thomas Luke Julian Tabe Will Burgess Will Lloyd

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Woodies take on Morningside

The Woodies will take on a strong Morningside outfit tonight in their first home game of 2017.  New to the competition in 2016, Morningside have shown gradual improvement and will be a tough opponent for the Woodies who had a hard fought Round 1 win in tough conditions last week.

The Woodies have made 6 changes to their side this week, which may sound like ‘wholesale changes’ – but this is the norm in Friday night footy world!

Out of the side go Gerard Moore, Blake McClennan, Irish Sammy Banim, Tristan Mathews, Andrew Bell and Jay Muscat and the Woodies welcome back dual premiership Captain in Sean Toohey, lionheart ruckman Darcy McCewen, onballer Chris Davis, the small but tough David Schultz and evergreen defender Chris ‘the stink’ La Burniy.

In addition, the Woodies will have another debutant to add to the 5 from last week in Jordan Walsh from Adelaide – welcome Walshy!

The Woodies will miss the big target of Gerard Moore across centre half forward, after he took plenty of telling grabs early last week before fading out of the game as the conditions became worse and he was often double or triple teamed, however the ever enthusiastic Sammy Long will be a great replacement across half forward with the old legs still able to get him airborne for some quality grabs!

The full forward line resembles a retirement village with a combined age of well over 100, but with it comes experience and footy smarts from the likes of the coach Chris Mihalopoulous, the returning Sean Toohey and big man Andrew Thomson going deep forward after shouldering the ruck duties in Round 1 and coming face to face with football mortality in punishing conditions!

The defensive unit, long the jewel in the Woodsmen crown again looks like an impenetrable fortress with the superstar Tim Green patrolling the arc at Centre Half Back, with quality lieutenants at his side in ‘Noodles’ McEvoy on one flank and Blake Barkley (fresh from a standout round 1 performance) on the other flank.  Noodles will again be looking to pull the trigger into the corridor with his lethal left foot, though last week a few teammates were left wondering if he should perhaps try the right foot more often…?

The last line of defence includes the rejuvenated Paul Eaton, with his superb closing speed and booming clearing kicks alongside the experienced Dylan Mudge and ‘Stink’ La Burniy who will no doubt be looking to flex his muscle (both figuratively and literally…)

In the ruck will be returning Premiership ruckman Darcy McEwen (if his alarm goes off) and youngsters in Chris Davis & reigning B&F winner, Sam Curtis rounding out the on-ball division.

Games record holder Kiran Verma will again patrol one wing, while 2016 Rising Woody – Nick Masters will look to use his athleticism and beautiful skills to get the scoreboard moving.  In the centre will be Lachie Woods who will be looking to build on his promising Woodies debut from Round 1.

Get down to the Nest tonight, enjoy a Coopers and something from the Woods Bar & Grill and watch the mighty Woodies take on Morningside in a Friday night Blockbuster!!!

Western Magpies (Woodsmen) vs Morningside – Fri April 21 @ 730pm

CFMG CAPITAL - Colts Preview

COLTS LOOK TO BUILD ON GOOD START

This week's game promises to be a cracking Round 2 match up vs Sandgate at Sandgate for the Western Magpies Colts. Always a solid match up, Sandgate teams are always physical and well drilled and are sure to provide a real challenge for our youngest Senior team this week on the tricky Sandgate home ground.

Illness, family commitments and injury have forced several changes; however, the Colts appear to have excellent depth this season and should be able to cover the loss of several key players. Ethan Sivijs has also been rewarded with his Senior debut this week, just reward for fantastic form and hard work over the past 12 months.  Great for the rest of the group to see food form and solid training effort rewarded at a Senior level.

The Colts will be looking to replicate their encouraging start to the season by ensuring they get first hands on the ball through players like Commons and Sam deNys which should allow our ball use and run to be implemented. The vast expanses of the Lemke Road oval should provide players like Daniel Edwards, Hamish Campbell, Jayden Johnson, Thomas Cooper and Callum Grant plenty of space to run and use the footy, suiting the Colts attacking game style down to a tee.

The boys have had a fantastic week on the track, really knuckling down on their defensive structures and pressure on the ball. Hopefully this translates on game day in their ability to turn the ball over quickly and launch some quick attacks in offense.

This week we welcome Lewis Campbell and Jack Austin into the team for their first run in the black and white stripes. Both boys have had a solid pre season and will we look forward to what they can bring to our already potent forward line.

