PLACE PREVIEW - MUST WIN GAME FOR PIES

The Pies head down the highway this week to take on the dangerous Demons in what promises to be an exciting game of footy as the Magpies look to maintain their finals aspirations while the Demons will be looking to shape the 5 with some big scalps stating this week.

After a disappointing couple of weeks, the Pies will be looking to get back to that fast ruthless attack at the contest everyone knows they are capable of to set up a strong run home to the finals by recapturing that early season spark.

The week after a heavy loss is as good as any to bounce back, and the Pies will be looking to ensure a good start and not get jumped early by the Demons.

A strong focus on winning the contest and moving the ball quickly should get the Magpies into gear.  Enjoying their footy, take risks and be ruthless at each and every contest. The team and coaching staff have shown what they are capable of this year and we're excited to see more of it.

Congratulations to young 16 year old Caleb Franks who makes is senior debut this week after performing well in the Colts, Reserves and national carnival.

The engine room will need to be on their game this week, getting the ball forward and giving their forwards quality delivery while the back six will again need to be tight and then be prepared to attack from the back half to give the team drive.  Players all voer the ground will need to get the hard ball and impose themselves at each stoppage or contest and the forwards will need to move create space and work for each other to maximise scoring opportunities.

Western Magpies vs Surfers Paradise - Sir Bruce Small Oval, Surfers Paradise - Sat July 29 @ 2pm

B: Brady Allen                     Matt Dillon                        Luke Mitchell   

HB: R Johnson                    Harry Marshall                  Caleb Franks

C:  Matt Davis (vc)             Drew Mitchell (c)              Lachie Dennis

HF: Val Pope                        Liam Dwyer                    Charlie Perhouse

F: Tom Ielasi                        Jake de Winter                 Brenton Saunders

Rucks: Aaron Highlands    Gareth Crawford

Rover: Ben Jaenke Cain

 I/c: Riley Easton Brodie Easton Billy Johnson  Logan Murray

RHP Physio - Colts Preview

COLTS UP FOR CHALLENGE

This week the Western Magpies Colts travel to Surfers Paradise to in what is a real danger game for the young Pies. Surfers may be sitting close to the bottom of the QAFL Colts ladder; however, they are a much better team than their win loss ratio suggests. Tough around the contest and quick on transition the Pies will have to be at their best to leave with the 4 points.

The Colts have lost tall forward Finn Collision and tough onballer Tristan Jackson to injury this weekend providing an opportunity for Sam Hartog and Cam MacDonald to come back into the team. Young mid Caleb Franks plays his first Senior game for the club this weekend, a fantastic reward for an outstanding season so far at both club and QLD level. Hopefully this week will signal the last week of significant changes as the Colts look to have a consistent run leading into the final few weeks of the season.

After a handy 3 goal haul against the Cats the Magpies will be looking to josh Commons to provide another avenue to goal this week, working in tandem with the ever reliable Jordan Bonney. The return of Abdullah Haddad provided plenty of highlights last week and he continues to prove to be a head ache for opposition defenders.

The Magpies have worked hard this week on tidying up around the contest and locking down defensively to try and avoid costly fade outs that have been costing them valuable points and percentage. Keep an eye out for the on ball brigade lead by Jacob Sheath and Dan Edwards to really step up in this area on the weekend. The back six have been working hard on their attacking structures over recent weeks and should find plenty of room on the wide expanses of Sir Bruce Small Park to attack into our forward half.

Knowing full well that the Magpies can finish anywhere from 1st to 6th this season is starting to dawn on the young Colts and they seemed focused and committed to being at their best as they attack the upcoming finals series.

Mack Truck Match Review - Pies fall out of 5 for first time in 2017

Another 4 v 5 Clash on Saturday at Broadbeach, expectations high for a strong competitive game but Broadbeach had other ideas.

The Cats started strongly, 8 goals to 2 in the first quarter and they did not look back.  With some electric debutants on either wing for the Cats, the Magpies struggled to find a matchup.

However, like last week we had opportunites early but did not convert in front of goal - perhaps the story of the season thus far.

The experienced Cats played a great game and at times they really took the opportunity to put the foot down against a tired looking young Magpie outfit

To the Pies credit they worked hard to the final siren, and finished the game strongly to bring a hint of respectability to the scoreboard.

It was a day that the team will learn from. Great to see Doc Davis running into good consistent footy again with another strong effort, Pershouse lead and presented well throughout the day while Brodie Easton was the best of the midfielders with a strong performance

The challenge is well and truely with this young team to again find that strong ruthless game that they have shown they can play and finish the season well to setup a 3rd consecutive QAFL Finals campaign

Coach's Thoughts - Brydan Morgan

"It was a hard day today we did not bring our game and paid the price for not being at our best. They had some very good inclusions in this week and we really missed our injured players.

