Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Preview

1 v 2 as Colts take on Morningside

The Colts travel to Morningside this weekend to take on the ladder leaders in their final home and away round of the year. These two teams have played some cracking games over the years and this one promises to be no different. The stakes a high for the young Magpies, as a quality performance on Saturday could tie up a top 3 spot.

The Colts have been bolstered by the return of Caleb Franks and Tristan Jackson this weekend and are really looking forward to the physical impact both players can have up forward and through the middle of the ground. Again, injury and illness have forced several changes but the coaches are confident that the 22 on the paddock will be able to get the job done.

This clash promises to be played at a frantic pace and so the Magpies will need to be at their defensive best if they want to keep the might of the Panthers at bay. Stingy backmen Whitlam Bishop, Zac Stegmeyer and Will Gillespie will be once again called on to be at their very best, providing the Magpies runners confidence to attack of half back.

The Colts will be without their trusty full forward Jordan Bonney this week but expect Jayden Johnson, Hamish Campbell and Jack Austin to stand up in his absence. It's a huge week for the Magpies midfield but the likes of Sheath, Hartog and Webber are always up to the task.

Get around the boys in their final game. It commence at 9:30 am at Morningside and the Colts are looking to enter the finals with a flourish and maintain the momentum built in recent weeks.

Western Magpies Colts v Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday, August 19th  at 9.30 am

B: Will Gillespie, Whitlam Bishop, Tristan Dowdy

HB: Ethan Sivijs, Zac Stegemeyer, Sam De Nys  

C: Noah Resuggan, Max Webber, Dan Edwards,           

HF: Jayden Johnson, Jack Austin, Hamish Campbell,

F: Abdullah Haddad, Cameron Macdonald, Tristan Jackson

Rucks:  Harry Keenan, Jacob Sheath

Rover: Sam Hartog

Int: Callum Grant, Caleb Franks, Tom Slatter,  Daniel Grandy  

Coopers Friday Footy Preview - Woodies take on Zillmere for spot in Grand Final

The Woodsmen head north tonight to take on the defending premiers Zillmere for a spot straight into the Grand Final and a well earnt week off next week.

While the Woodies will miss a number of key players through injury and unavailability, the pleasing thing about 2017 is that the new found depth of the squad means a very strong 22 will take the field despite the outs.

Reigning B&F winner Sam Curtis, ruckman Andrew Thomsonand Brett McEvoy are all unavailable due to other commitments, while injury has claimed some of the older stalwarts in dual Premiership skipper Toohey (hamstring), Green (calf) and Prior (shoulder) while youngster Elliott Heath has failed to get up from a hamstring suffered 6 weeks ago making his reserves debut.

However, the quality of the squad across the entire 22 can't be faulted with plenty of experience and form putting the boys in good stead for a serious crack at direct entry into the GF.

The Woodies will again be lead by a strong back 6, the cornerstone of any Woodsmen team for many years.  Paul Eaton with his closing speed, long kicking and athleticism provides a versatile option, while Andrew Bell is in career best form recently at full-back with several key scalps via his surprising speed and immovable strength.  In the other pocket, Travis Young has been a consistent performer for weeks on end since joining the side mid season, with his decision making and vision to release teammates with quality handballs a feature.  The halfback line is a picture of quality and experience, with Sam Long on one flank offering the versatility of playing tall or small, a bit of poise and 'decades' of experience!  On the other flank is the poise and pressure of Tim McEvoy who not only provides toughness and skill, but also a strong voice and will direct traffic with aplomb.  In the key post is Scotty Matthews, who hasn't missed a beat filling the enormous boots of Tim Green at Centre Half Back for large parts of the season.

The midfield engine room starts in the centre with Matt Hockley while the in form Lochie McDonald will patrol one wing with his long penetrating kicking and speed expected to hurt Zillmere.  While on the other wing, the wily old veteran Kiran Verma returns to his preferred position after a week off with injury.  Rounding out the midfield engine will be the experienced McCewen in the ruck and Lachlan Woods and Chris Davis at ground level looking to dominate stoppages in the absence of Curtis.  Davis has been in strong form recently on the flanks and will be looking to continue that form in the middle, while Woods will be getting his first look at the strong Zillmere midfield and will be looking to stamp his authority.

Across half forward the Woodsmen have class and versatility in Garland on the flank, who provides a tall marking option who can also win the ball at ground level and will no doubt spend time in the midfield.  On the other flank is Greg Matthews, who has hit good form recently as a small forward and midfield rotation.  'Moe' is known as a bit of a 'finals specialist' so will be looking to live up to his reputation again this week.  At CHF, Gerard Moore really straightens the side up and will be looking to dominate in the air and use his workrate to good effect.  Fresh off a 7 goal haul 'Big G' is ready to go and will surprise opponents with his efforts below his knees when the ball spills.

Deep forward the Woodies will be hard to match up on, with the wily veteran and league leading goalkicker in one pocket offering a leading target who can crumb off the talls and push up the ground when needed, while the electric Jake Fuentes in the other pocket adds a new dimension to the Woodies when he plays deep with his tackling pressure and ability to get front and centre a real feature.  Fresh off a B.O.G performace, Fuentes will be peaking nicely at the right time.  Last but not least is Jay Baker who has matured beautifully like a fine wine this season in his return from a serious knee injury.  The former high flyer has been slowly building in the back half of the year before kicking 21 goals in the final 4 H&A rounds and the big V8 is now purring beautifully, with 7 last week and 5 in his last outing vs Zillmere.

