Westpoint Autos - Ressies Preview

PIES RESERVES LOOKING TO UPSET LADDER LEADERS

The Western Magpies Reserves have another seven changes to the team as they prepare to play the ladder leaders Mt Gravatt on Saturday. 

A big inclusion is Aspley listed player and ex- Gold Coast (AFL) and Sturt (SANFL) half back and former Magpie in Jackson Allen, who returns after being out for a long period with injury. 

It will be a long time since Allen played Reserves football but it is good to see him back playing and in the black and white. 

Also in is Riley Easton who has struggled to recapture his 2015 form after missing 2016 with an ACL reconstruction. 

Out go a quartet to the Seniors in Brady Allen, Cal Carseldine, Will Fletcher and Luke Mitchell as well as Scott Musson who is on work commitments and young gun Caleb Franks is off to Melbourne with the State U/17 Squad

Youngsters in Dom Morrison, Matt Mazarolle, Rory Johnson, Dom Misso, Damon Allen, Kurt Vine  and Joshua White have all been good in recent weeks and with Easton, Jeremy deRooy and James Gainford also back in the Pies will look to their youthful enthusiasm to lift them against the strong Vultures outfit.

Matt Dillon at CHB was a bit rusty last week and will be better for the run and Bryce Crossley just keeps on working hard through the middle.

The Pies have only won 2 matches but have a percentage of 83% so have been competitive in most outings this year.

The Pies should lift as it is the popular Tadiwa Parirenyatwa’s last match for the Pies before he heads home to Zimbabwe  and his teammates would love nothing better to send him out on a winning note as well as cause a huge upset against their close rivals.

 Western Magpies Reserves v Mt Gravatt at Chelmer on Saturday, July 1st at 11.30 am

B: Rohan Smith,  Jamie Page, Jackson Allen

HB: Damon Allen, Matt Dillon, Kurt Vine

C: James Gainford, Bryce Crossley (vc), Dom Morrison

HF: Matt Mazarolle Gabe McKinnon (c), Dom Misso

F: Riley Easton Jeremy DeRooy Dom Beer

Rucks: Josh Uebergang Joshua White

Rover: Rory Johnson

I/C: Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Tom Roderick, Sam Taylor, Matt Cowton

BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Preview

MUST WIN GAME FOR COLTS IN TWILIGHT MATCH

The Western Magpies Colts enter their round 10 match up against Mt Gravatt coming off a pair of disappointing losses in recent weeks. The young Pies have freshened up this week and are keen to atone in this must win clash against the Vultures.

The Magpies will be without star pair Caleb Franks and Jack Austin this week as they travel to Melbourne with the U17's state squad, a well deserved reward for playing some outstanding football this year. A host of injuries, illnesses and other commitments have also opened the door for Lewis Campbell, Josh Commons, Tristan Jackson and Danny Grandy to come back into the line up while Cameron MacDonald will run around for his first game in Magpies colours this weekend, and we look forward to him providing first use of the footy in the ruck.

A much stronger mindset and commitment to winning the football will be paramount to the Colts success this weekend and expect to see midfield leaders Max Webber, Jacob Sheath, Sam Hartog and Sam deNys to lead from the front in this regard. The team has continued to work hard around the contest at training this week and not allowing Mt Gravatt to move the ball away from congestion too easily be a key component of the Magpies plans.

Quick ball movement and brave footy will be high on the Magpies agenda as they look to take advantage of the solid defensive work of Whitlam Bishop, Zac Stegmeyer, Tristan Dowdy and Ethan Sivijs. The forward line has had a bit of a make over this weekend with excitement machines Abdullah Haddad and Chris Jenkins looking to provide some spark and energy around the feet of Jordan Bonney and Finn Collison.

It is a vital round for all Magpies teams this week and the Colts are excited about being the final game of the day and are hoping all supporters stay behind after the seniors and support the up and coming young Magpies.

Western Magpies Colts v Mt Gravatt at Chelmer on Saturday, July 1st at 4.45 pm

B: Tristan Jackson,  Zac Stegmeyer, Saxon Pobjoy

HB: Ethan Sivijs, Whitlam Bishop, Tristan Dowdy   

C: Noah Resuggan, Max Webber, Dan Edwards,           

HF: Jayden Johnson,   Chris Jenkins, Lewis Campbell

F: Abdullah Haddad, Finn Collison, Jordan Bonney,

Rucks:  Jacob Sheath, Sam De Nys

Rover:  Harry Keenan

Int: Josh Commons,  Sam Hartog,  Daniel Grandy, Cameron Macdonald

CFMG Capital - Grentell reflects on coaching the Pope!

PAUL GRENTELL ON VAL POPE

I first came across Val Pope in 2004 when I was playing coach of the Western Magpies’s side in the QAFL. Val had been put forward along with Tim Plummer to play some senior games upon recommendations from the Kenmore Bears. 

Pope and Grentell enjoyed Premiership success together twice, first in 2006 in Pope's first year in Senior footy and again above in 2008 in one of the best local grand finals you're ever likely to see

Val was a skinny shy looking kid that was renowned for his football smarts and evasive skills who could kick goals. Both players played for us against Labrador at home, with Labrador at the time struggling and we beat them quite well with Tim kicking multiple goals and Val playing OK through the midfield and forward. I had seen glimpses of Val’s ability but wasn’t totally convinced and said to both players to come and play against Southport the following week where I knew they would be tested. My thoughts of Val’s abilities after that day were confirmed as this kid was going to be a star! Val dominated the opposition as a 16 year old and a few of us oldies that were finishing off our careers helping develop the kids in the 2’s were relishing having him in our team for the day. The opposition took notice of him as well and started to target him quite fiercely (something that continues to this day). Tony “Chuck” Zillman took it upon himself to be Val’s protector for the game and I believe this is when Val understood that we are a family at The Magpies and once you put on the jumper we will look out for you whether you have played 200 games or just 2 games. I strongly believe that the protection and support that Tony displayed along with his fellow team mates that day went a long way towards Val choosing the Western Magpies as his senior club.