They moved the ball well, and well and truly did us on the outside with their speed, skill and worked their home deck nicely

I was pleased we continued to battle out the contest all day and am looking forward to rising to the challenge of the next few weeks "

Broadbeach 8.1-49 | 12.3-75 | 19.5-119 | 19.7-121

defeated

Western Magpies 2.4-16 | 3.5-23 | 5.10-40 | 10.13-73

Goals: V. Pope 3, J. De Winter 3, D. Mitchell, M. Davis, B. Saunders, R. Easton
Best: M. Davis, V. Pope, J. De Winter, C. Pershouse, B. Easton

Coopers - Friday Footy Review

Woodsmen put double chance at risk

A weary looking Woodsmen outfit dropped their 2nd game in a row for the first time this year after going down on Friday night to a resurgent UQ side who are now pushing for an unlikely finals berth with some quality late season form.

The Woodsmen again had 5+ changes from the previous week, with injury and unavailability wreaking havoc on the group.  Long term hamstrings to key players in defence such as Sam Long and Blake Barkley, a calf injury to Tim Green and the late withdrawal of Paul Eaton left the back half again severely undermanned for the 2nd week in a row.  Pleasingly, young Ryan Christopher was sent into defence early in the game and did a fine job on a dangerous opponent, while Kiran Verma again showed some attacking flair with good run from halfback.

A midfield missing stars such as Sam Curtis, Lachy Woods and Andrew Thomson was also running short, and when midfield general Matt Hockley came off injured in the 1st quarter the Woodies were down by 3 goals and looked down and out.

However, the never say die attitude of the Woodies ensured a quality fightback putting them within 5 points deep in time-on in the last quarter with the ball locked forward and all the momentum.  Monty Vine battled hard all day in the ruck despite an early ankle sprain, while Shayne Baldwin and Brett McEvoy provided plenty of run up and down each wing to keep the boys in it.

Unfortunately with the Woodies pressing forward hard to win the game, they managed a late behind when looking for the matchwinning goal and the ball was swung coast to coast for UQ to kick the sealer on the siren for what was a deserving victory.

Baker again showed his improving touch higher up the ground this week with some quality body work and telling grabs, while Mihalopoulos hit the scoreboard when given the opportunity.

UQ 6.11 - 47

defeated

Woodsmen 5.7 - 37

Best: McDonald, McEvoy, Toohey, Verma, Garland, Baldwin

Goals: Baker, Mihalopoulos 2, McDonald 1

CFMG Capital - Colts Review

Colts hold on in yet another thriller

What looked like another comfortable win against the Broadbeach Cats on the weekend almost turned pear shaped for the young Magpies as they struggled to contain a fast finishing Broadbeach Cats on Saturday morning.

The Colts held sway from the very first bounce on the weekend playing tough hard footy on the inside and linking up well through the middle of the ground. The Magpies lead at each break and when Abdullah Haddad burnt off too would be chasers to goal from 20 early in the last it looked like they would run away with another comfortable win. However, Broadbeach had different ideas as they mounted a last ditch challenge to steal the game from the Magpies grasp. Some poor decision making and a lack of concentration opened the door for the Cats and they took advantage with some outstanding kicking for goal.

Whitlam Bishop and Zac Stegemeyer continued their outstanding form and were rock solid in defence again. They were ably supported by Ethan Sivijs and Cam Smith who consistently repelled attacks with some outstanding one on one work and precise kicking. Jacob Sheath continues to dominate through the middle and young midfielder Tristan Jackson hobbled around for another fine game. Up forward Josh Commons chimed in with a handy 3 goals and Abdullah Haddad had some electrifying moments.

It was great to see Ethan Sivijs, Jordan Bonney, Tristan Dowdy and Sam DeNys back up for the Reserves and I'm sure they will be better for the experience. Unfortunately though, the run of close wins has hurt our percentage and the boys have slipped back to fourth. Whilst still firmly entrenched in the final five they will be hoping to turn around these lapses and make a really solid march into the finals.

Western Magpies 2.0-12 | 5.0-30 | 6.1-37 | 7.2-44

defeated

Broadbeach 1.1-7 | 2.2-14 | 3.3-21 | 6.6-42

Goals: J. Commons 3, J. Sheath 2, H. Campbell, A. Haddad
Best: J. Sheath, M. Webber, Z. Stegmeyer, E. Sivijs, W. Bishop, T. Jackson

VALE RAY LANG

Western Magpies & Sherwood Football Club offer deep condolences to Sherwood Football Club Life Member - Flo Lang and her extended family on the recent passing of her husband and fellow Life Member - Ray Lang.