The game starts at 9:30 am and we are looking forward to the boys kicking off their 2017 campaign with two wins in a row.

As always anyone willing to volunteer their time to help out with water and other odd jobs would be greatly appreciated.

COLTS vs Sandgate @ Sandgate Sat 29/4 @930am

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES HIT THE ROAD TO TAKE ON HAWKS

PIES FACE DANGER GAME AT SANDGATE

The Western Magpies face a dangerous opponent at Sandgate in Round 2 of the QAFL on Saturday.  The Pies will be full of confidence after a resounding victory last week but cannot take the Hawks team lightly, who will be smarting after their Anzac Eve loss to Wilston Grange.

It is still a "feeling out" period for the season with Sandgate competitive against aGorillas outfit touted to be big improvers this year after heavy off-season recruiting.

So for the Pies, who struggled last year on the big Sandgate ground in windy conditions after having a large win the year before, it presents as a new challenge with a large ground potentially suiting the new Magpies gameplan that no longer relies purely on inside gruntwork.

There are three enforced changes with Mitch Stallard out injured, Charlie Pershouse on interstate duties after his Round 1 Rising star nomination and Lachie Dennis doing uni exams (when will unis learn Saturday arvo is no time for an exam?!). All are big outs after being among the best last week.

In for his first senior match is young Colt Ethan Sivijs, who plays across half back but will start on the bench, Matt Mazarolle to add height to the fullback line and Chris Hunt returns from illness to full back. 

Jake De Winter and Joe Murphy will be chock full of confidence after excellent debuts last week for the Pies and young ruck man/forward Aaron Highlands was impressive on debut to be named the Pies best player last week.

Val Pope was dynamic as usual and David Lewis intercepted everything that came his way.  This week the Pies have moved him forward (where he started his career as a junior) to cover for the absence of Pershouse. 

Hunt's return is timely for the backline as the Hawks have some dangerous talls in the Rutledge brothers and ruck/forward Brendan Forbes.

In midfield the usual suspects in Drew Mitchell, Gareth Crawford and Ben Jaenke-Cain were industrious last week and with youngsters on the wings in Dom Misso and Rory Johnson to provide some outside run the Pies look to have a solid midfield. Sandgate's Overington, Stackelberg and Beaven are dangerous players so the Pies midfield will need to be at their best to keep the home team in check. 

If the Magpies produce the style of football we saw last week then they should have too much class for Sandgate but they will need to be focused on the task at hand and not get ahead of themselves.

Coach Brydan Morgan will have stressed to his side the need to not get carried away with one win but continue to work hard to get the season off to a good start.

Western Magpies v Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday, April 29th at 2pm

B: Matt Mazarolle, Chris Hunt, Luke Mitchell

HB: Joe Murphy, Liam Dwyer, Brenton Saunders

C; Dom Misso, Drew Mitchell (C), Rory Johnson

HF:  Aaron Maricic, Aaron Highlands, Jake De Winter

F: Val Pope,  David Lewis, Matt Davis (vc)  

Foll: Harry Marshall, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Gareth Crawford

I/C: Brodie Easton,  Tom Ielasi, Logan Murray, Ethan Sivijs

Metis Wealth Match Review - Reserves

NEW LOOK PIES RESERVES FIGHT IT OUT

While it may have been the old brigade who featured in the best for the Pies, a swag of youngsters showed plenty of promise and fight in going down to a more polished Mt Gravatt on Saturday.

The Pies went down by 44 points, 7.5-47 to 13.13-91. There wasn’t much between the sides in the in the first half with a fluky cross breeze affecting play. The Pies trailed by 3 goals at half time after a slow start but a 7 goal to 1 third quarter from the Vultures had the Pies looking down the barrel at three quarter time.

Coach Craig Allen asked his side to keep working and was pleased with the endeavour of his team as they outplayed and outscored the home side in the final quarter, keeping the Vultures goalless.

The “veterans” of the side in  skipper for the match Gabe McKinnon, full back Sean McEvoy, midfielder Sean Mewing and vice-captain for the day in Bryce Crossley were among the best. The two Macs were solid in defence and Mewing relished his new on-ball role while Crossley also won plenty of ball in midfield in his return match for the Pies.