After a brief stint with Mt Gravatt forced by AFLQ, Val returned to the Magpies to play in the all-conquering Alan Hagley (Hags) coached Under 18s Division 1 Premiership team that defeated Southport soundly at the Gabba in the 2005 Grand Final. A development pathway for Val was produced by Hags in consultation with myself and Val where he would play in the Under 18s that year under the guidance of Gary Shaw and Hags then move into senior footy. The plan worked and the ‘finished product’ that Hags and Shawry produced was ready to go...

Val’s influence at senior level was instant! Kicking multiple goals in his first senior game against the previous year’s Premiers, Burleigh, and went on that year to win the AFLQ Competition Player of the Year as a 19 year old. He has won many games off his own boot making seasoned defenders look silly whilst having a team first attitude. Val has the ability to change a game in minutes and was my “go to” player through the midfield when we were struggling to win the ball. He is an entertainer and people to this day go to the local footy just to watch him play. He was instrumental in all 3 of the Premierships he has been a part of and has been pivotal to the success at the club. He has been and continues to be the best forward of the modern era, not only at the club but in the competition and would be amongst,  in my opinion,  one of the best players to play in the western suburbs. A full forward line containing Giffard, St John and Pope would be a true spectacle to see…. Thanks for the entertainment Val, it was a privilege to coach you and thanks for playing for the Maggies!

Place Player Profile - 200 of the Best for the Magpie Pope

MAGPIE POPE BRINGS UP 200 OF THE BEST

Longtime Magpie star, Val Pope will play his 200th Senior match when the Western Magpies play Mt Gravatt at Chelmer on Saturday.

The silky skills of Pope have long thrilled the Western Magpies crowd for 11 seasons since he made his Senior debut in 2006. Pope is brilliant in the air with sure hands ensuring he is a true ‘one grab mark’ and then at ground level his clean hands are as good as any player in the QAFL.

Pope began his career with the Pies in 2004 when he played a couple of Reserves matches under coach Paul Grentell.

He had moved to Brisbane as an 11 year old from Melbourne where, encouraged by his parents, he had played junior football for Bentleigh. He joined the local Kenmore side and played with them to Under 16 level. He was in the Queensland state squad and it was decreed by AFLQ that squad members had to play at State League level so played several matches at Mt Gravatt that year.

After his taste of Reserves football with the Pies, he moved permanently across to the Western Magpies with good mates Ed McDonnell and Angus Graham where he was a member of the 2005 Under 18 Division 1 Premiership under Alan Hagley and Gary Shaw.  Teammates in that side included Sean McEvoy, Matt Davis, Mick Hamill, Rohan Bail and Damien Bonney.

He progressed straight into the Seniors in 2006 and was a member of the Pies premiership team that defeated Noosa under Paul Grentell. He was runner up to David Hamill in the Bill Peirce Medal count in his first season in Senior football and won the QAFL's Medal for the League's Best Player.

He has never been dropped from the Senior side since debut and did not miss a game from 2006 to 2009, however in recent years he has missed a few games with soft tissue injury or work related travel.

To underline his ability and value to the Pies, he won his first Bill Peirce Medal in a Premiership year in 2008 and then again in 2015 when the Pies finished second on the QAFL ladder. This makes him the best of a very good team. He was also named in the QAFL Team of the Year in 2015.

Premiership teammate MattThompson regards Pope as one of the best and toughest players he has played with and he is one of the top two or three players he played with at the Pies. That list includes class players such as Jim Rozynski, Ed McDonnell, Chris Mihalopoulos, Luke Scott, Tim McEvoy and Ben Heffernan-Roper to name a few.

He is always targeted by opposition players despite playing in forward lines which included Anthony Corrie, Alex Dickfos, David Hammill and Gerard Moore and more often than not takes the attention of the opposition best defender. He takes a lot of whacks off the ball and he has the ability to absorb a lot of punishment but just keeps on going. However some opposition coaches were either ignorant or unprepared because  one day an opposition coach, when asked whether he would put a tag on him was dismissive, saying he did not rate him….six goals later and an upset Magpies victory had him rueing his decision and rapidly revising his opinion.

Despite the man handling and close checking over the years he has never been reported. So you can add fairness to the equation to go with natural ability, toughness and durability. His attack on the football is fearless and he has always played taller than he looked. His skills at ground level have been exceptional. Thompson says he was much better than most people credited him with and he was the second best player in the Pies premiership win over Palm Beach-Currumbin in 2012.

In-house, Pope is rated as one of the best ever players to don the black and white yet some opposition players and coaches often did not know much about him. This is likely due to the fact that off the field he is unassuming and talking to him you would never know his record or how good he is—the persona of the quiet unassuming accountant that he is–think Clark Kent—but look out when he crosses the white line!!

Long time Magpies supporter Robert Schaffert reckons Valentine "The Pontiff" Pope gave him the most enjoyment of any player at the Pies and he marvelled at his ability to outmark taller opponents and his clean ball handling skills,  especially at pace in heavy traffic. Schaff, ever the entertainer, would get very excited if Pope gained possession inside the 50 metre arc.

Club doyen and historian Kevin Kluver has Pope at the very top of the best ever players to don either the Sherwood or Western Magpies guernsey and says he could be counted on to kick the clutch goals and observes that if Pope was 30 metres out he would kick it 35 metres, 40 metres out he would kick it 45 metres!

There is no doubt he would be one of the first named in a Best Ever Western Magpies team and  if a Best Ever combined Sherwood/Western Magpies team was named he would be in that as well. Three Senior Premierships ( 2006, 2008 and 2012),  two Bill Peirce Medals (2008 and 2015) , QAFL Team of the Year and also a Bill Ryan Medal in his first year of Senior Footy attest to his ability and the Western Magpies and wider QAFL community join in congratulating and celebrating Val’s 200th Senior match on Saturday.