Always strong in the starting lineup, the Woodies this week will also get plenty of game breaking ability from the bench.  Blake Barkley was potentially the best defender in the side earlier in the year before a hamstring cost him 5 weeks.  However, having this sort of quality to rotate through defence and potentially half forward as well shows the depth of the squad.  Shayne Baldwin also offers versatility, this year having played roles on the wing, at half back, half forward and occasional stints on the ball as well.  Work rate and aerial ability no doubt his key strengths.  Rounding out the 22 will be latecomer Ben Ness who arrived at the club late in the year and was told he would be unlikely to get a start, but instead he's played quality game after quality game to force is his way into the side and will no doubt spend plenty of time in the on-ball rotation, while 2016 Rising Woody Nick Masters will look to perform a role potentially on a wing, as well as back up ruck duties with his elite disposal and composure giving him the ability to really hurt the opposition.

The Woodsmen would appreciate all the support we can garner from the Magpie Faithful as they look to secure a spot in the 2017 Grand Final.  Friday 18/8 - 730pm, Zillmere Eagles - Zillmere Road, Zillmere:

B: Eaton - Bell - Young

HB: Long - S.Matthews - T.McEvoy

C: Verma - Hockley - McDonald

HF: Garland - Moore - G. Matthews

F: Mihalopoulos - Baker - Fuentes

Foll: McCewen - Woods - Davis

Int: Barkley - Baldwin - Ness - Masters

MACK TRUCK MATCH REVIEW - BRAVE PIES FALL SHORT BY A TIGERS WHISKER

UNDEFEATED LABRADOR 'SAVED BY THE BELL'

A brave and undermanned Western Magpies came very close to inflicting undefeated Labrador’s first defeat since 2016in a tough encounter at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies staged a remarkable comeback in the last quarter after trailing at three quarter time by 22 points. The Pies booted 6 unanswered goals, 4 in the first 6 minutes of the last quarter to take a 15 point lead but were unable to hold on and went down in a nail biter by 5 points.

At twist in the tail occurred when Pies small forward Brenton Saunders roved a hurried kick into the forward line at the 32 minute mark of the final quarter and as the siren sounded snapped truly for a goal to give the Pies a 1 point win. However the kick was correctly deemed to have occurred a split second after the siren and the goal did not count.

The luckless Pies went down 13.12-90 to Labrador’s 14.11-95.

Down to 20 men by half time after midfielder Brodie Easton was concussed at the 15 minute mark of the game after being felled late after taking a mark and ruckman Dom Beer battled on gamely until half time with a shoulder injury, the young Magpies showed remarkable toughness and resilience to fight back and nearly cause the upset of the season to keep their finals hopes alive.  It was a gutsy performance also given the Pies long injury list which has decimated them recently.

Unfortunately for the Magpies they are now out of the finals race with their last match against Morningside being academic before a last round bye.

The first ten minutes of the match was a case of how far the Tigers as they got away to a fast start, booting 4 goals before the Magpies knew what hit them.

The Pies then settled and were able to contain the more fancied rivals and an arm wrestle then ensued for two and half quarters.

It was tough uncompromising football and Pies 200 gamer Val Pope said if it was one of the hardest games he has played in the black and white.

By quarter time the Pies were 5 goals down but from half way through the first quarter until ¾ time the Pies matched the Tigers with 6 goals each and kept Labrador goalless in the second quarter.

The start of the last quarter saw the Pies explode out of the centre with young ruckmen Aaron Highlands and Liam Dwyer getting on top and Gareth Crawford and Logan Murray pushing the ball forward with bullocking play. The Pies were able to scramble early goals from packs then with their confidence up were well on top to go to a 15 point lead at the 20 minute mark of the quarter. With a huge upset on the cards the experienced Tigers lifted and were able to transition the ball forward for 4 goals to wrest the lead back to 11 points.  Some of the more experienced Tigers showed their class to create goals from half chances, which was telling in the end. A late Pies goal closed the gap and then the exciting last 30 seconds saw the disallowed Saunders goal.  

Gareth Crawford continued his good form with plenty of tough contested possessions in midfield and 16 year old Queensland representative Caleb Franks showed maturity and toughness beyond his years to boot 3 goals and be a livewire up forward. Logan Murray was tough in the clinches and won plenty of contested possession in midfield to have his best game of the season.

Mitchell Stallard showed he is all class with a polished display off half back in his return match following further foot surgery and Harry Marshall largely kept a tight rein on the Tigers key forward Bryce Retzlaff, conceding four goals but for the most part matching his highly credentialed opponent despite an obvious size differential.

Brady Allen, out of sorts early, responded to a quarter time serve from coach Brydan Morgan to become a key defender and was instrumental in shutting down many Tiger forward thrusts.  Highlands and Dwyer worked hard in ruck and then across half forward to both be fine contributors.

The Pies’ gutsy effort was all the more meritorious considering they came off a shellacking last week and were missing the injured skipper Drew Mitchell, Charlie Pershouse, Lachie Dennis, David Lewis, Joe Murphy, Aaron Maricic, Will Fletcher and Sam Copland with Jack Goodall back at Redlands and Chris Hunt taking some time off.