Ray was a fantastic club man, serving in excess of 20 years on both the football club committee and the social club committee as well as serving as team manager for countless seasons.  Ray was also the grandfather of current senior Club Captain Drew Mitchell and his brother, senior player Luke Mitchell.

Ray's funeral will be held on Friday, July 28 at Midday and will be located at Centenary Gardens, Wacol Station Rd, Sumner.

Ray's life will be celebrated further at Sherwood Football Club where the wake will be held from 1pm.

Sherwood Football Club current and past players, supporters and life members are encouraged to attend. 

PLACE PREVIEW - DEJA VU WITH 4 v 5 AGAIN

Another round of 4 v 5 sees the Pies up against the Broadbeach Cats at Broadbeach. The competition is so close this year with plenty of teams all vying for a spot in the 5, making every win vs a fellow contender incredibly valuable.

The close home loss to Broadbeach in earlier in the year will be one the Pies will want to reverse this round to keep that finals spot firmly in sight.

The Pies will miss Tom Ielasi this week but in good news, will bring back Val Pope into the side.

Big congratulations to Kurt Vine who will play his first senior game for the club after strong performances in the reserves. Congratulations also to Matt Dillon a 2012 premiership player at the Magpies who has worked his way back into the seniors this week in the back six to replace Jack Goodall who returns to Redland.  'Crackers' will bring plenty of experience to a young side and should be a good addition this week.

After a strong performance last week that didn't quite get the result, the Pies will be looking to reverse their fortunes with a win on the road.

Quick movement of the ball into the forward line will be key to ensure the combination of Pershouse, De winter and Pope can operate and score in the forward 50.

The midfield battle will again be very important and they again will need to be at their best this week to get over the line. Murphy has moved back to the back flank and will prove hard to beat . Saunders on the wing has been outstanding of late and we are hoping to see that form continue again this week.  The old dog Crawford has found a fountain of youth in recent weeks, finding the ball in the clinches and giving the Magpies plenty of drive with his superb inside work.

The back six will again need to be strong, and lead by Doc and the consistent Marshallwith great supporting run from Murphy, Dillion Johnson and Easton should be able to limit the Cats scoring options.

The important of this game can't be overstated as the Maggies will be looking to put the foot down and get a win.

Western Magpies vs Broadbeach Cats - Sat, July 22, 2pm @ Broadbeach

B: Billy Johnson                  Harry Marshall                    Riley Easton   

HB: Joe Murphy                  Matt Davis (vc)                     Matt Dillon

C:   Brady Allen                   Ben Jaenke-Cain                 Brenton Saunders

HF: Lackie Dennis              Liam Dwyer                         Val Pope

F:  Luke Mitchell                 Jake de Winter                     Charlie Perhouse     

Rucks: Dom Beer                Gareth Crawford

Rover: Logan Murray

I/c: Brodie Easton - Drew Mitchell (c) - Aaron Highlands - Kurt Vine

One2One Plumbing - Ressies Preview

The Western Magpies reserves outfit stung by a big loss last week will be looking to bounce back against Broadbeach in a battle between 6th and 7th on the ladder.

Welcoming back Sean Mewing from a shoulder injury suffered in the first minute of the home game vs Broadbeach, the Magpies look significantly stronger this week particularly through the midfield with the experienced Mewing teaming up with Crossley and the youth of Morrison, Gainsford and Lloyd.  The consistent Uebergang will be looking to give the guys first use as he continues to improve with each outing in his first season of footy.

Gabe McKinnon will be important across half forward, while a number of Colts stepping up in will give the side a youthful look due to injury and unavailability.

Western Magpies Reserves vs Broadbeach - 1130am, Sat 22 July @ Broadbeach

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Preview

The Colts will look to continue their winning ways this weekend as they take on the second placed Broadbeach Cats away from home on Saturday morning. After a stirring win against ladder leaders Morningside the previous week the young Pies will be looking for a much more consistent performance against the much improved Cats.

With a host of players unavailable due to injury, work and family commitments a much different Colts team will take the paddock this weekend. Skipper Max Webber rejoins the team after his surfing holiday in Bali, Tom Cooper is back from his rowing commitments and Josh Commons, Abdullah Haddad and Cam Smith are all available after short stints on the sideline.

The young Magpies started the game in red hot fashion last week and will aim to maintain this run and carry on the wide expanses of Broadbeach's home ground. The extra bit of space should suit the quick transition game of the pies, so expect to see some slick ball movement as the group attacks from our potent half back line. With regular onballers Cameron MacDonald, Caleb Franks and Sam Hartog missing expect young ruck Harry Keenan to step up in the middle and Cal Grant and Josh Commons to ably fill the void.