Mack Truck Match Review - Catch Up Footy Costs Pies Again

CATCH UP FOOTBALL COSTS PIES AGAIN

The Western Magpies again had a one quarter lapse which proved costly and for the third time this season -- and second against Wilston Grange-- the Pies fell short playing catch up footy. 

The Pies were in the contest at half time, trailing by 10 points, but had been rocked halfway through the second quarter with a knee injury to half back David Lewis, who had been playing well at the time and is enjoying a standout season. This seemed to unsettle the Pies, who looked to lose focus in the third quarter to allow the Gorillas to jump clear to lead by 20 points at three quarter time.

Wilston Grange then swept to a 26 point lead at the 20 minute mark of the last quarter before a late 3 goal rally from the Pies closed the gap to the final margin of 9 points. Final scores were Wilston Grange 15-5-95 to Western Magpies 13-8-86.

Jake de Winter returned to his early season form to boot 6 goals, using his pace to create space and goal scoring opportunities. de Winter has 28 goals for the year and is in equal second on the QAFL goalkicking list 1 goal behind the current leader. Val Pope in his 199th match for the Pies was again dangerous up forward and finished with 3 goals in another irrepressible game. Drew Mitchell and Tom Ielasi worked hard in the midfield but it was a lack of consistency through the match that cost the Pies.

In addition the Magpies lack the big strong key defender and Gorillas big forward Matt Trewella proved a handful for the Pies’ defenders. Medium sized defenders Chris Hunt and Harry Marshall have been good for the Pies but lining up on bigger bodied players week in-week out eventually takes its toll. And this was compounded with David Lewis’ injury. Likewise without a big strong marking key forward the Pies do not have the “get out of jail” option going forward and with a long kick forward opposition defenders can zone off and clear the defensive area.

The Magpies drop to sixth on the ladder and meet old rivals and fourth placed Mt Gravatt at Chelmer on Saturday and coach Brydan Morgan will again stress the need for a four quarter consistent effort. The Pies are on three wins and Mt Gravatt on four wins so a victory in this match will lift the Pies back into the five. The Magpies will also be up for Val Pope’s 200th Senior match in the black and white.

Wilston Grange

4.1-25

9.2-56

12.3-75

15.5-95

Western Magpies

4.2-26

7.4-46

8.7-55

13.8-86

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: J. De Winter 6, V. Pope 3, J. Goodall, B. Saunders, D. Lewis, T. Ielasi
Best Players: J. De Winter, D. Mitchell, V. Pope, T. Ielasi

Westpoint Autos - Ressies Review

PIES RESERVES GO DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST

The Western Magpies Reserves finals aspirations took a big blow after they were defeated by third placed Wilston Grange in a hard fought match on Saturday. Bolstered by a number of Senior players the Pies were confident of an upset over the more fancied Gorillas but fell short by 5 points, going down 8.10-58 to 8.5-53. 

In a see-sawing contest the Gorillas were able to wrest a valuable 9 point three quarter time lead and hang on in a tense final quarter despite the Pies throwing everything at them in a hectic finish. 

The pleasing aspect from the Pies point of view was the form of the younger players in the team with 16 year old Callum Franks kicking 2 goals and being a livewire up forward, Dom Morrison also playing his best game of the year and also slotting 2 majors, Will Fletcher on his return match for the Pies was strong across half back and Matt Mazarolle also having a fine match.

Jamie Page in defence had another good match and Bryce Crossley again worked hard in the midfield.

Coach Craig Allen was disappointed after the match lamenting it was one that got away. The Magpies were more than a match for their more fancied opponents but it was evident with a lot of new players into the side that it takes time to gel and also crucial skill errors cost them dearly –fumbles, poor options with foot and lack of cohesion at times.

The Magpies are at home to ladder leaders Mt Gravatt on Saturday and will be keen to cause the upset.     

Wilston Grange

2.2-14

3.7-25

7.8-50

8.10-58

Western Magpies

2.1-13

4.2-26

6.5-41

8.5-53

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: D. Morrison 2, C. Franks 2, S. Musson, G. McKinnon, M. Mazerolle, L. Mitchell
Best Players: J. Page, B. Crossley, W. Fletcher, M. Mazerolle, C. Franks, D. Morrison

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Review

COLTS DOWN IN LACKLUSTRE DISPLAY

The Western Magpies Colts slumped to their second loss in a row on the weekend when they went down to a fast finishing Wilston Grange outfit away from home. The Magpies were quick out of the blocks kicking the first goal of the day in a matter of seconds; however, they quickly fell behind and were playing catch up for the rest of the day.

The Grange boys simply had more energy around the contest for the young Colts and were able to whip the ball away from congestion far too easily. Small skill errors, poor kicking for goal and issues with decision making cost the Magpies dearly on the weekend, whilst the Grange boys were efficient and clinical on transition making the Magpies pay at every opportunity.

After half time the Magpies coaches threw the magnets around searching for a spark that might help lift the group out of their slump. Ethan Sivijs went back in defence and provided some outstanding rebound off the half back line and regular half forwards Jacob Sheath and Jack Austin moved into the middle and provided some drive in the third and fourth quarters. Captain Max Webber had a run in the forward line in the second half and his work rate and footy smarts set up several goal scoring opportunities.

Recent losses make this Saturday’s match up a must win affair against local rivals Mt Gravatt and the Colts look sure to atone for some poor showings over the past few weeks. However, they will need to bring a much stronger mindset to the game to ensure they aren't being left behind, as natural talent can only take you so far at this level of footy. Making sure they match this skill with energy, intensity and a hardened mind set will be a key focus for the team as they look towards the next round.