The Pies travel to Hawthorne on Saturday to meet Morningside, and while the result is academic, they will be looking to send the Panthers into the finals with a loss. Coach Morgan will be asking for one final effort from his team to finish off a frustrating season with another positive display from this young team.

Coach’s thoughts: Brydan Morgan:

“Disappointed in the final result but immensely proud of the boys considering we had a limited bench for most of the game. They responded to the challenge I put to them at quarter time to be hard at the ball and fight for every possession and I could not have asked more of them.

They were totally spent at the end of the game but could walk  off with their heads held high.

After losing Brodie Easton, Logan Murray played a tagging role on Hicks, and Aaron Highlands playing a defensive forward role on Mills and both played their role for the team which was crucial in setting up a great performance from the team as a whole. Crawford was again good in the middle, Marshall did a good job once again on a bigger opponent and young Franks showed he has what it takes at this level.

It has been tough in recent weeks with injuries but this team has showed resilience time and again and in terms of experience and games played would be by far the youngest team in the QAFL and have been in the finals race since Round 1.

Disappointed we will miss finals and some costly losses early in the year to Grange and Broadbeach seriously impacted on our season.

I am hopeful of keeping most of the squad together next year and with some promising youngsters in the Colts to come through and some bigger bodied recruits on the horizon will be well placed in 2018.”

.

Western Magpies 1.3-9    3.6-24  6.11-47   13.12-90
Labrador              6.3-39  6.7-43  10.9-69   14.11-95

Western Magpies

Goal Kickers: C. Franks 3, J. De Winter 2, M. Stallard, B. Easton, B. Saunders, V. Pope, W. Johnson, R. Easton, B. Jaenke-Cain, G. Crawford
Best Players: G. Crawford, L. Murray, H. Marshall, A. Highlands, B. Allen, C. Franks

One2One Plumbing - Ressies Review

UNDERMANNED RESERVES BADLY BEATEN
The Western Magpies Reserves were soundly beaten by a bigger and stronger Labrador at Chelmer on Saturday.
The Pies Reserves have been on the receiving end of a long injury list throughout the club and while they battled on manfully and finished with the final three goals of the game,  the more experienced and physically stronger Tigers were in control from the first bounce.

The Magpies went down 6-6-42 to 20-12-132.

The Pies weren't far off the pace in the first half but simple skill errors proved costly and they fell 6 goals behind at half timebut were overrun in the third quarter when the Tigers booted 9 goals to one to take a large lead into the final quarter. To their credit they then fought hard in the last quarter to match the Tigers with four goals each for the quarter.

Defenders in skipper Gabe McKinnon and Jamie Page had plenty of work to do and battled on manfully. Page has been a solid contributor all season and McKinnon has rarely played a bad game. Sean Mewing and Bryce Crossley worked hard on ball to stem the tide and youngsters in ruckman Geoff Gibb and key forward Jeremy DeRooy were also prominent with DeRooy kicking 3 goals in a strong display.


Western Magpies
0.2-2 1.2-8 2.4-16 6.6-42
Labrador
3.5-23 7.9-51 16.12-108 20.12-132

Western Magpies

Goal Kickers: J. DeRooy 3, R. Johnson, B. Crossley, M. Mazerolle
Best Players: G. McKinnon, J. Page, S. Mewing, B. Crossley, G. Gibb, J. DeRooy

Westpoint Autos - Colts Review

Colts Maintain Winning Ways

The Colts hot run of form continued on the weekend as they dispatched the Labrador Tigers in the final home game of the season. Whilst the Colts lead from start to finish some inaccurate kicking and a drop in intensity kept the Tigers in the game. Throughout the second and third quarters scores were fairly tight, however, the much taller Tigers team couldn't manage to keep up with the run and gun style of the young Magpies as the game wore on.

Key forwards Jack Austin and Hamish Campbell were unstoppable in the air, leading hard, clunking marks and converting on the score board. They were ably supported by Abdullah Haddad, the returning Chris Jenkins and Max Webber who fought hard at ground level and were all able to hit the score board.

In the second half of the game the Mids picked up their intensity around the football and were able to hold sway. Jacob Sheath and Sam Hartog continued their rich vein of form and the the combination of Cal Grant, Noah Resuggan and Daniel Edwards on the wings is really starting to click.

The boys are really starting to embrace the challenge of the looming finals and are looking forward to playing the best in the business in Morningside this weekend in their final home and away match of the season. 

Western Magpies 11.12 - 78

Defeated

Labrador Tigers 8.7 - 55

Best: Austin, Dowdy, Campbell, Sivijs, Webber, Stegmeyer

Goals: Austin 3, Bonney 2, Webber 2, Campbell 2, Jenkins 1, Haddad 1

Coopers - Friday Footy Review

WOODSMEN SECURE 2ND SPOT AS FINALS COMMENCE

Western Magpies 3rds/Woodsmen enjoyed a 100 point win in the final round of the home & away season against Ormeau last Friday night.

Resting several key players suffering from niggles, the Woodsmen were still able to show their depth with a strong 22 taking the field as players look to push for selection come finals time.

Apart from a 2nd quarter blip where only 1 goal was kicked by either side, the Woodies managed to control the tempo of the game for the most part, though the Bulldogs did enjoy a period of territorial advantage early in the last quarter that put the Woodies defenders under pressure.