With such a tough run home, and a tight top five, the young Magpies are well aware of the importance of every match and are primed for another big game against a heavy weight team of the competition.

Western Magpies vs Broadbeach - Saturday 22 July, 930am @ Broadbeach

B: Dowdy - Bishop - Gillespie

HB: Smith - Stegemeyer - Sivjis

C: Edwards - Sheath - Resuggan

HF: Austin - Johnson - Campbell

F: Haddad - Bonney - Commons

Foll: Keenan - DeNys - Webber

Int: Slatter - Jackson - Grant - Cooper

Coopers - Friday Footy Review

Undermanned Woodsmen Outfit fail to lock up 2nd spot

The Woodsmen let one slip on Friday night against a determined Morningside fighting for a finals spot in a tough battle on Friday night.  In a game that could have almost locked in 2nd spot, the Woodsmen failed to convert opportunities early and were uncharacteristically sloppy with their ball use coming out of defence, with several poor options and skill errors leading directly to Morningside goals.

The defensive unit was missing several key components of the back 6 setup, and while they were strong at defending early entries – the composure and teamwork were lacking at times due to new faces, so when the ball was rebounded back into defence the Woodies were often caught out of position as a result.  Combined with an unwillingness across the whole team to put in the required work, and in particular play tight on an opponent who is getting on top – and the result was unsurprisingly a loss.

There were some positives out of the match, with Sam Curtis making a strong return from recent injury through the midfield – Scotty Matthews very strong in a key defensive post and Jay Baker showing his best form isn’t far away with some strong marks and 3 goals.  With BG day at the club the following day, the Woodies were also able to squeeze in Dean Parkin for a cameo appearance after 12 years out of the game and he certainly enjoyed pulling on the boots with some of his former teammates.

Toohey, Mihalopoulos, Parkin, Matthews, Baker, McEvoy from the 2005 Pies lineup!

It was a competitive match with the margin just 3 points with 10 minutes to play, however the Woodies lacked a bit of discipline with a handful of 50m penalties at crucial times and some quality sharp shooting from the Panther forwards giving them the edge late in the game, as they celebrated like a Premiership Cup was on offer!

Panthers 11.10 – 76

Defeated

Woodsmen 9.6 – 60

Best: Parkin, Young, Baldwin, S.Matthews, Toohey, Garland

Goals: Baker 3, Moore 2, Garland 2, Mihalopoulos, Fuentes 1

BodyKey Chiropractic - Ressies Review

Reserves Review

It was a dark day for the Western Magpies reserves on Saturday, with a host of injuries to experienced players and some youngsters also unavailable, the Reserves were caught struggling for a side late in the week for the first time in 2017.

A number of ‘Friday Night Warriors’ from the Woodies were called in as backup, some backing up from playing the night before – others who had sat out on Friday night due to work commitments.

Matters were made worse in the first quarter, when Fraser Bleisner went down with a freak injury suffering a torn ACL, lacerated cornea, broken eye-socket and cracked cheekbone all from the one incident, and Kiran Verma backing up from the night before had his chin opened up in a nasty headclash.

Morningside kicked away to a 9 goal lead before the Magpies could settle, and while it continued to be one way traffic on the scoreboard – the Magpies battled manfully in the midfield and across half back, but just lacked the polish and teamwork to push the ball forward an apply any scoreboard pressure.

In what turned out to be a one-sided game on the scoreboard, the Magpies should be commended for playing the game out in the right spirit and pushing to the end.

Matt Dillon in particular showed his experience in a young side, regularly mopping up across half back only to see the ball rebound back for him to go again and again alongside the tireless Jamie Page who likely has a bruised fist from his regular aerial spoils.  Crossley worked hard in the midfield to do his best to slow the Panthers, while Gibb and Uebergang also formed a strong tandem ruck combination.

Morningside 19.19 – 133

Defeated

Magpies 1.2 – 8

Best: Dillon, Page, White, Crossley, Gibb, Uebergang

Goals: Burgess 1

MACK TRUCK MATCH REVIEW - PIES FADE IN FINAL QUARTER

It was a game between 4th and 5th on the ladder and it lived up to expectations for 3 quarters as a good tight contest all day despite the final margin. In tight games height and experience is like kicking with a 6 Goal wind and today that was the difference .

The Pies battled well and continued to pressure the Panthers all day, a few missed opportunities early proved costly, while the experienced Panthers took their chances.

Pershouse and De Winter provided goodtargets up front and worked hard all day. Saunders had a great day out and was too good on the day and he was well supported by Murphy and Easton who is getting back into some really consistent form.

The back six worked hard and it was good to see the Brady Allen back and performing well after knee surgery. Again Marshall was strong and consistent all day and was well supported by Goodall down back.