Wilston Grange

2.1-13

5.1-31

7.4-46

10.7-67

Western Magpies

2.2-14

3.5-23

3.8-26

4.9-33

Western Magpies

Goal Kickers: J. Austin, D. Edwards, J. Bonney, J. Sheath
Best Players: J. Austin, S. de Nys, W. Bishop, J. Sheath, Z. Stegmeyer, M. Webber

PLACE PREVIEW - HUGE GAME VS GORILLAS

ANOTHER CRUCIAL MATCH FOR PIES AGAINST GORILLAS

The Western Magpies travel to Stafford on Saturday for yet another crucial match, this timeagainst fellow finals aspirant Wilston Grange. Both teams have 3 wins and with the QAFL ladder tight from fourth to seventh the stakes are therefore high. 

In a quirk of the draw the Pies meet the Gorillas only 6 weeks after suffering a heart breaking 5 point loss in round 3 in a match the Pies should have won. 

Once again on that occasion the Pies had one bad quarter and came from 5 goals down to almost snatch the 4 points. 

There are some big selection moves in both grades for the Magpies( check the Reserves "ins") and in the Seniors the Magpies left out Luke Mitchell and Dom Misso with Joe Murphy is injured. In come Brenton Saunders back from Redlands, Brodie Easton from uni exams and former Sherwood junior and UQ player Luca Mason, who has been at Aspley this season, for his first Senior match in the black and white. 

The Pies have moved on from last week's bad loss but there is no doubt they will come out firing and to be ferocious at the contest. 

Saunders and Mason add to the Magpies forward power and Val Pope, good last week after missing three weeks, will be better in his 199th Senior match for the Magpies.

In the last clash the Wilston Grange midfield shaded the Pies so the likes of skipper Drew Mitchell, Gareth Crawford, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Logan Murray  and the returning Brodie Easton will be keen to gain the edge and give the pies the advantage through the middle of the ground. Crawford had his best game for the Pies in some time last week and will be keen to continue that form into this match.

Up forward the Magpies need more output from Jake de Winter, Charlie Pershouse and Jack Goodall. de Winter has struggled recently after a blistering start to the season and if he can get off the leash then that will go a long way towards a Magpie victory. Likewise Pershouse, who can take a big grab if given space.

Young ruckman Aaron Highlands took it right up to the bigger Grange ruckmen in the last meeting and continues to throw himself at the contest and with a few more games experience he will be a key player for the Magpies.

Down back Harry Marshall has not had a bad game and he can take the talls or smalls with equal aplomb and Tom Ielasi and David Lewis have been consistent performers all season, as shown with QAFL selection 2 weeks ago.

Matt Davis had his best game for some time last week trying to stem the Palm beach avalanche and if he can recapture his 2015 form then the Pies defence becomes even more solid.

It is a football cliché but this is an “eight point” game and the winner will go a long way toward securing a finals berth while the loser will lick their wounds and then re-join the  fray with several other teams in the battle for fourth or fifth place on the ladder. The Magpies will be champing at the bit to put last week behind them and their record at Stafford has been good in recent seasons.

Note the match is scheduled for a 1.00 pm start

Western Magpies v Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday, June 24th at 1.00 pm 

B: Tom Ielasi Chris Hunt Logan Murray

HB: Matt Davis (vc) Liam Dwyer Harry Marshall

C: Lachie DennisDrew Mitchell (c) Brodie Easton

HF: Brenton Saunders Charlie Pershouse David Lewis

F: Jack Goodall Jake de Winter Val Pope

Rucks: Aaron Highlands Gareth Crawford

Rover: Ben Jaenke-Cain

I/c: Billy Johnson, Luca Mason, Riley Easton, Aaron Maricic

In: Brodie Easton, Brenton Saunders, Luca Mason

Out: Joe Murphy ( thigh), Luke Mitchell, Dom Misso (both Reserves) 

ONE2ONE Plumbing - Ressies Preview

BIG INCLUSIONS FOR PIES RESERVES

The Western Magpies Reserves have some big inclusions for their do-or-die match against the third placed Wilston Grange on Saturday.

The Magpies are teetering on the edge and another loss will put a huge dent in their finals aspirations.

However, the inclusion of five players with senior experience will bolster the Magpies. Leading the charge will be the QAFL Grogan medallist in 2015 and the Pies Peirce Medallist in 2016 in Callum Carseldine, who comes back after missing the past month with a knee injury suffered playing at Aspley. Will Fletcher returns from Queensland Academy duties but has missed recent matches with a leg injury, Rory Johnson from uni exams and Luke Mitchell and Dom Misso come into the team to recapture some of their early season form. Matt Dillon, named in the QAFL top 50 players in 2015, returns from work commitments and he joins a half back line that would not be out of place in any QAFL Senior team with Brady Allen and Fletcher flanking him. And big forward Scott Musson comes into the side after returning to Brisbane in his employment and will providea tall target in the absence of the unavailable Jeremy de Rooy. Sean McEvoy misses with back strain and youngsters Sam Hartog and Tristan Dowdy return to bolster the Colts.

Dom Beer will get more time in ruck as Josh Uebergang in also unavailableand as Beer gains match fitness he comes into reckoning for a senior recall.

Young midfielders Joshua White and Will Lloyd have been good in recent matches and young 16 year old Caleb Franks retains his place in the side. Franks, still eligible for Under 16s, is a member of the Queensland Under 16 team and last week his clean ball handling and deft touches in traffic showed he has a big future in the game and for the Pies.

Coach Craig Allen is obviously pleased with his inclusions but says the only concern is that the new players all gel with the regulars on Saturday.

In a vital match for the Pies’  finals aspirations, the big inclusions may tip the balance in the Black and Whites favour.

Note the earlier starting time of 10.30 am. 