Playing an unusually tall forward line at times, the Woodies were very reliant on marking power up front as if the ball hit the ground, Ormeau would expect to run it out quickly given the relative speed of most of the Woodies forwards!  However, mark the footy they did with Baker and Moore kicking 7 goals each, while other talls in Thomson & Garland also hit the scoreboard.

Darcy McCewen returned to the ruck duties after a long absence due to injury and was impressive with his work rate and his touch around the stoppages has not faded with some quality tap work.  Lochie McDonald continued his recent purple patch of form with plenty of touches and his penetrating kicking a real feature.  Greg Matthews had his best game of the year, and is hitting form at the right time with quality work on-ball as well as plenty of pressure and a good work-rate across half forward.  The only blip on the game was a potential hamstring injury to skipper Sean Toohey after kicking a classic crumbing goal, but while he may miss the first final it doesn't appear serious.

Pleasingly, Sammy Long and Blake Barkley both returned after long layoffs due to hamstring injuries and slotted in nicely to regain some touch ahead of finals.

The Woodies take on ladder leaders Zillmere at Zillmere this Friday night at 730pm with the victor earning the right to a grand final berth.  All Magpie supporters are encouraged to head north to support the boys in the big game, and with a few players away due to family commitments - volunteers for water duties and other assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Woodsmen 20.13 - 133

defeated

Ormeau 3.2 - 20

Goals: Baker 7, Moore 7, Garland 3, Thomson, G.Matthews, Toohey 1

Best: McDonald, G.Matthews, Ness, Moore, Baker, Young

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES TAKE ON TIGERS IN DO OR DIE MATCH

The Western Magpies senior side will take on undefeated ladder leaders Labrador at Chelmer on Saturday to keep their 2017 finals hopes alive.

While taking on the Tigers is a daunting task, the Pies were the last side to beat them in QAFL football with a 1 point win at Labrador last year, before also being the only side to push them at all in the back end of 2016 with a 3 point loss at home and a 20 point qualifying final loss.

With everything on the line for the Pies, they will leave nothing in the tank - while the Tigers are untouchable in 1st place on the ladder and could be forgiven for tapering into finals.

Unfortunately there are more forced changes to the side this week with key outs in Pershouse and Mitchell due to injury, while Dillon, Saunders and Stallard are welcomed back into the side to offer experience and plenty of zip and skill around the footy.  Stallard is back from another long injury layoff and will no doubt raring to go for his home club.

The midfield without their injured skipper will need to be at their uncompromising best, getting first use and locking the ball down when Labrador take possession.  Smart ball use will be key to ensure the experienced and talented half back line of the Tigers aren't able to zone off and take intercept marks before setting up a Tiger counter attack from the back half.

The Pies will need to be bold and prepared to take risks to get the ball in quick and deep to a mobile forward-line.  Nothing breeds confidence and boldness with the footy like applying scoreboard pressure, so the boys will need to take their opportunities when they are presented - as a quality outfit like the back to back Premiers will hurt you if you don't put them away when you can.

It promises to be a fascinating encounter between a young side looking to prove themselves against the old tigers sitting atop the ladder who have been there and done that.  Nothing would please the Magpie faithful more than a thrilling win to keep the finals hopes alive coming into their final fixture next week.

NOTE THE MATCH STARTS AT 1PM DUE TO THE Q-CLASH

Western Magpies v Labrador at Chelmer Saturday, August 12  at 1:00 pm

B:            Kurt Vine          Harry Marshall       B Johnson                            

HB:        Matt Dillon           Brady Allen           Mitch Stallard

C:           Matt Davis            Ben Jaenke Cain   Luke Mitchell   

HF:         Brenton SaundersAaron HighlandsLiam Dwyer                        

F:            Val Pope            Jake de Winter       Riley Easton        

Rucks:   Dom Beer, Gareth Crawford

Rover:    Brodie Easton

 I/c:,        Caleb Franks, Logan Murray ,R Smith, Tom Ielasi

One2One Plumbing - Ressies Preview

RESERVES LOOKING TO LIFT FOR LAST HOME GAME

The Western Magpies Reserves will again go into another clash with a depleted line up as the toll of injuries in the club has an impact on the playing stocks.

The Pies have struggled in recent weeks with a drop off in intensity at training having an effect on match days. Coach Craig Allen will ask his charges for a better effort in the this game at home as well as the final match of the season next Saturday to at least finish the year with heads held high.

The Magpies have been notoriously slow starters in recent matches and by the time they get into gear they find themselves behind the eight-ball.   Their opponents in Labrador have had an up and down season and currently lie fifth on the ladder.

Standouts for the year have been centreman Bryce Crossley who rarely plays a bad game, Jamie Page who has stood up in defence and been rewarded with regular effort on the track with a fine season under pressure and young on-ballers Will Lloyd and Joshua White, who will both push for senior selection next year as they continue to mature and improve.

Big improvers have been Joshua Uebergang in his first season of AFL and young forward Jeremy DeRooy,  who continues to make a contest up forward.

The Pies will look to these players to give a contest as well as the experienced Sean Mewing to lead the way.

The young Pies have a task in front of them but with a positive attitude can spring an upset against an inconsistent Tigers outfit. 

GAMES COMMENCE 1 HOUR EARLIER - PLEASE NOTE

Western Magpies Reserves v Labrador at Chelmer at 10.30 am on Saturday,  August 12th.