Ielasi and Crawford were the pick of our mids this week with both proving hard to handle , they were well supported by the rest of the midfield who took the battle to the Panthers.

The game was close all day and it was pleasing that when Morningside got a run on this young team not only halted the momentum but repeatedly turned it to work their way back into the game and on the score board.

The final quarter saw the Panther experience and size finally wear down the young Pies and they managed to secure the game by 5 goals.

Coach's Thoughts - Brydan Morgan

" It lived up to expectations a good hard game between 4 and 5 on the ladder. I thought we played well against a good opposition. They do have some good talls to go to when the game is tight and there is no doubt that they have great experience out on the track, and that was the difference today against our young developing team.

I was pleased with the fact that we did continue to fight back and we continued to be in the game , again like last week I thought at times we overused the ball but in saying that we also showed that when we move the ball quickly and use the right longer option we can score efficiently and quickly  

It would have been interesting if we had managed to convert our opportunities in the first half and in particular in quarter 1, in this close match that score board pressure would have been handy. ".

In summary there has been a lot of improvement in this young group and if we continue in this positive way we will win our share of  games over the coming weeks "

Western Magpies

2.3-15    4.6-30    9.10-64     10.12-72

Morningside

3.0-18    7.4-46   10.10-70     15.11-101

Goal Kickers: J. De Winter 3, L. Dwyer 2, T. Ielasi, J. Murphy, L. Murray, B. Saunders, C. Pershouse
Best Players: G. Crawford, B. Allen, T. Ielasi, H. Marshall, J. Goodall, B. Saunders

Westpoint Autos - Colts Review

Young Magpies win thriller

What a game!

This weeks game against Morningside had everything; all the drama of a tight see-sawing contest, horrible weather, a rain delay, intensity, passion and a bumper crowd at a packed out Western Magpies footy club.

The young Magpies got off to a flying start on the weekend in beautiful conditions, jumping out to a handy 4 goal lead in the first quarter. The ball was moved quickly and clinically by hand and foot catching the Panthers off guard early. After the first break a much more attacking and focused Morningside came out to play taking it up the the young Magpies and whittling the gap down to 2 goals by the main break.

Half time signaled a complete change in conditions, as the heavens opened and full house was treated to a torrential downpour, thunder and lightning. 10 minutes into the quarter the umpires called a halt to proceedings in order to let the dangerous conditions pass. Morningside adapted to the conditions much better than the Magpies and opened up a handy 3 goal buffer halfway through the last quarter and what seemed an unassailable lead.

Keen to atone for some recent close losses, however, the young Magpies dug deep and on the back of some hard grunt work from Zac Stegmeyer, Caleb Franks and Cal Grant they were able to lock the ball in deep and get multiple shots on goal. With only a couple of minutes left the Pies were able to claw their way in front and hold onto a slim 2 point lead for the rest of the game.

The backline continued to impress with Whitlam Bishop and Will Gillespie playing tight tough roles on their opponents. They were ably supported by Ethan Sivijs, Tristan Jackson and Tristan Dowdy who intercepted all day and set up quick attacking transition with their excellent foot skills and run. Young wingmen Daniel Edwards and Noah Resuggan were again in the best, setting up well and helping lock the ball into our forwards 50. Classy on-baller Jacob Sheath continues to impress through the middle, a perfect off sider to raging bull Sam deNys. This week the forwards focused on upping their pressure game and Jayden Johnson, Hamish Campbell and Jordan Bonney lead from the front in this regard, chasing hard and being quick to lock down on transition.

A fantastic win that should give the boys a lot of confidence looking towards the Broadbeach Cats this week. The Magpies have a tough run home and know that they will need to be at their best if they are to keep the wins ticking over.  

Western Magpies

4.2-26 | 5.3-33 | 5.3-33 | 8.5-53

Morningside

0.1-1 | 3.2-20 | 6.3-39 | 8.3-51

Goal Kickers: C. Franks 3, J. Austin 2, C. Grant, F. Collison, J. Johnson
Best Players: T. Jackson , Z. Stegmeyer, D. Edwards, E. Sivijs, C. Franks, N. Resuggan

PLACE PREVIEW - 4 v 5 IN BIG QAFL CLASH ON 'BG DAY'

Big round of football for the Pies this week as they take on Morningside who have run into some form of recent weeks and sit one position behind the Magpies on the ladder with both teams with 5 wins and 5 losses after ten rounds .

The Western Magpies have again this week made several changes to the side for the BG Day clash against the Panthers. Coach Brydan Morgan and his selectors this week welcome back into the team Charlie Perhouse, Lachie Dennis, Billy Johnson and Jake de Winter all of who missed last week

The return of Perhouseand De Winter will increase the scoring power to the forward line who have been producing great scores over the last couple of weeks. Good to see Dom Beer has held his spot in the line up after a good return last week, and with Riley Easton running back into form along with consistent Val Pope and Tom Ielasi the forward line looks very impressive.