Western Magpies Reserves v Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday, June 24th at 10.30 am

B: Rohan Smith,  Damon Allen, Jamie Page

HB: Brady Allen, Matt Dillon, Will Fletcher

C: Matt Mazarolle, Bryce Crossley (vc), Dom Morrison

HF: Kurt Vine, Gabe McKinnon (c), Dom Misso

F: Caleb Franks, Scott Musson, Rory Johnson

Rucks: Dom Beer, Luke Mitchell

Rover: Joshua White

I/C: Will Lloyd, Callum Carseldine, Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Tom Roderick

In: Matt Dillon, Will Fletcher, Luke Mitchell, Callum Carseldine, Dom Misso, Rory Johnson, Scott Musson

Out: Sean McEvoy (back), Tristan Dowdy, Sam Hartog (both Colts), Joshua Uebergang, Jeremy DeRooy( both unavailable), Matt Cowton , Sam Taylor ( both omitted)

Anytime Fitness - Colts Preview

COLTS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK TO WINNERS LIST

The Western Magpies Colts will be kicking the dew off the ground this weekend as they face Wilston Grange on their home deck at 8:30 am on Saturday.

The young Magpies will be looking atone for a couple of poor performances recently by hitting the ground running against the Gorillas. The last hit out between these two sides was a ripper and went right down to the wire and the Colts know they will be in for a hard fought contest on Saturday.

With several players returning from injury and getting a run with the Reserves, the Colts have a full squad to choose from and look to have put a really strong 22 together for the weekend’s game. The Pies will need to be much more active around the contest this week if they are to match it with the bigger bodies of the Wilston Grange team. The Gorillas are dangerous on the outside and the Magpies wingers of Dan Edwards, Jayden Johnson and Cal Grant will need to ensure they aren't rushing the football and sticking to their structures.

The backline continues to hold up against all opponents and welcomes back Tristan Dowdy and Sam Hartog from the Reserves and Cameron Smith from work duties. The Pies will be hoping that they can get on top through the midfield and really dominate on transition. Midfield leaders Noah Resuggan, Ethan Sivijs and Max Webber will be heavily relied on to lead the charge in this area with a helping hand from the ever improving Keenan in the ruck.

This week is a must win game for the Colts and a real danger game. It's important that every young man in the 22 prepares well and comes ready for a big game against a tricky opposition team. Hopefully the 8:30 start doesn't scare off the spectators and a big crowd can come down and support and help out.

Western Magpies Colts v Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday, June 24th at 08.30 am

B: Tristan Dowdy,  Zac Stegmeyer, Will Gillespie

HB: Sam DeNys,  Whitlam Bishop, Cameron Smith   

C: Cal Grant, Harry Keenan, Dan Edwards,           

HF:  Jack Austin,  Chris Jenkins, Jacob Sheath

F: Abdullah Haddad, Finn Collison, Jordan Bonney,

Rucks:  Ethan Sivijs, Max Webber

Rover:  Noah Resuggan

Int: Hamish Campbell,  Sam Hartog,  Tristan Jackson, Jayden Johnson

Coopers Friday Footy Review

Woodsmen consolidate 2nd spot

The Woodies secured their place in the Top 2 on Friday night with a hard fought win over a plucky UQ outfit in a scrappy affair.

The Woodsmen side were dominant around the ball, and had quality passages of play at times – but also lacked polish going forward on occasion and ill-discipline resulted in 4 of the 6 opposition goals coming from 50m penalties.

One key issue for the Woodies in particular was an inability to establish control at the centre bounce.  Despite clear ruck dominance throughout the match, the Woodsmen repeatedly lost the centre clearances and were often on the back foot as a result and unable to get flow into their game as they constantly had to work the ball back from defence.  Strangely, it was a different story around the ground at stoppages as many clearances into space were won with quality tap work and superb voice from the on-ballers at ground level.

In his 2nd game for the year, Matt Hockley worked his way into the game nicely on the ball and also spent time forward providing a solid target – while Matt Garland had his best outing this year with a quality display across half forward.  With Gerard Moore out of the side and Matt Garland into the on-ball rotations, the Woodies did have issues straightening themselves up when Garland went on the ball and there was no tall target around the arc.

Jay Baker worked hard both in the air, and with some quality pressure at ground level for a big man – and with 3 games now under his belt for the year after 2 years out the game – is ready to explode into the 2nd half of the year as the teams spearhead.  Chris Mihalopoulos wasn’t prolific, but provided a great leading target, taking plenty of grabs up and around the 50 before regularly finding teammates deep with pinpoint passes and being the source of 4 or 5 goals as a result.

Paul Eaton was again experimented with on the wing, and he provided some highlights with his big ‘don’t argue’ fends and his long kicks into the forward-line, while on the other wing – Elliott Heath in his 2nd game for the club really put his body on the line in plenty of contests to impress his new teammates.

Kiran Verma again switched to half back and provided plenty of run, while the ever reliable combination of Tim Green and Sammy Long were masters of the air and provided quality rebound with their willingness to switch play.

Down back, Matty Prior was his usual reliable self – while Blake Barkley just continues his rich vein of form in 2017 with another quality display.  Special mention must also go to Andrew Bell who at full-back attacked the footy hard, and has really overcome some previous deficiencies in his game to regularly beat his opponent and provide drive out of deep in defence with his bullocking runs.

The Woodies were at times struggling to put their opponents away, but stuck to the task and eventually got their ball movement working.  UQ reduced the margin to just 15 points early in the last quarter, before a 5 goal burst from the Woodies put the game to bed to secure a 12.12 – 84 to 6.3 – 39 victory.

McDonald also had one of his best games in 2017, putting his long kicking to good use and backing him kicking skills around the ground.  Slotting one from the 50m line on the run early in the game was bettered late in the last, when Davis took a mark on the edge of the centre square – handballed off to McDonald who hit the top of the net with a booming shot from well outside 50 to put the opposition away.  The goal umpire barely moved!