B: Thomas LukeJamie PageBrayden Thomas

HB: Tom RoderickJoshua WhiteMatt Mazarolle

C: Matt CowtonBryce Crossley (VC)  James Gainsford

HF: Rory Johnson  Gabe McKinnon (Capt) Scott Taylor

F: Will BurgessJeremy De RooyGeoff Gibbs

Ruck: Joshua UebergangWill Lloyd

Rover: Sean Mewing

I/C: TBA

Anytime Fitness - Colts Preview

The Colts will look to consolidate a top two spot this weekend as they take on the 6th placed Labrador Tigers on Saturday morning. The boys are in good shape heading into the last few rounds and will start to settle on their best 22 moving into September.

Chris Jenkins and Saxon Pobjoy both return from injury this week and will look to make an instant impact in the forward half. A couple of smart pressure forwards should provide the perfect contrast to exciting small Abdullah Haddad. The boys have been playing an exciting brand of footy over the past few weeks and expect the half backline to maintain their attacking mindset and really push the pace of the game from the outset.

The Colts are really starting to gel around the contest and you can tell that they are really starting to embrace the challenge and physicality of Senior football. This attitude should hold them in good stead going forward and it's great to see young ruck Harry Keenan and midfielders Max Webber, Daniel Edwards and Cal Grant leading from the front in this regard.

As always the colts would love some support on the weekend so get down early, help out where possible and support the boys in the last few rounds of the year.

GAME COMMENCES AT 8:30AM due to the Q Clash

Western Magpies vs Labrador - Sat 12 Aug 8:30am @ Chelmer

Coopers - Friday Footy Review

The Woodies headed North to Sandgate last week in a crucial clash of 2nd vs 3rd that would likely secure 2nd spot for the winner and the double chance.

After a number of weeks with key players injured and unavailable, the Woodies welcomed back a raft of key players into the side to be as close to full strength as they have been this season, which is a pleasing time of year for this to occur!

It proved to be crucial in the outcome, as the Woodies started slowly with a relatively even opening half as teammates regained their familiarity and began to finally gel as a team as the game wore on.  The defensive group was again superb, but more pleasingly was the consistent efforts of the midfield to work back to assist and cover - enabling the Woodies to not only defend well, but set up a number of attacking waves from the back half due to quality numbers around the ball able to break the lines.

Andrew Bell has hit a solid purple patch at full-back, while Scott Matthews and Tim McEvoy were influential both with ball in hand and directing traffic.  Paul Eaton and Lochie McDonald also spent time deep in defence and their long clearing kicks often caught Sandgate on the hop.

In the midfield, Thomson was dominating the hitouts and enjoyed a strong first half with plenty of defensive grabs dropping back into space before Sandgate learnt their lessons and began to lower their eyes to shorter options.  Woods, Hockley, Curtis, Garland, Ness and Davis were all hitting packs hard, wining the footy and generally dominating the Sandgate onballers at stoppages, particularly on the inside.

However, the star of the show was up front with Jake Fuentes playing the absolute textbook game as a small forward, zipping around packs - laying forward 50 tackles, clearing space and regularly getting front and centre with clean hands to create scoring opportunities for teammates and himself alike.  In a clear best on ground performance, he created a new dimension in a traditionally slower aging forward line generally known for their marking power through Moore, Baker et al.

In a dominant 2nd half the Woodies piled on 8 goals to 1 to run out winners by 48 points and lock away 2nd spot with finals just around the corner.

Woodsmen 12.7 - 79 defeated Sandgate 4.7 - 31

Best: Fuentes, Davis, Bell, McEvoy, Toohey, Ness

Goals: Fuentes 3, Baker 3, Mihalopoulos, Davis, Woods, McDonald, Moore, Hockley

MACK TRUCK MATCH REVIEW - PIES MAULED BY HUNGRY LIONS

A young inexperienced Magpie side was given a lesson in hard running and contested footy by an impressive and experienced Lions outfit at the peak of their powers on Saturday. 

The disciplined Lions were consistently harder over the footy than the Magpies and had scoring options everywhere when they got the ball forward, particularly when they moved it quickly and directly due to their intensity through the midfield.

Youth and a significant injury toll played its part in a disappointing performance from the Magpies, however a lack of consistent intensity from the entire 22 also played a role in the outcome.

Dom Beer battled manfully in the ruck in his 100th appearance and can hold his head high, while Drew Mitchell battled hard despite suffering significant shoulder problems.  Ben Jeanke-Cain and Gareth Crawford consistently gave a contest at the stoppages, but as a group the midfield lowered their colours against a PBC side that batted a little deeper through the middle and combined their grunt with quality outside run and pin point disposal.

Despite the result, finals remain a realistic prospect for this young group and they have picked themselves up with a good week on the track and will no doubt put in a much improved showing against the undefeated Labrador side this week.

Coach's Thoughts - Brydan Morgan

" Just too good at this point in time, The reality is we are needing to rebuild after the loss of quality and quantity of players this year, In saying that we have performed well and I am sure we will learn and develop and be better as a club moving forward. We will need to continue to play hard and challenge our competitive edge to ensure we compete.