New ruckman Josh Uebergang, from a basketball background, toiled hard in ruck and will get better with each match as he learns the nuances of the game. New player Rohan Smith was also solid in defence and does not mind playing rugged football and young USQ Toowoomba recruit Josh White showed promise on debut. Dom Morrison, still eligible for Colts, played well across half forward and he  also indicated he will be a player of the future with a solid performance.

The Magpies will be keen to open their account at Sandgate on Saturday.

Anytimes Fitness - Colts Review

COLTS START WITH SOLID WIN

The Western Magpies Colts started the season off in fine fashion on Saturday with a comfortable win over Mt Gravatt. The Pies ran out  8 goal winners over the Vultures, who have traditionally produced a strong Colts  team. The Pies won 12.4-76 to 4.6-30.

The game was tight early as both teams struggled to find to consistency and continuity in the first match of the year. As expected nerves, indecision and skill errors would be the theme of the first half as the Magpies boys endeavoured to implement their game plan under real match pressure for the first time in 2017.

After half time, midfielders Max Webber and Josh Commons really lifted their work rate in the middle providing our outside runners like Dan Edwards and Saxon Pobjoy the opportunity to utilise their run and skill. Key forwards Jacob Sheath and Jordan Bonney also worked their way into the game and provided a consistent contest across half forward, leading up hard and crashing packs when necessary. This was coupled with excellent forward pressure from the likes of Zac Stegemeyer and Abdullah Haddad.

As the game settled, so did the back six which saw a far more organised and structured effort in the third and fourth quarters. Key backs Ethan Sivijs, Hamish Campbell and Whitlam Bishop kept their men under control allowing runners Sam Hartog and Tristan Dowdy to set up numerous forays forward. A real team effort, it was great to see newcomers Daniel Grandy and Tom Slatter playing patches of quality football across half forward and the wing.

The challenge now for the Colts is to continue this form into next week. One of the pitfalls for young teams can be consistency across four 4 quarters but if this group can continue to get to the ball first, maintain strong defensive pressure and develop their attacking game style they should be a difficult team to beat.

A really pleasing start to the year and now the Pies get ready for the difficult task against Sandgate at Sandgate next week.

Western Magpies 12.4 - 76 defeated Mt Gravatt 4.0 - 24

Best: Sheath, Hartog, Commons, Bonney, Webber, Campbell

Goals: Bonney, Sheath 3, Edwards 2, Johnson, Webber, Stegmeyer, Haddad 1

Coopers Review - Woodies overcome Bulldogs in scrappy affair

The Woodsmen braved the Friday night M1 traffic to take on the newly formed Ormeau Bulldogs in a scrappy affair played in intermittent rain before the heavens opened in a dour last quarter.

The Woodsmen knew a good start was important against a fired up Bulldogs side proud to pull on their jumper for the first time in front of a big Friday night crowd on a perfectly presented playing surface and bright new lights!

Setting the tone from the opening bounce, Thomson won a clear tap, straight to McClennan who then hit Moore on a chest with a bullet like pass.  Sadly, the game went downhill from there!

After that bright start, the Woodies dominated possession to go into quarter time with a 3.2 - 20 to 0.1 - 1 lead after goals from Woods, Moore and McDonald got the ball rolling, but weren't able to finish off their good work, with Ormeau only registering one inside 50 for the quarter.

The rain began to fall in the second quarter and Ormeau played a strong contested brand of footy to frustrate the Woodies, dropping players back deep in defence and resisting the constant attacks with hard contests and great tackling pressure, while skill errors through the middle of the ground were letting the Woodies down.

Kicking 1.3 for the quarter and missing several other set shots, the Woodies were struggling for momentum and knew they were in for a fight.  A late goal from a 50m penalty to the Bulldogs left the half time margin at 22 points.

With 6 new players to the side, the Woodies were trying to build some continuity but just couldn't put it together - and while never seriously threatened, the 2nd half was a decidedly scrappy affair with the Woodies outscored 1.6 to 2.3 and eventually running out winners by 19 points.

The Woodies will be at home against Morningside in Round 2, and will be looking for a much more cohesive performance in front of a home crowd.

Woodsmen 5.11 - 41 defeated Ormeau Bulldogs 3.4 - 22

Best: Woods, Barkley, Eaton, Moore, Mudge, Green

Goals: Moore, Woods 2, McDonald 1

MACK TRUCKS MATCH REVIEW - YOUNG PIES PLAY PRECISE FOOTY

OH BOY, OH WOWEE!! PRECISE PIES IN SCINTILLATING FIRST UP WIN

The Western Magpies had a scintillating 74 point win over old rivals Mt Gravatt at Dittmer Park on Saturday

The Pies were precise on their ball movement in the 18.11-119 to 5.15 - 45 victory. 