Best: Garland, Curtis, McDonald, Davis, Bell, Hockley

Goals: Curtis, Banim, McDonald, Baker 2, Mihapolous, Fuentes, Hockley, Garland 1

Mack Truck Match Review - Dark Day for Pies on the Coast

DARK DAY FOR PIES ON COAST

It was a dark day for the Western Magpies when they were defeated in all three grades by Palm Beach- Currumbin at Palm Beach on Saturday.

The Seniors suffered the Pies largest defeat since the darker days of 2009-10, going down by93 points

The Pies Reserves went down by 73 points and the Colts were defeated by 9 points.

MAGPIES SUFFER BIG DEFEAT

The Western Magpies had a tough day at the office when they were comprehensively outplayed by a well drilled and slick Palm Beach-Currumbin at Palm Beach on Saturday. 

The Pies booted the first 2 goals of the match in an even opening 15 minutes but itwas all PBC from then on as they controlled all facets of the game to run out 23.19 -157 to 9.10-64 victors.

One thing can be said for the young Magpies--they never gave up and worked hard all game but had no answer for a Lions team who had several strong-marking key position players, some impressive run and spread and other than in front of goal were efficient in their ball use. The Pies were also hampered with a first quarter injury to midfielder Joe Murphy and illness just prior to the match to young half forward Dom Misso so the Pies were effectively two players short for 3.5 quarters.

The ground was damp and the centre wicket area heavy and the Pies were guilty too often of over use of the ball and short kicks to a contest only for an error to result in a turnover. The home side would often quickly transfer the ball to a loose man who would link up with teammates and kick long to the forward line putting the Pies back six under constant pressure. The Lions were outstanding in their transition of the football into their forward line. 

PBC employed an extra man in defence and with the Pies often under pressure when kicking, the loose man proved a defensive barrie, but also a source of the Lions attacking thrusts. 

Val Pope was good on his return from a work trip overseas and worked hard up forward and in the middle. Gareth Crawford relished the heavier going and won plenty of the ball in his best game for some time and captain Drew Mitchell was in and under all match trying to lift his side. Logan Murray used his burly frame to good effect in the clinches and laid a number of good tackles. 

Aaron Highlands was not afraid to mix it up in ruck and just keeps going all match and Harry Marshall at fullback kept his opponent to three goals in a strong display in the face of a rampant Lions barrage. 

Coach Brydan Morgan was philosophical after the match noting his side was outplayed but he washappy with the endeavour of the team and that they fought the match out for the entire 120 minutes. The coaching group felt the Lions were by far the best side the Pies have played this year.

The Magpies need to regroup for a crucial re match with Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday. 

It is a logjam from fourth to seventh on the QAFL ladder and this is another big match and a test of the Pies resolve and resilience after a big defeat.

Palm Beach Currumbin   5-7-37   9-11-65   17.14-116   23-19-157

Western Magpies           2-3-15   3-4-22      4-5-29          9-10-64

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: L. Dwyer 2, D. Mitchell, A. Maricic, W. Johnson, V. Pope, G. Crawford, C. Pershouse
Best Players: D. Mitchell, L. Murray, H. Marshall, G. Crawford, V. Pope, A. Highland

Anytime Fitness - Reserves Match Review

PIES RESERVES NO MATCH FOR PBC

The Western Magpies Reserves were no match for a strong and tall Palm Beach-Currumbin at Palm Beach on Saturday.

The Pies were again slow to start and the home side had five goals on the board before the Magpies had switched on.

The Lionshad several tall forwards who tested the magpie defence which felt the loss of tall defender Sean McEvoy who injured his back early in the match.

PBC went on to win the match  17-15-117 to 5-14-44.

Coach Craig Allen was pleased with his sides’ never-say-die attitude although outclassed by a team that were strong all over the field.

Young midfielders Joshua White and Will Lloyd  worked hard in the heavy going and put their bodies on the line all match, while ruckman Josh Uebergang in his first season of Aussie Rules continues to get better and capped his day with 2 goals and set up another goal.

Back pocket Jamie Page and young half backs Damon Allen and Kurt Vine  were busy in an under siege backline and repelled many Lions attacks and the consistent Bryce Crossley kept at it all game in the midfield. A positive notewas the successful return of Brady Allen, who gained plenty of the ball and came though the match unscathed.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Magpies as they take on the third placed Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday. It is getting close to crunch time for the Pies and a win in this match is a must if they are to keep their finals hopes alive.

PBC          6-4-40   10-7-67 12-12-84 17-15-117

WM           2-1-13  4-7-31     5-11-41      5-14-44

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: J. DeRooy 2, J. Uebergang 2, R. Smith
Best Players: J. White, W. Lloyd, B. Crossley, J. Uebergang, J. Page, D. Allen

Metis Wealth Match Review - Colts

COLTS GO DOWN IN TIGHT ONE

The Western Magpies Colts suffered their second loss of the season this week to a well drilled and committed Palm Beach-Currumbin outfit. The Colts were behind from the outset and whilst the game was always within reach they weren't quite able to get their noses in front. Unfortunately, a couple of weeks of indifferent form had finally caught up with them.

Quick out of the blocks, PBC raced out to a 3 goal lead by the end of the first quarter. The young Magpies had plenty of the football but were unable to capitalise on their good work allowing the Lions too much space around the contest and too much width in defence. The young Colts fought back hard in the second and third quarters pegging the lead back through a much more focussed defensive effort.

Unfortunately for the Pies, PBC started the final quarter on fire, and with some quick movement out of the midfield they raced away to a handy lead. The Maggies pegged this back through some exciting ball movement but some silly errors at crucial times kept the win just out of reach. In another lesson in concentration and commitment, it was pleasing to see the boys play the game for the full 80 minutes.

This week Tristan Jackson and Sam deNys had cracking games across the half back line, keeping their opponents locked down and providing some real bounce out of defence. Young winger Daniel Edwards had his best game for the year, coming in off the wing and using his skills to set up in attack. Jack Austin continued to provide numerous highlights up forward, kicking goals and taking the game on at every opportunity. These boys will need some support though this week up against a handy Wilston Grange team that took it up to the young Pies earlier in the season.

