Place News - Magpie Quartet Named in QAFL Top 50

Western Magpies had four players named in the QAFL Top 50 players for 2017.

Skipper and co-Bill Peirce medallist Drew Mitchell led the way, being named at No 25 on the list in recognition of a strong season in the mid-field.

A breakout season saw Pies 2017 B & F runner up and QAFL representative Tom Ileasi named at No 38 while co-Bill Peirce medallist Gareth Crawford was recognised for a consistent season at the coal-face and came in at No 37.  

David Lewis was named at No 47, which is remarkable given he played just over half a season before a knee injury ended his year. His write-up demonstrates why he was named.  He also represented Queensland this year.

Certainly Charlie Pershouse in particular could consider himself unlucky seeing as only a few weeks back he was named in the QAFL Team of the Year!

25. Drew Mitchell

A consistent workhorse around the packs, the ball-winner and Magpies skipper was one of the most important players in the black and white this year.

Mitchell seemed to get better as the season went on and his strength around the contest and strong leadership was sorely missed in the final rounds when he missed through injury.

From his fourteen games Mitchell registered in the best players six times and tied for the Magpies best and fairest with Gareth Crawford.

37. Gareth Crawford

Crawford is no stranger to the QAFL Top 50 list, after coming in at number 50 last year. The ball winning beast hasn’t slowed down either; he continues to win the footy for the Magpies in close and go about his business.

As a senior player on a young list at the Western Magpies, Crawford leads the way, consistently providing high level output and physicality around the ball.

38. Tom Ielasi

‘Smart,’ is the word that comes to mind when thinking about Tom Ielasi as a player, but he’s also pretty tidy by hand and foot as well.

A versatile, clever midfielder, Ielasi can play off half back, through the middle and can even pinch hit up forward where he can be particularly dangerous.

Ielasi was deservedly selected in the QAFL representative side this year, played 15 games and was named in his sides best players 10 times, while also kicking 10 goals.

47. David Lewis

Sometimes the best way to notice a player’s value is what happens when they go down with an injury. Lewis’s knee injury caused serious issues for the Western Magpies toward the end of the season and they missed his star quality badly.

The high leaping Lewis takes some great grabs and can be damaging with his kicking when he’s on song.

Of his eight games Lewis featured in the best five times. One of the best highlight reels in the QAFL.

Westpoint Auto - Coaching Vacancy Update

The Western Magpies Football department and senior committee wish to congratulate 2017 Senior Assistant Coaches Sam Long and Adam Holland on their recent appointments to Head Coaching positions at Yeronga Devils in QFA Div 1 Competition and Redcliffe Tigers in QFA Div 3 Competition respectively.

Both Sam and Adam were valuable contributors in their time at the club and will be sorely missed in 2018.  As both clubs play in different competitions to the Magpies, we also have no hesitation in wishing both gents a hearty good luck for 2018 seasons! (Especially Longy, who will still be having a kick on Friday nights with the Woodies)

In other news, Brett McEvoy has been appointed to look after the Brisbane Lions Academy midfield and Strength & Conditioning Coach - James Nightingale has accepted a role with the Brisbane Roar A-League squad, an excellent result for both and underlining the professional environment at the Western Magpies.

These recent appointments show the Western Magpies to not only be an exceptional talent pathway for young footballers, but also aspiring coaches.

As a result the following vacancies remain:

Colts – Head Coach

Level 1 Accreditation Required with desire to attain Level 2

Key criteria:

• Focus on development of players to prepare them for Senior Football
• Ability to identify specific player weaknesses and implement the required development coaching through senior football program
• Work closely with Senior Coach to understand and implement structures and desired ball movement
• Experience and/or ability to work with young men aged 15-18
• Adopt and grow the Magpie ‘one club’ culture

Senior Assistant Line Coaches

The Western Magpies Senior QAFL Side operates with the following structure:

Senior Coach, 3 x line coaches (mid, forward, back) then a number of additional roles like stats, video, development, strength & conditioning that spread across the senior football program.