The nerves were apparent in the players and coaching staff on Saturday, with a new look side and a long pre-season with just one practice match, how the Pies would front up in Round 1 was a mystery to all. So while the coaches and players would have planned for a win, nobody saw really saw a dominant 13 goal win on the menu, but it was one to savour for the players, coaches and supporters alike!

New coach Brydan Morgan has put a huge amount of work into the team and it paid dividends as the Pies ball use with hand and foot was as good as any Pies' team in recent seasons. 

Morgan was also very happy with the pressure the Pies applied and their tackling was a feature all match, with players still working hard until the final siren despite holding a big lead. 

The back six worked well as a unit and were the springboard for many attacks and the forward half tackling pressure was also a highlight. 

19 year old ruck man Aaron Highlands on his senior debut was particularly exctiing. The young ruckman could be dubbed the "baby faced assassin" as he relished the physical contest and was instrumental in giving the Pies midfield first use of the football. He was happy to engage his opponent early at ruck contests and took some telling marks around the ground. He would have to be in the reckoning for a QAFL Rising Star nomination this week!

The Pies had early ascendancy in a tricky wind but the Vultures kicked 2 late goals to be in the contest at quarter time. The first quarter was frenetic with rapid ball movement by both teams but the wind still made scoring difficult and with both defences on top.  Charlie Pershouse was on fire early at full forward and his high leaping netted him strong marks and the first three Pies goals for the match

The second quarter was an arm wrestle and luckily for the Pies the Vultures were wayward in kicking for goal whereas the Pies were more accurate with 4 goals to hold a handy 4 goal lead at half time.

The Pies rapid and precise ball movement as well as the pressure at the contest saw the Pies blow the game open and dominate after halftime with 12 goals to 3 in the Pies favour.

New half forward Jake de Winter took about a quarter and half to find his feet up forward and when he did he looked quite at home as he kicked 5 goals, including 4 after half time. Brenton Saunders was his usual busy self to boot three goals and took a spectacular mark in the second quarter to goal and Val Pope was the usual Val Pope with another haul of 4 goals. The Vultures must hate the sight of the Pies No 4 as he has regularly bobbed up for handy contributions on the scoreboard against the Vultures in the past 4 seasons.

In the back half Mitchell Stallard returned to the Pies from Redland and slotted into full back in the absence of the ill Chris Hunt and he controlled proceedings with David Lewis and debutant Harry Marshall. Lewis marked everything in his path and his intercept marking was a highlight of the game and Marshall mopped up well. Luke Mitchell was given the task of shutting down the Vultures dangerous goalsneak Estall and kept him goalless in a terrific display of selfless football. He still had plenty of the ball himself to drive the Pies back into attack. 

In midfield the engine room purred along with Ben Jaenke-Cain linking up all game, Gareth Crawford was in at the contest all game in a vintage display and provided some grunt, new skipper Drew Mitchell was hard at it as usual and another debutant in Joe Murphy also provided plenty of run and chase in an impressive display. 

Youngster Rory Johnson made his senior debut and he kicked a classy 45 metre goal on the run in the third quarter after brilliantly roving the marking contest on the 50 metre arc--the goal was the first of several in a few minutes that saw the Pies blow the game apart. Another youngster in Lachie Dennis was also impressive with plenty of toe as was Liam Dwyer, whether up forward or in ruck, always giving a contest. 

The Pies did not have  bad player and their work rate with and without the ball was impressive and it was the best ball movement and clearest decision making seen from Magpies for some time. The Pies have found some outside pace and class to balance the trademark inside grunt and work ethic. Exciting times ahead!! 

The Magpies again travel on Saturday to Sandgate--the Hawks play Wilston Grange on Monday night and as Grange are the Pies round 3 opponent it will be an interesting next 2 rounds. The Pies brains trust will be interested spectators on Monday night. 