Today as I said Palm Beach too goodfor us today as a team "

Western Magpies

2.1-13     2.6-18    3.10-28     5.13-43

Palm Beach Currumbin

6.2-38     11.7-73     17.10-112      22.14-146

Western Magpies

Goal Kickers: V. Pope, R. Easton, J. De Winter, C. Franks, T. Ielasi
Best Players: B. Easton, D. Beer, W. Johnson, C. Franks, B. Jaenke-Cain

Westpoint Autos - Colts Review

The Colts continued on their winning ways last weekend running away to a comfortable 33 point win over the PBC Lions on Saturday morning. The young Magpies hit the front early and where never headed. The Colts have hit their stride at the right time of the year and are starting to play some consistent football week in, week out.

The Magpies were able to get on top in the contest this time round and really put the clamps on PBC's outside runners giving our back line time to set up behind the ball and pick off the oppositions forays forward. The ever reliable Will Gillespie was once again solid as a rock down back and is giving ball users Zac Stegmeyer, Ethan Sivijs and Tristan Dowdy the confidence to run and attack from the half back line.

Young Tom Slatter played his best game of the year, working hard on the wing to provide some exciting run and carry, a great reward for his consistent efforts. Harry Keenan continues to improve and set the crowd alight with one of the final goals of the game whilst resting forward. The Magpies forward line once again proved dangerous with Hamish Campbell hitting up strongly through center half forward and young Abdullah Haddad providing plenty of spark at ground level.

The weekend's win was a real team effort and it's fantastic to see the group starting to come together, understand their role and all play their part on game day. With a bye in the final round, it's important that the Colts continue to keep the win column ticking over to hopefully lock in a second chance come finals time.

Magpies 9.9 - 63

defeated

PBC 4.6 - 30

Goals: H. Campbell 3, J. Austin, H. Keenan, J. Johnson, A. Haddad, J. Bonney, D. Edwards
Best: H. Campbell, T. Slatter, Z. Stegmeyer, M. Webber, W. Gillespie, T. Dowdy

MAGPIE FUNDRAISER - YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A NEW CAR!

As part of the Western Magpies fundraising efforts for 2017, we're giving you the chance to drive away in a Brand New Hyundai Elantra valued at $25,928 !

This is a great opportunity for Magpie members, supporters and players as the tickets are strictly limited- giving everyone a fighting chance to take out the prize!

The raffle will be drawn at the Brisbane Lions Grand Final Lunch on 28th September, and if you don't win the car you can still share in the prizes with the following also on offer:

2nd Prize: 12 Guest Corporate Suite to a Brisbane Lions 2018 home game

3rd Prize: Area VIP Centre Wing seating for 10 guests at a Brisbane Lions home game in 2018 (includes access to Area VIP Lounge with cash bar and food service)

4th Prize: Brisbane Lions Inner Sanctum Experience for 4 guests in 2018 (includes food & beverage before game and half-time, pre-match briefing from assistant coach and exclusive access to pre-match players warmup area.)

5th Prize: 2017 Brisbane Lions team signed and framed guernsey

6th Prize: 2017 Brisbane Lions team signed football with certificate of authenticity

Tickets are available on game day from players and club staff, or you can contact Gabe McKinnon directly on 0411 764 220 to secure one before they sell out!

PLACE PREVIEW - MODERN RIVARLY HEATS UP AS PIES SEEK FINALS BERTH

The Magpies take on modern day rivals, Palm Beach Currumbin this Saturday in the first of 3 big games for the Pies coming home as they look to secure a 3rd consecutive QAFL finals outing.

Key for the Pies this week is to maintain the momentum built in last weeks outing and continue to take their chances when the game is on our terms.

The hard ruthless attack at each contest will be needed again this week as the Pies take on the second placed Lions.  The last meeting was not a game the Pies would not like to repeat.

Coming back into the team Brady Allen and Jake De winter but unfortunately the team will be without Brendan Saunders who has been recalled to Redland and Matt Dillon who is unavailable this week.

The run and quick movement into the forward line will be important to let Pershouse continue his fine form that quick movement will also suit the strong leading and great hands of Jake de Winter up front .

The mid s will need to be at their best this week to ensure each battle is a hard fought win for the pies . Be a great battle at the stoppages and with Mitchell, Jaenke-Cain, Murray, Easton and Ielasi and Crawford wanting to put some real pressure on the Lions Runners.

Both Luke Mitchell and Matt Davis will enjoy the move up the lines to the wings and will look to use their skills to deliver the ball to our damaging forward line, allowing Pope, Easton and Dwyer to be hard for the Lion defence to contain.

The back six will again be asked to do a job and restrict the lions. Marshall, Allen, will be supported by the impressive young group ofDennis, Johnson, Vines and Highlands who will be sure to stop the run of PBC and take risks to attack out of the back half.

Western Magpies v Palm Beach at Chelmer Saturday, August 5  at 2.00 pm

B: Harry Marshall               Brady Allen                          B Johnson                            

HB: Lachie Dennis              Aaron Highlands                  Kurt Vine  

C:  Matt Davis (vc)             Drew Mitchell (c)                 Luke Mitchell   

HF: Riley Easton                 Liam Dwyer                       Tom Ielasi

F: Val Pope                         Charlie Perhouse                 Jake de Winter                    

Rucks:   Dom Beer, Gareth Crawford

Rover: Ben Jaenke Cain

 I/c:Brodie Easton, Caleb Franks, Logan Murray ,R Smith

Coopers - Friday Footy Preview

A strong looking Woodsmen outfit head north tonight to take on Sandgate in a clash that will likely decide 2nd spot on the ladder and secure the double chance.