If you have the desire to coach, mentor and develop footballers to learn and improve, as well as develop your own skills (including interpersonal, leadership and of course football) then we would love to talk to you about joining the team for 2018.

Coaching experience, or senior playing experience is desired as is a Level 1 Accreditation with a desire to achieve Level 2.

As a senior line coach you will play an integral role in a fantastic football culture that continually grows from within.

Please submit all applications to president@westernmagpies.com.au by Friday November 3, 2017

Place Player Update - Harwood signs on for 2018

Recently delisted Brisbane Lion Ryan Harwood will join the Western Magpies for the 2018 QAFL season, after officially signing with the club in recent weeks.

“We’ve got a really young group, so his experience and leadership will be just fantastic,” said Senior Coach Brydan Morgan.

“You’d think you’d see him go through the midfield and probably at either end depending on where we might need him I guess.”

Harwood was drafted with pick 47 in the 2009 National Draft by the Brisbane Lions and played 81 AFL games, including nine in 2017. Along with his AFL appearances, the Tasmanian product performed strongly at NEAFL level this year, including a four goal performance in round 17.

The 26-year-old chose the Magpies as a result of a connection with Mark Blackberry, established while Harwood was playing at the Lions.

“(I’m) looking forward to it, can’t wait,” said Harwood.

“They’re my old club colours as well, black and white, from when I used to play at Glenorchy.

“I’ve pretty much only worn that jersey and a Lions jersey, so it’ll be good to get back into it.”

The Magpies finished in 6th place on the QAFL ladder in 2017, just missing out on the finals after Top 3 finishes the previous 2 seasons. As a result of the exit of 12 players after the 2016 Prelim final loss, 2017 turned into a transition year with a young list of players including 10 debutants and the young side did well to be in the finals hunt until the final siren of the 2nd last round of the H&A season

The signing of Harwood is great news for the club, who are in need of more senior players and leadership in a young group. The Queensland climate and proximity to some great fishing and hunting locations, was another factor in Harwood rebuffing offers from clubs all over Australia.

Harwood looks likely to be the first of a few names that could be donning the black and white for the 2018 QAFL season, as we look to take a more aggressive approach in the recruiting space this off-season.

“Aggressive enough. Without being over the top, we still value our young kids coming through,” said Morgan.

“We certainly need some more players in their late twenties just to give that experience and leadership.

“So we’ll be looking to sort of fill those holes, so to speak - hopefully with a few familiar faces returning home, as well as a few new names as well"

Watch this space Magpie fans!

MACK Trucks - Life Member Inductions

VAL POPE, CHRIS DENNIS, BRIAN MILLAR and REID DOBSON AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP

The Sherwood District AFC (incorporating the Western Magpies AFC) awarded Life Memberships to Val Pope, Chris Dennis, Brian Millar and Reid Dobson at the Bill Peirce Medal Night last Friday

Val Pope joined the Pies in 2004 and has played over 200 Senior Games, is a two time Bill Peirce Medallist, three time premiership player and was named in the QAFL Team of the Year in 2015. He has been a crowd favourite at Chelmer for over 12 years and continues to delight the Black and White faithful. He has been a loyal servant of the club and has rarely had a bad outing in his 200+ senior appearances.

Chris Dennis has been involved with the Pies for over 12 years. He was a junior coach for 5 years and joined the Board of Directors in 2011 and remains a Board member, with his key focus being Infrastructure and Facilities where he has played a key role over the years securing grants and managing facility upgrades such as field upgrades, new changerooms and the the light upgrades to name just a handful of major achievements in his tenure.

He was Junior Chairman from 2012-14 and was aslo club President in 2015.

Brian "BM" Millar has been a fixture at Chelmer for 18 years and has been involved in all but one season of the Western Magpies. He joined in 2000 and has been an assistant coach and team manager in every season. He is at training every night, ensuring that all is in place so the coaches can concentrate on coaching. He has hardly missed a match and has seen the highs and lows of the Pies but enjoyed three premierships in his time at the Pies.

Reid Dobson has played over 220 Senior games for the Magpies in addition to 50+ Reserves games and a few outings with the Woodsmen after also playing as a junior at Sherwood prior to that.