Western Magpies 2.3 - 15 | 6.6 - 42 | 12.9 - 81 | 18.11 - 119

defeated

Mt Gravatt Vultures 2.0 - 12 | 2.6 - 18 | 3.9 - 27 | 5.15 - 45

Best: Highlands, Lewis, Jeanke-Cain, Pershouse, Stallard, De Winter

Goals: De Winter 5, Pope 4, Pershouse 3, Saunders 3, Murphy, Mitchell, Johnson 1

Coopers Coaching Corner - Brett 'Noodles' McEvoy

COLTS ASSISTANT COACH

It is a bit of a family affair in the Western Magpies Colts coaching ranks with Brett McEvoy as Assistant Coach to his brother-in-law Reid Dobson. Besides the family connection, 'Noodles' as he is universally known, and Dobbo also have a long history of being team-mates and friends within the Magpies football family.

Noodles was an accomplished player for the Magpies and played on a half forward flank where his deadly left foot was a weapon for the Pies.

In true clubman fashion when he was playing in his twenties he was also assisting at Sherwood junior training for many years.

As he grew older and slowed down he rolled around the centre of the ground for the Reserves and despite losing a bit of pace he also had the football nous to read the play, seemed to always be where the footy was and then managed to wriggle his way out of trouble with his trusty left foot. 

And all this was done with his enigmatic smile always on his face. 

He started at Sherwood under 8s and progressed through the ranks, winning premierships in Under 13s, 14s and 16s while a youngster.

He graduated to the Western Magpies to play a number of years in the Seniors.

He moved away to teach at Moranbah and played with the Bulldogs in the Mackay competition. It involved a lot of travel--over 200km each way every second week to play footy--that's dedication!

On returning to Brisban , Noodles linked up with his beloved Magpies again and played in the centre for the Reserves, winning the AFLQ Division 2 League Best and Fairest Medal in 2011. He then decided to join the Woodsmen and played in his first Senior Premiership in 2014 after many near misses.

Brett has an astute football brain and with his teaching background has the ability to impart his knowledge of the game to the Colts players and also develop them to not only being better players but also fine young men the club and their families can be proud of.  

Coopers Preview - New Look Woodies approach Round 1

New Look Woodsmen take on Ormeau Bulldogs

The new look Woodsmen will look resplendent in the traditional black & white Sherwood stripes for their Round 1 encounter vs the Ormeau Bulldogs tonight.

The Woodies have merged back into the Magpie fold in 2017 and will be looking to continue their form, having not missed the finals in 10 seasons.  Not only will they be sporting a new look guernsey, they will be playing in a new competition and will have 6 debutants in Round 1.  The growing popularity of the Friday night football competition has seen AFLQ split in the competition in half, with the Woodies playing in the stronger QFA division, which disappointingly only includes 6 teams, including the newly formed Ormeau Bulldogs, Zillmere, Morningside, Sandgate and UQ – while the lesser division will feature 8 teams.

The Woodies will be without long time skipper Sean Toohey, but the team still includes a few Woodsmen veterans from the inaugural squad such as Kiran Verma on a wing, Tim Green at Centre Half Back and Andrew Thomson shouldering the ruck duties.

Making their Woodsmen debuts will be Jay Muscat (North Footscray), Sam Banim (University Cougars / Toowoomba), Sam Long  (Mt Gravatt who is the Senior Magpies Assistant coach in 2017), Rick Masterson (new to the game), Lachlan Woods (Magpies Seniors) and Blake McClennan (Magpies Reserves).

There is also a strong Sherwood flavour to the squad with other club juniors/seniors such as Chris Mihalopoulous as playing coach, Brett McEvoy, Greg Matthews, Tristan Mathews, Dylan Mudge, Sam Curtis, Gerard Moore, Daniel Hitchcock also part of the side.

Ormeau Bulldogs as a brand new outfit are an unknown quantity, but must be treated with caution as they have been accepted into the stronger division with no prior senior playing history – which is a sign of some likely strong recruiting!

The Woodsmen will be looking to their strong midfield to give them first use of the footy with Lachlan Woods and Blake McClennan providing strong inside grunt, while Sam Curtis can get on the outside and use his exceptional speed and quality delivery off either foot to the likes of Moore, Long and Mihalopoulos who will be the nucleus of a strong forwardline.

Missing a couple of regular key small defenders, the Woodies will be looking to chop off most attacks across half back with Tim Green’s marking power and the footy smarts of Blake Barkley and Brett McEvoy to mop things up at ground level, with ‘Noodles’ lethal left footy a likely weapon coming out of the back half.  If the ball gets deep, the always improving Paul Eaton will be put to work with his long clearing kicks, superb closing speed and attacking instincts to launch some Magpie attacks from deep in defence.