The team will knuckle down this week and work hard hoping to put this patch of bad form behind them. Defensive efforts and ball movement will be a focus this week, as the boys look to the second half of the season still holding down second place on the ladder.

PBC    3-2-20    5-5-357-8-50   10-11-71

WM     1-2-8     5-3-33   7-5-47    9-8-62

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: J. Austin 3, F. Collison 3, J. Bonney, J. Sheath, A. Haddad
Best Players: D. Edwards, Z. Stegmeyer, T. Jackson , J. Austin, E. Sivijs, J. Enever

Community Footy Camp - July 3 & 4 - Western Magpies

Community Footy Camp – Western Magpies

41 Chelmer St East, Chelmer 4068

3rd & 4th July, 2017//  9am-3pm

$140 per child, and $125 for each additional sibling.

Book Online: http://www.communitycamps.com.au/registration

* Morning & afternoon tea provided / giveaways & prizes to all participants

- Learn the latest skills, drills and activities

- Program caters for both boys and girls aged 4-12 years

- Qualified and expert coaches and venue co-ordinator's

- Grand Final matches to finish both days

Great way to have fun, make new friends and improve skills

ONE2ONE Plumbing - Colts Preview

PIES FACE TOUGH TEST AGAINST PBC

The second placed Western Magpies Colts face another big challenge this week against an inform fifth-placed PBC coming off the competition bye last week. The young Magpies will be keen to atone after a poor showing against Surfers Paradise in their Round 6 catch up game. The task will be made even more difficult with gun on baller Caleb Franks and running defenders Tristan Dowdy and Sam Hartog all receiving well deserved call ups for the Reserves.

The Magpies will need to bring a much higher level of energy and intensity around the contest this week after being soundly beaten in this area against the Demons. Contested ball and pressure on the opposition have been paramount to the Pies success this year and this will be a key focus on the weekend.

Maintaining set structures around the contest and more effective ball movement forward of centre have been a training staple this week. Young Ethan Sivijs has been moved up the ground in the hope that he can provide some real drive in this area with his silky skills. Dalby Swans product Will Gillespie returns this week and should provide fierce tackling pressure and run out of the back half. Whitlam Bishop, Tom Slatter and Chris Jenkins all return to the team in what appears to be another strong line up for the Colts.

Whilst the constant movement of players is sometimes difficult to manage, it provides opportunities for players to experience Senior footy, play in other positions and develop their skill set which will hold the club in good stead going forward.

The Colts are required to be at PBC by 8:15 am on Saturday for a 9:30 am game so get down and support the boys in what should be another cracking game of Colts football.  

Western Magpies Colts v Surfers Paradise at Chelmer on Saturday, June 10th at  11.00 am

B: Saxon Pobjoy,  Zac Stegmeyer, Will Gillespie

HB: Sam DeNys,  Whitlam Bishop, Tristan Jackson

C: Cal Grant, Noah Resuggan, Dan Edwards,           

HF:  Jack Austin,  Chris Jenkins, Jacob Sheath

F: Abdullah Haddad, Finn Collison, Jordan Bonney,

Rucks:  Ethan Sivijs, Max Webber

Rover:  Harry Keenan

Int: Josh Commons, Hamish Campbell,  Jye Enever, Tom Slatter

MACK TRUCK MATCH PREVIEW - TOP 5 CLASH vs PBC

TOP FIVE CLASH WITH PBC ANOTHER BIG GAME FOR PIES

The Western Magpies have another big game in an intriguing QAFL season when they travel to the coast to take on fierce rivals Palm Beach-Currumbin on Saturday. 

The Pies are fourth on the ladder but two of their losses could have gone either way while PBC sit second on the ladder and have been impressive in most outings so far. 

The Pies have been hot and cold in a number of matches this year and narrow losses to Wilston Grange and Broadbeach have been the result of one bad quarter. 

Pies Coach Brydan Morgan has spent the past two weeks stressing the importance of playing the full four quarters and working on the mental aspects of football.

The Pies welcome back Val Pope and Joe Murphy to add to the midfield mix as well as being able to get on the goal kicking list . 

On the debit side young gun Sam Copland has an ankle sprain and will miss a large chunk of the season and on-baller Brodie Easton has a university exam ( would have been a riot if this occurred in my uni days when long hair and sidies were the go!!)

From all reports the Lions are a slick outfit who move the ball qiuickly so the Pies will have to bring their defensive A game if they are to prevail.

The Pies have always prided themselves on the pressure they bring to the contest and their tackle pressure and this will need to be to the fore on Saturday.

Unlike a lot of QAFL teams, the Pies have no fear of the Salk Oval and have recorded some of their most memorable victories at the ground in recent seasons.

Inform Tom Ielasi and David Lewis will be buoyed after being part of Queensland’s tough victory over the WAAFL last week  and will form part of a strong defensive unit.

Jake de Winter, Charlie Pershouse and Jack Goodall provide the Pies forward targets with Pope, Murphy and Riley Easton all dangerous ground level pilferers up forward.

The midfield battles as always will be crucial and the consistent Drew Mitchell, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Gareth Crawford and Logan Murray will need tobe strong at the contest to ensure the Pies get a fair share of the stoppage football. The Pies will need quick movementinto attack to counter the Lions much vaunted leg speed.

Once again a crucial match for the Magpies in a season where there are few easy matches and if the Pies are to win then it will be a four quarter effort with no lapses in concentration permitted. 