He is a two time premiership player and was named best on ground in the 2006 Premiership. He was a member of the club's leadership group for 6 seasons and was also 2 time JB Medal winner for the Reserves Best & Fairest and League Reserves Best and Fairest winner in 2010. He was also best on ground in the Woodsmen's 2014 Premiership and won the Nipperess Medal for Best & Fairest in the same season.

He coached the club in youth football in 2016 and then took the Colts to this year's Grand Final.

The club also acknowledged Paul Grentell and Rob Lawson,  who were awarded their Life Memberships at the club's AGM in December last year but not formally presented with their badges.

Paul Grentell had a distinguished career at senior level after starting as a Sherwood junior in 1980 as a 7 year old. He captained the club for 2 years when the Western magpies were formed then coached Reserves for one season then for 6 seasons at Senior level for two premierships. He still acts as a mentor and adviser to the club. He has been involved at the club for 35 years, 17 of those years in Senior football.

Rob Lawson has been a fixture at Sherwood since 1964 when he played in Under 15s and was the first Sherwood junior to play Senior football at the club when the senior team was formed in 1968.

He played seniors for 6 years and played in two premierships. he has been a junior coach and committeeman and over the past few years has been heavily involved in ground maintenance and match day preparation.

CFMG Capital - Club Award Presentations

The Bill Peirce Medal count is also an opportunity to recognise a number of people withing the football club for their dedication to the the club.  While recognition for great exploits on the field are important, its equally important to recognise the efforts behind the scenes with some prestigious awards during the evening with some very popular winners.

Awards presented during the evening were as follows:

Club Persons of the Year -  Peter Wilmot and Michelle Shepherd.

Peter joined the club this year and acted as a team manager and senior support staff and was at most training nights and matches ensuring that all playing and match day equipment was in place to support the coaches and medical staff. He helped clean the change rooms and was always on hand to lend a hand or do another job to ensure the Pies were well prepared each week.

Michelle was the Colts Team Manager and she became a key figure in the team’s success. Nothing was too much to ask of her, she was always positive and engaged. Michelle radiates her love for footy in everything she does - often backing up after the Colts games to help out with the Seniors and Reserves.

The Barry "Phantom" Johnstone Award for the player who gives over and above went to Colts player Max Webber who gave hours of his time to assist with junior coaching throughout the year.

The Russell Green Memorial Trophy for Coach of the Year went to Colts coach Reid Dobson and this was presented by Russell's son and Magpies player Matt Green.

'Dobbo' did a fantastic job leading the Colts side all the way to Grand Final day while also preparing players for a strong future in senior football.

Place Pictures - The Papparazi at Bill Peirce Medal Night

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SCROLL THROUGH

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Superb finals series secures Moore's first Nipperess Medal

Former Senior captain and dual Premiership player Gerard Moore took home the Woodsmen’s Best and Fairest Award, the Nipperess Medal, polling 34 votes to be ahead of joint Runners-up in Andrew Thomson and Sam Curtis on 29 votes.

Slightly different to the Seniors, Reserves and Colts - the Woodsmen B&F is decided by a single voting card each week with votes tallied 1-6.

Thomson shot out to an early lead before a mid season purple patch from Curtis, where he polled 21 votes in a 4 week stretch, saw him take a slight lead into the finals.  With both Curtis and Thomson unavailable for the qualifying final, a strong showing from Moore brought him one vote shy of Curtis heading into the Preliminary Final.  While the Woodsmen went down in another tight one, anyone who was at the game knew Moore had the medal firmly in his grasp with a clear best on ground performance earning him a maximum 6 votes, while Thomson's 4 votes brought him level with Curtis.

In 3rd place was Chris Davis, who also took out the prestigious Woody's Woody (Players Player) Award for the 2nd year running.

Other award winners were Senior Assistant Coach Sam Long, who ironically took out the Scott Keane Medal (Coaches Award), Andrew Bell for 'Hard Wood' (hardest at the footy), Rick Masterson and Daniel Hitchcock as joint winners of 'Club Wood' for Best Clubman, Rick Masterson the Rising Woody (Best First Year Player) and rounding out the awards was playing coach, Chris Mihalopoulos as the leading goalkicker with 43.