The supply to into the forward line is important and the mid filed will need to continue winning the battle around the ground against the Panthers. Highlands, Crawford, Mitchell, Murray and Jaenke-Cain have been in good form and are rarely beaten, and will need to be at their best again against the Morningside mids. The run and flare of Saunders and Murphy on the wings will also be a factor.

Jack Goodall who had a great game last week at both ends of the ground will lead the back six supported by the very consistent Marshall ,Mitchell and Davis, and with the return of Dennis and Johnson back this week the defence will be looking to not only keep the panthers quiet but also take the opportunity to attack from the back half.

The is a big week for the Pies to ensure they keep a finals position in a logjammed competition ladder the team and will need to be at their best to bank the competition points..

Western Magpies v Morningside at Chelmer on Saturday, July 15th  at 2.00 pm

B: Billy Johnson      Harry Marshall    Luke Mitchell

HB: Matt Davis (vc)  J Goodall          Lackie Dennis

C:   Joe Murphy   Drew Mitchell (c)   Brenton Saunders

HF: Tom Ielasi    Charlie Perhouse      Liam Dwyer

F: Riley Easton    Jake de Winter        Val Pope

Rucks: Aaron Highlands Gareth Crawford

Rover: Ben Jaenke-Cain

I/c: Brodie EastonDom Beer Logan Murray, Matt Mazarolle, 

Coopers Friday Footy Preview

Woodies look to maintain momentum

The 2nd placed Woodsmen take on 4th placed Morningside in what promises to be a quality encounter at the Berg tonight.

These 2 sides have already played twice this year, with the Woodies enjoying a 2 point and 7 point win - so its expected to be another tough match with plenty on the line with Morningside looking to secure a finals spot, while the Woodies look to guarantee the double chance.

Once again, the Woodies have a raft of changes from a dominant win last week - saying goodbye to a few key contributors, as well as welcoming back the nucleus of the starting midfield.

Out of the side go the important Tim Green from CHB and Dom Morrison back to the reserves after filling in with a BOG performance last week.  Also out are debutants Ben Ness, first year player Rick Masterson, club stalwart Greg Matthews and a couple of other handy 'fill in's in Reid Dobson and Monty Vine.  Elliot Heath is also out with hamstring after backing up for the reserves last week.

Amongst a raft of ins, former Western Magpie star Dean Parkin makes his Woody Debut in a one of appearance after 12 years out of the game!  'The Raven' is in town for BG Day and will be looking to put in a good show after so long out of the game with some of his old teammates from the early 2000's still getting around for the Woodies.

Other important ins are Jay Baker, Jake Fuentes, Matt Hockley, Matt Garland and Lachlan Woods who will all play important roles.

Get on down to the club for the start of a big weekend when all senior sides take on Morningside.

B: Prior - Eaton - Bell

HB: Young - S.Matthews - Davis

C: Verma - Hockley - McEvoy

HF: Toohey - Moore - Garland

F: Mihalopoulos - Baker - Fuentes

Foll: Thomson - Woods - Curtis

Int: Banim - Hitchcock - Baldwin - Parkin

One2One Plumbing - Ressies Preview

Reserves looking to cause an upset

An undermanned Western Magpies Reserves take on a strong Morningside Panthers outfit this week in what looks to be a tough battle.

However, beware the wounded Magpie as the Reserves have constantly been in games all year with a handful of close losses putting a dent in finals aspirations, but if they can click for 4 quarters they are a capable side who can take on anyone.

Experienced players in Gabe McKinnon, Matt Dillon and Bryce Crossley will be important factors, as will youthful midfield featuring Dom Morrison, Dom Misso and Rory Johnson looking to get their hands on the footy and push for more senior opportunities.

The forward half will see the return of Matt Garland backing up from the Woodies, with plenty of support from the usual suspects at ground level.

Uebergang in the ruck continues to improve in his first year of footy, and with Dom Beer maintaining his spot in the Seniors, he will be supported strongly by Geoff Gibb who plays his 2nd game back from long term injury.

The bounce will be at 11:30 and with a big crowd expected for BG Day, the Reserves will be looking to turn the tables on their more fancied opponents in a big day for the club.

Westpoint Autos - Colts Preview

Colts take on Morningside in big clash

It's a big week for the Colts as they take on the top of the table Morningside Panthers. The Panthers have been running hot this year and with a raft of young stars look like the team to beat.

They will be looking to build on last weeks game by applying the same sort of pressure around the contest and then spreading hard from congestion. The team welcomes back young stars Jack Austin and Caleb Franks from QLD duty this week but unfortunately lose Abdullah Haddad and Lewis Campbell to injury.