The Woodsmen for just the 2nd time ever have lost 3 on the trot and won't be looking to set any new records this week!  Rocked by injury and unavailability in recent weeks, with 7 or 8 changes each week the Woodies are now looking closer to their full strength outfit as they approach finals.  A win hasn't been far away, with all 3 recent losses decided by less than 2 kicks.

The back 6 looks particularly strong, despite still missing regulars in Green, Long and Barkley - but those spots will be hard to regain as the current back 6 look to continue their good form.  Andrew Bell was particularly good last week keeping a dangerous opponent to just 1 goal (and only 1 other shot) while Travis Young is in strong consistent form and Scotty Matthews continues to improve every week in his return to footy.

For the first time this season, the Woodies will enjoy their full midfield rotations with the likes of Curtis, Woods, Hockley, Davis, McDonald, Garland to name just a few, while Thomson returns to ruck duties with the dominant Gerard Moore as backup.

The forward line looks particularly potent with midfield rotations on the flanks, Moore at CHF and deep in the square is Jay Baker with the support of Mihalopoulos in one pocket and the livewire Jake Fuentes in the other.  Baker is looking particularly ominous after 6 games back, kicking 12 goals in his recent 3 games including 5 last week against ladder leaders Zillmere in a 1 point loss.

Showing their strong depth the Woodies have quality on the bench to start the match in Toohey, Eaton, Matthews and Ness - who will all play a crucial role in the game.

Woodsmen vs Sandgate - Fri Aug 4 730pm @ Sandgate

One2One Plumbing - Reserves Preview

The Western Magpies will be looking to take a big scalp against PBC on Saturday.

In a battle between 3rd and 7th spot, the Pies will be looking to secure their 4th win of the year as they take on the traveling Lion brigade.

A young developing side with a few experienced heads, the Pies will hope to improve their accuracy in front of goal this week after kicking 8.15 in a close loss to Surfers Paradise last week.

A strong ruck division of Uebergang and Gibb will be looking to give the boys first use, while the experience of captain Gabe McKinnon will be crucial.

The game commences at 11:30am and the Pies will be looking for your support.

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Preview

Colts look to continue good form

The Colts have a huge opportunity to go a game up in second place this weekend when they take on the third placed PBC Lions at home. Last time these teams met things were neck and neck as the Lions snuck home by under a goal down on the Gold Coast. The young Magpies will look to turn that result around this weekend on their road into finals.

Unable to get a consistent line up due to work and injuries the Colts will welcome back Danny Grandy and Tom Slatter into the line up this weekend. Both boys have trained hard, supported their mates and rightly deserve an opportunity to show their wares against the Lions.

The young Maggies have been playing some scintillating football in patches over the past few weeks and they will look to take full advantage of playing on their home deck against a quality opponent this weekend. Beaten on the outside by PBC last time they played, look for a much more patient and well organised performance from the Pies around contests and stoppages.

Luckily for the Magpies the one area of the ground that has remained stable has been the back line and they will have another huge job this weekend holding the PBC forward line at bay. Tristan Dowdy and Ethan Sivijs are back in form and are really starting to lift their work rate in attack. This is allowing mobile forwards Jayden Johnson and Hamish Campbell to get off the chain and provide our link into Jordan Bonney and Josh Commons deep forward.

It's exciting times for the Colts and they are starting to play some great football. With other divisions starting to play finals they will be in need of some off field helpers this week to run water and do some odd jobs around the place. Please get down, support and help out as we look to finish the regular season off with a bang.

Western Magpies Colts vs PBC - Sat Aug 5, 930am @ Chelmer

Metis Wealth Milestone Match - Vintage Dom bring up 100

Dom Beer often looks to be in perpetual motion the way he plays his footy.  The absolute ultimate workhorse, the kind of ruckman and teammate footballers just love to have. 

Not blessed with incredible speed, Dom’s workrate and ability to run and run, and then run some more to get to contest after contest is what sets him apart.  Combined with the deft touch of an experienced ruckman, the midfielders just love getting first use around the ground when Dom is up and going.  Particularly strong below his knees, his follow up work at ground level brings an extra element to his game.  So with the big fella getting to so many contests, its not just a numbers game – he can impact those contests with a classy gather below his knees before feeding off the outlet handball, or swinging on to his trusty right boot and hitting the target more often than not – despite what many say about ruckmen!

With a name like Dom Beer, do you liken the man to the famous Dom Perignon, or associate him more closely with the more preferred beverage of a frothy Beer?  The truth lies somewhere in the middle, with Beer’s workmanlike nature and team first attitude making him as good as any of the Cooper’s product, while his classical ruckman style and class below his knees making him a true ‘Vintage Dom’ !

Coming to the club from Calamvale as a skinny 17 year old, his first senior captain – Chris Mihalopoulous tells the tale of being pretty pleased with himself about being able to outlift the ruckman in the gym, failing to acknowledge the 9 year age gap, and likely 10kg weight difference (in Mika’s favour, despite being 15cm shorter!).  Fair to say that Dom has come a long way since then, regularly showing brute strength around the ground at stoppages to give his mids first use.