Western Magpies v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Palm Beach on Saturday, June 13th at 2 pm

B: Matt Davis (vc), Chris Hunt, Tom Ielasi

HB: Dom Misso, Harry Marshall,  David Lewis

C: Lachie Dennis, Drew Mitchell ©, Luke Mitchell

HF: Jake de Winter, Charlie Pershouse , Billy Johnson

F: Joe Murphy, Jack Goodall, Val Pope

Rucks: Aaron Highlands, Gareth Crawford

Rover: Ben Jaenke-Cain

I/C: Logan Murray , Riley Easton, Aaron Maricic, Liam Dwyer

Anytime Fitness Rocklea - Ressies Preview

ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR PIES RESERVES

The Western Magpies Reserves face another challenging match when they play fourth placed PBC at Palm Beach on Saturday.

The Pies are currently sixth on the ladder with a 2-4 record while PBC have a 4-2 record. So this match is crucial for the Pies if they want to push toward a finals berth.

On the selection front it is good news and bad news with the inclusion of Brady Allen into a forward pocket 9 months after rupturing his ACL in last year’s Senior Preliminary Final and Sean McEvoy returns after missing last game with a virus.  Also included is impressive young Colts midfielder Caleb Franks for his Reserves debut.

Outs include veteran Sean Mewing with an ACJ dislocation, Jake Farrell unavailable and Rory Johnson has a uni exam!!!

McEvoy’s inclusion will strengthen the backline which struggled last match against a taller Broadbeach team and Franks and Dom Morrison also add some height to the team.

Dom Beer gets better each week in ruck and young full forward Jeremy DeRooy is also learning the forward craft and provides a tall forward option.

The usual suspects in vice captain Bryce Crossley and skipper Gabe McKinnon will work hard all game but it will be the young developing players in the team which includes  Damon Allen, Kurt Vine, Matt Mazarolle, Sam Hartog and Tristan Dowdy who will need to play well for the pies to gain the four points

Zimbabwean Tadiwa Parirenyatwa is due to fly home soon and this is one of his last matches. “Hot Sauce” has been a fantastic addition to the Magpie family and his interviewing skills on the trip to Toowoomba indicate he has a big future in the media! All at the Pies wish him good luck in this match and in the future when he returns to Zimbabwe. 

Western Magpies Reserves v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Palm Beach on Saturday, June 17th at 11.30 am

B: Rohan Smith, Sean McEvoy (vc) Jamie Page

HB: Tristan Dowdy, Damon Allen, Kurt Vine

C: Sam Hartog, Bryce Crossley (vc) Matt Mazarolle

HF: Caleb Franks, Gabe McKinnon (C), Tom Roderick

F:  Brady Allen, Jeremy DeRooy, Dom Beer

Rucks: Joshua Uebergang, Joshua White

Rover: Dom Morrison

I/C: Matt Cowton, Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Will Lloyd, Sam Taylor

Coopers Friday Night Footy Preview

Woodsmen look to consolidate 2nd spot

The Woodies take on 5th placed UQ tonight at the Nest and will be looking to consolidate 2nd spot on the ladder.

Coming off a well earnt bye, with plenty of sore old bodies the team should be fit and firing and will need to be on their game against the Red Lions.  The competition is fierce this year and while UQ have suffered a couple of heavy defeats, they were beaten grand finalists in 2016 and have plenty of firepower and also plenty of legspeed!

Selection and availability continues to be a revolving door in 2017, and the Woodies again see 6-8 changes (depending on final selection) this week to the side that defeated Morningside by 2 points before the bye.

Out of the side go Lachlan Woods, Gerard Moore, Scotty Matthews, Sean Toohey and Rick Masterson while the team also welcome back 50 Gamer Chris Davis, Jakey Fuentes, Irish Sam Banim, Tim Green and West Australian debutant via Byron Bay – Shayne Baldwin.

This week will see reliable full-back Pauly Eaton given another chance up the game on one wing, with young speedster Elliott Heath patrolling the other wing, while veteran Kiran Verma returns to half back.  Completing a strong half back line are the super consistent Sam Long and the super star, Tim Green – creating a formidable wall for the renowned Woodies defence.

Matty Prior and Blake Barkley fill the defensive pockets, offering both creativity and hardness at ground level and in the air – and the bullocking Andrew Bell will be patrolling the defensive goalsquare and busting a few packs open.

The onball division is again having their fitness tested this week, with a strong starting lineup – but all will be looking for a regular change this week!  Andrew Thomson in the ruck will be looking to give his teammates first use, while Matt Hockley in the centre will be building nicely after his first game in 2017 saw him play unchanged on the ball, giving his fitness a solid test!  Chris Davis returns to the side at the coalface, and Sammy Curtis has recently hit peak form and will look to break the lines and deliver the ball inside 50 with regularity.

The forwardline for this match looks as though it has the best balance of the year so far, with a strong mix of experience, speed, size and agility throughout the front six.  Irish Sammy Banim and the relentless Jakey Fuentes will be tackling harassing and crumbing like the youngsters they are, while Jay ‘ The butcher’ Baker and Matt ‘Horse’ Garland will provide quality targets in the air.  Balancing this mix nicely will be Lochie McDonald and Chris Mihalopoulous who can both play tall or small, and will be looking to get on the end of a few and provide a target, but will also clean up plenty of crumbs when available.

The Woodies will be looking to keep it in tight against their younger/quicker opponents and dominate around the stoppages before locking the ball forward in a contest likely to be decided in the centre.   Having the luxury of naming an extended bench for this game, the Woodies will have the likes of the experienced Brett McEvoy & Greg Matthews available, as well as potential debutant Shayne Baldwin, youngster Ryan Christopher or 2016 Rising Woody winner Nick Masters.

Get down to the game tonight, enjoy a Coopers and a meal and cheer the Woodies home!

Let the Feathers Fly - Super Sportsperson Lunch

Come on down to the club for the 'Feathers Fly' Sportsperson Lunch featuring Simon Black and other sporting personalities on Saturday July 1 as the Western Magpies take on traditional rivals, Mt Gravatt in the QAFL Senior game at the conclusion of the lunch from the special guest chef.

Details in the flyer, should be a great day!