Once again the young Magpies will be looking to continue their stellar form, creating run and carry on transition at every opportunity. Young rucks Cameron MacDonald and Harry Keenen continue to improve and will benefit from some one-on-one work with club stalwart Dom Beer.

Some quality ball movement drills with the Senior team has really helped our forwards and Mids over the last few weeks, and this lesson in work rate and intensity is starting to reap benefits.

The boys are pumped for another main game under lights and are expecting a big crowd for this very important match so get down and support the boys on Saturday evening in what promises to be a cracking game as the Magpie youth play in front of home supporters as part of BG Day

Western Magpies vs Morningside - Home straight after the seniors

BG12 10 Year Anniversary - Memorial Day - Sat July 15

“BG DAY” at CHELMER ON SATURDAY

The Western Magpies will be holding “The BG Day” on Saturday July 15th when the Magpies host Morningside in a crucial QAFL encounter at Chelmer.

The BG Day is in memory of Brett Gwyther, who passed awayfrom an aggressive form of cancer at 24 years of age 10 years ago in January 2007.

BG was a cherished and loved member of the Sherwood and Western Magpies Football Club. BG loved his footy and he loved the family atmosphere at the Sherwood/Western Magpies Football Club, which became his second home. He worked hard at his own game and gave up his time to help the future stars of the club by coaching the Sherwood U8's.

Brett "BG" Gwyther first came to the club in 1999. He enjoyed U18 premiership success in 2000 before joining the senior ranks in 2001 for the club's first year back in the AFLQ competition. In 2006, just 4 months before his tragic death, BG was an integral part of the 2006 premiership success against Noosa Football Club at Carrara Stadium. In the 2007 preseason (late 2006) he was leading the time trials and beep tests but in late November he started to become fatigued and a medical check up revealed he had an aggressive cancer which was to take his life a mere 2 months later.

BG was renowned for his fearless attack on the football and courage on the ground where he would not hesitate to back into a rampaging pack coming at him. He was hard but fair on the field and his tackling was fearless.

One of the most prestigious awards at the Western Magpies is “The BG Award”, which is awarded to the player who has followed the example of BG in his attack on the ball and courage on the ground, putting the team ahead of himself. It also acknowledges the courage and tenacity Brett showed in the last months of his life

The BG Award winners since inception have been:

2007—Jim Rozynski; 2008—Tim McEvoy; 2009—Luke Scott; 2010—Gerard Moore; 2011- Dom Beer; 2012—Tim McEvoy; 2013—Anthony Corrie; 2014—Doug Lawrence;  2015—Cal Carseldine; 2016—Matthew Sondergeld.

The day is one of remembrance for BG with club President Mark Blackberry welcoming past players and officials to the day from 12 noon. There will be a minutes silence before the Senior match at 1.45 pm then after the senior game a player from both clubs will be announced as BG Award winners for the match.

Wrist bands will be for sale for $10 and a signed Guernsey –Richmond or Hawthorn—will be raffled with profits to be shared between the Cancer Council and the club, with some funds to be used to help pay for the club’s proposed honour boards, one of which will be for “The BG Award”.

MACK TRUCK MATCH REVIEW - DEPLETED MAGPIES STAND TALL

The Western Magpies have had a 12 goal win over the winless Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies won a somewhat scrappy match 20.20-140 to 10.8-68 and the win may have been larger but for inaccuracy in front of goal.

With four key outs at selection on Thursday night and then two further late withdrawals from the side on Saturday morning, Magpies coach Brydan Morgan was justifiably nervous before the match.

With the Pies wounded, Sandgate sniffed a chance and the Pies expected the visitors to be fired up in a big effort to break their 2017 duck.

The two late withdrawals were key forward Jake de Winter, who is having some time off, and swing man Brady Allen, who pulled up sore after Thursday training. In to the side came half  back Rohan Smith for his first Senior game and ruckman Dom Beer to add height up forward. Both played their roles well with Beer kicking two goals as well as giving Aaron Highlands much needed support in ruck.

The Hawks threw everything at the Magpies in an untidy first quarter and the home team was guilty of overuse of the ball and of being "too cute", with too much handball and short passing which often then went astray.

The Pies tidied up in the second quarter with more direct football and longer kicking and the forward line opened up for them to pile on seven goals to one for the quarter and hold a comfortable 8 goal half time lead.

The lessons of the second quarter were forgotten as the Pies went back to the short game in the third quarter and were outscored two goals to Sandgate's three for the quarter.

The players heeded Morgan's three quarter time call to be more direct and went on to boot 6 last quarter goals to go on to an emphatic victory.