After a mix of Seniors and Reserves footy as a teenager in the state League in 2009/10, Dom established himself as the #1 ruckman at the club from 2011 and was a model of consistency – playing 17 games and winning a Premiership in 2012 and after a year away in 2013, playing 17 and 20 games in consecutive seasons before playing 15 in 2016.  The 2017 season started slowly for Dom as he came back from injury and regained match fitness in the reserves, but it wasn’t long before a senior recall and he hasn’t looked back.

The Magpie family are proud of this unassuming footballer as he brings up his 100th Senior game this week vs Palm Beach.  Fiercely loyal, family orientated and humble – Dom Beer is a credit to his family and we all congratulate him on 100 Senior games in the black & white.  It will take a strong few blokes to chair him off the ground after the game, but Dom has earnt it after carrying the ruck duties on his own shoulders for many years!

Senior Premiership player in 2012

Mack Truck Match Review - Pies take their chances

The Magpies went down then highway on the weekend for a must win game against a dangerous Demons outfit on their home deck.

After strong recent form didn't produce the results desired, the Magpies were well aware of the importance of taking their opportunities and applying scoreboard pressure when they have control of the game.

This game saw the pies back to their best, a strong competitive first half where all played hard at every contest and raised the bar at each break. The mi field was back to its hard contested approach and was getting on top of each stoppage.  A team first attitude was very clear throughout the game and it showed on the scoreboard.

The back six gave nothing away and were winning the battle shutting down the demons scoring options.   Crackers Dillon showed his experience in his 2nd game back in the seniors with a strong performance on Demons danger man, Daniel Green who has kicked big numbers vs the Pies in recent seasons.

You had the feeling that the way the forwards were going they were could open the flood gates at any moment and break the game wide open.  The hard work was done with a slender half time lead setting platform for a big 2nd half.

The third quarter started and sure enough the floodgates opend with Big Charlie Pershouse running them ragged, Brenton Saunders getting on the end of a few and Big Dom Beer imposing himself at the stoppages and ensuring the mids got the opportunity for first use, the mids were lead by Ben Jaenke-Cain having a day out.

The back six again held strong with Matt Dillon and Harry Marshall leading the way and with the rest of the backs shutting down the Demon forwards.

A 10 goal quarter was just rewards for the hard work all over the ground as the Magpie clicked into gear.

The last quarter saw Surfers try and get back into the game but again the team raised the bar and snuffed any Surfers thought of a come- back, an important step after almost coughing up a big lead in the earlier match in Toowoomba against the same opposition.

Kicking 15.2 in the 2nd half was certainly a welcome change, and showed the team what can be achieved when key chances are taken.

A great bounce back to form , and when you consider two players had to withdraw due to work commitments and the current list of players unavailable at the moment it was fantastic to see this team rise and play so well.  The experienced heads lead the way, but special mention to Caleb Franks who was superb in his first senior outing.

Coach's Thoughts - Brydan Morgan

Hard to pick our best today, good to say we kicked well all day especially 10 goals 1 in the third .  It was great to see our contested work was back on track along with our effort attitude and resilience. We had requested the team work hard and focus on the contest , effort and resilience this week as we felt we had been down last week.

We controlled the game and forced Surfers down the line and slowed their game forced them to kick to a contest.

A great day and a great team performance looking forward to seeing the same next week

Surfers Paradise

2.4-16   4.8-32   6.11-479.11-65

Western Magpies

3.3-215.8-3815.9-99   20.10-130

Western Magpies

Goal Kickers: B. Saunders 7, C. Pershouse 3, R. Easton 2, V. Pope 2, L. Dwyer 2, M. Davis, D. Mitchell, T. Ielasi, C. Franks
Best Players: B. Saunders, B. Jaenke-Cain, T. Ielasi, H. Marshall, C. Pershouse, M. Dillon

BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Review

Young Magpies hitting their straps

Things finally clicked for the Colts on Saturday, running out comfortable winners against the lowly placed Surfers Paradise Demons on Saturday. The young Magpies raced away early with a 7 goal first quarter and were never headed, eventually leaving with a 53 point win. With a few other results going their way over the weekend the Pies have managed to jump back into 2nd spot, setting up a cracking 2 vs 3 home game against PBC next weekend.

The Colts put on a display of hard running and workrate on the weekend, pushing back hard in defence and spreading with purpose on the counter attack. Their work around the contest was at it's best suffocating the Demon's ball winners and winning the bulk of the hard football. Showing a real desire to move the ball quickly paid dividends this week resulting in some crisp forward entries and allowing tall forwards, Hamish Campbell, Jayden Johnson and Jordan Bonney to clunk a few marks and get amongst the goals.

Half backs Tristan Dowdy, Ethan Sivijs and Cam Smith had their best games of the year this week, turning defense in to attack with precise foot skills and a willingness to run and link up. They were ably supported by Will Gillespie who locks down hard and is rarely beaten one on one. Cal Grant worked tirelessly through the midfield, tough and hard at the contest but still able to win the ball in space through some real gut running. Young ruck men Cam MacDonald and Harry Keenan continue to impress and are showing some great promise considering the small amounts of football that they have both played. Sam Hartog, Jacob Sheath, Max Webber and Sam deNys continue to work tirelessly in the middle setting the scene for the rest of the group to follow.

It was great to see a few boys back up for the twos as both players and helpers showing just how much the young Colts are enjoying being a real part of the Senior footy club. With only 3 weeks to go the boys seemed to have turned a corner and have really started knuckling down on and off the track to make the most of their opportunity going forward.