Western Magpies (Woodsmen) vs Ormeau Bulldogs at Ormeau Sports Park, Friday April 21 @ 730pm

Westpoint Autos - Colts Preview

The Western Magpies Colts will be looking to start the day off in style in their Round 1 match up against Mt Gravatt this weekend in the new look QAFL Colts competition.

The team is excited about the opportunity to play the same teams on the same day as their Senior counterparts in what should be a really even and exciting competition this year. The first round match up promises to be a hard fought affair against a Mt Gravatt side that finished on top of the ladder last year and  has some outstanding young talent and has provided the Magpies with some cracking contests over the past few years. The make up of both teams is set to be somewhat affected by Academy games and the U16 representative carnival this week, however coach Reid Dobson believes he has picked an exciting team that can get the job done.

The Pies welcome in some new faces this week for their first game for the Western Magpies Colts in Dan Edwards, Jye Enever, Abdullah Haddad, Will Gillespie,  Tom Slatter and Jayden Johnson and Dobson is looking forward to see what they can bring to the Colts in 2017.

Most of the group has been on the track since November and there is a good feeling around the team as they look to put into place a fast moving and attacking game style, built on the framework set last year in the U17's. The magpies also welcome back Tristan Dowdy and Ethan Sivijs from Academy duties and Zac Stegemeyer from early retirement!! - which should provide some real poise and experience to the back line. The introduction of Abdullah Haddad and Jayden Johnson from Toowoomba promises to bring some outside run this year which should help the Pies get the ball in quickly to the tall forwards in Jordan Bonney and Whitlam Bishop.

Hopefully, the Magpies Colts  can set the tone for the day for the club with a really good hit out this week against the Vultures in what promises to be a great start to the 2017 season.

Western Magpies Colts v Mt Gravatt at Dittmer Park on Saturday, April 22nd at 9.30 am

B: Saxon Pobjoy, Hamish Campbell, Tristan Dowdy

HB: Sam Hartog, Zac Stegemeyer, Ethan Sivijs

C: Cal Grant, Josh Commons, Tom Cooper

HF:  Dan Edwards,  Jordan Bonney, Daniel Grandy

F: Jayden Johnson, Whitlam Bishop, Jacob Sheath

Foll:  Finn Collison, Max Webb Noah Resuggan

Int: Abdullah Haddad, Will Gillespie, Jye Enever Tom Slatter

Anytime Fitness - Ressies Preview

NEW LOOK RESERVES CONFIDENT OF GOOD SHOWING

The Western Magpies Reserves will have a new look side with 17 new players not part of the setup in 2016 set to take on Mt Gravatt in Round 1 of the QAFL at Mt Gravatt on Saturday.

The constants are coach Craig Allen and s veterans of the team in Captain for Saturday Gabe McKinnon, defender Sean McEvoy and regular senior player Sean Mewing. Jamie Page in also his third season and youngster Matt Mazarolle in his second season in senior ranks.

Bryce Crossley returns as vice-captain in this match after a stint at Kenmore ( he has seen the light!!) and young Zimbabwean Tadiwa Parirentyatwa returns after a serious knee injury last year.

The pleasing aspect from a club development point of view is the inclusion of 8 Colts players from 2016 to add to the 2 players making their senior debut on Saturday.

Rory Johnson had a taste of senior football 2 weeks ago and Jeremy de Rooy took some strong marks in the practice match.

Josh Uebergang comes from a basketball background and has plenty of learning to do but showed he will be a fine ruckman this year and other youngsters in Kurt Vine and Damon Allen were good players a fortnight ago.

Where the Pies are in terms of their prospects this year is still an unknown quantity with so many new players, but they look to have the nucleus of a good side and with new recruit Tom Hall (unavailable), a strong bodied defender, and the possible return of key forward Scott Musson after a stint in Cairns and the Reserves will still be a competitive outfit.  

Western Magpies Reserves v Mt Gravatt at Dittmer Park on Saturday, April 22nd at 11.30 am

B: Rohan Smith, Sean McEvoy, Jamie Page

HB: Kurt Vine, Gabe McKinnon (C), Damon Allen

C: Matt Mazerolle, Bryce Crossley (vc), James Gainford

HF: Matt Cowton, Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Tom Roderick

F: J White, Jeremy De Rooy, Phil Stumer

Foll: Josh Uebergang, Sean Mewing, Rory Johnson

I/C: Dom Morrison, Will Lloyd, Julian Tabe, Thomas Luke