Given the circumstances, the victory was meritorious and puts the Magpies into fourth place on the ladder but still in a dogfight to play finals. Currently 5 teams are neck and neck for three finals spots.

Gareth Crawford was the Pies best with a four quarter effort in midfield, consistently winning the contested football to set the Pies on their way. Joe Murphy was an excellent link man and was creative from a wing and Jack Goodall was superb at centre half back with intercept marks and clean hands to repeal many Sandgate attacks. 

Aaron Highlands again rucked well and was influential around the ground, Riley Easton returned to form and booted three goals but it was the forward pressure he applied to the Hawk defenders that pleased his coach most. 

Harry Marshall was again good in defence providing plenty of run and his ability to play both tall and short makes him a very valuable player. Will Fletcher and Luke Mitchell were also good with strong play across half back and providing run out of the back half.

Matt Thomson returning from a long term ankle injury at Redlands was a busy player and showed his class with hand and foot and Aaron Maricic was busy in midfield and across half forward to finish with four goals. 

Brodie Easton was given a tagging role at quarter time and curbed the influence of his opponent, who was damaging early, to make an important contribution to the win.

The Magpies are at home again on Saturday when they host Morningside at Chelmer and with the Panthers building momentum it is another huge match for the Magpies. At least the selectors will have a nice headache with several players to return to the lineup this week. 

An added incentive will be the club hosting "The BG Day" which will mark the tenth anniversary of the passing of the much loved Brett Gwyther at the tender age of 24 from cancer. The much coveted "BG Award" for the Most Courageous Player recognises the courage BG always and showed on the ground but also in his last months of his life when he remained tough and determined but gracious as he fought his cancer.

Coach's Thoughts - Brydan Morgan

" A mixture of satisfaction mixed with relief. With four key outs on Thursday and another two withdrawals this morning I was a frankly very worried before the game.

We knew Sandgate would look at this match as a big chance to have a win and they haven't been far off in recent games and I must admit we looked vulnerable, but to kick 20 goals without our two key forwards was fantastic effort from the entire playing group. 

We tended to overuse the football at times and tried to pick our way through traffic but in the second and last quarters were much better with direct movement of the ball and were able to open up in attack.

The past two wins get us back in the mix and we look forward to the next few weeks against a couple of teams we need to beat to make the finals".

Western Magpies

5.5-35 | 12.10-82 | 14.16-100 | 20.20-140

Sandgate

4.3-27 | 5.4-34 | 8.6-54 | 10.8-68

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goals: A. Maricic 4, R. Easton 3, M. Thomson 2, L. Dwyer 2, D. Beer 2, V. Pope 2, J. Murphy, L. Mitchell, W. Fletcher, T. Ielasi, J. Goodall
Best: G. Crawford, J. Murphy, A. Highlands, H. Marshall, R. Easton, J. Goodall

Westpoint Autos - Ressies Review

RESERVES BOUNCE BACK WITH SOLID WIN

The Western Magpies Reserves overcame 11 changes to the team from last match to have a good win over Sandgate on Saturday.

The Pies chalked up their third win of the season with a 13.15-93 to 5.7-37 win at home.

With injury, unavailability, suspension and late withdrawals from the Seniors, coach Craig Allen had to patch up a side with the help of Thirds (Woodies) players Fraser Bleisner, Elliott Heath, Chris Mihalopoulos and Kiran Verma and all played their part in the win, despite 3 of them backing up from the evening before!

It was a case of the young and the old up forward with young raw-boned forward Jeremy DeRooy clunking a few big grabs and kicking 3 goals while wily veteran Chris Mihalopoulos, helping out due the the Pies long list of missing players, used all his footy smarts to boot 4 goals and missed a few more.

Jamie Page in defence played his best game for the Pies and was in everything all match, but especially in the first half when the match was up for grabs. He was rewarded with a goal in the last quarter after a 50 metre penalty. 

Bryce Crossley again had plenty of the football and used it wisely and a trio of youngsters were busy throughout the midfield in Joshua White, Will Lloyd and Rory Johnson. It was Johnson's best game for some time and will lift his confidence and also put him in the mix for a Senior recall.

Joshua Uebergang rucked well all game and won a majority of hit outs. 

The Pies will regain quite a few players for their next match against ladder leaders Morningside and will be keen to do well and cause an upset.

Western Magpies

3.3-2 | 8.5-53 | 9.10-64 | 13.15-93

Sandgate

2.0-12 | 4.2-26 | 4.5-29 | 5.7-37

Goals: C. Mihalopoulos 4, J. DeRooy 3, G. McKinnon 2, W. Burgess, T. Roderick, S. Taylor, J. Page
Best: B. Crossley, J. Page, J. DeRooy, J. White, W. Lloyd, R. Johnson