Anytime Fitness - Sheath shades Austin to win Maurie McNamee Medal

Midfielder Jacob Sheath was a narrow winner of the Colts Best and Fairest Award, the Maurie McNamee Medal.  The Toowoomba product started the year in defence but was a revelation when moved to the midfield. Sheath polled 62 votes to be a narrow winner over early leader and 16 year old CHF Jack Austin on 60 votes.

Half back Tristan Dowdy was third on 55 votes with others to poll well were Zac Stegmeyer (53), Sam De Nys (52), Max Webber (50), Ethan Sivijs (43), Hamish Campbell (40) and Caleb Franks (36).  

It was a tight finish with 5 players finishing within 10 votes of the winner, which shows the evenness of this side who finished on top of the ladder while also supplying several debutants to the senior side.

The Runner-up Trophy was awarded to Jack Austin with the Most Consistent going to Tristan Dowdy and Best Team Player to Max Webber.  The Coach’s Trophy went to Whitlam Bishop, Best in Finals was Sam Hartog and Leading Goalkicker was Jordan Bonney on 31 goals (3rd in QAFL).

Westpoint Autos - Crossley holds off charging Page to win 2nd JB Medal

Centreman Bryce Crossley added a second Reserves JB (John Burkitt) Medal to the one he won in 2015 when he was a narrow winner with 89 votes over defender Jamie Page (86) and fellow midfielder Joshua White (85).  Crossley opened up an early lead and then managed to hold off the charging Page and White to secure the medal.

Veteran Sean Mewing was next best with 56 votes after an injury interrupted season with Will Lloyd (54), Rohan Smith (43), Captain Gabe McKinnon (42) and youngster Dom Morrison (35) rounding out the leaderboard.

The Runner-up Trophy was awarded to Jamie Page and Most Consistent to Joshua White. Braydon Thomas was awarded Best Team Player after coming back after an ACL reconstruction and Joshua Uebergang was awarded the Coach's Trophy after a standout first season playing Australian Rules. Leading Goalkicker was Jeremy deRooy with 26 goals.

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Thrilling Bill Peirce Medal Count comes down to the wire

The Bill Peirce Medal for the Western Magpies Best and Fairest was jointly won by midfield workhorse Gareth Crawford and captain Drew Mitchell.

In an exciting count, Crawford polled votes in the final 2 rounds to reel in the early leader in Mitchell, who missed games late in the year through injury.  Mitchell and Dave Lewis shot out of the blocks before injury put an end to Lewis season while Crawford came from the clouds late in the year to run down the early season leaders.

The voting system has 3 cards of 5-4-3-2-1, with all votes completed by members of the coaching staff, the maximum votes in any one match was 15 votes, with Tom Ielasi the only player to achieve a perfect score of 15 in the final round vs Morningside, while Crawford polled 14 once and 12 twice.

Mitchell led 64 votes to 48 voters with 2 rounds to play but Crawford polled 12 votes in the second last match against Labrador and then another 4 votes in the final match at Morningside to tie up the count.

Mitchell had a purple patch from round 6 to 10 where he polled 31 votes to open up a 22 vote lead after round 10.

It is the first time there has been a tie in the Bill Peirce Medal Count.

For Mitchell it is his First Senior Best and Fairest but he comes from Sherwood/Western Magpies royalty with his father Steve and uncle Rob premiership players at the Pies and his grandparents Ray and Flo Lang both Life Members of the club.

Crawford has a distinguished football resume in the western border area of Victoria, winning a Western Border League Best & Fairest and also a Best & Fairest at Hamilton Kangaroos in their first season after amalgamation of bitter rivals Hamilton and Hamilton Imperials several years ago.   

The medallists were presented their Medal by Bill Peirce himself. Peirce was the Magpies first Grogan Medallist, was a seven time captain, two time coach and two time B & F for Sherwood as well as playing in several premierships and close to 300 senior matches for the club in addition to over 150 reserves outings.

Runner-up in the voting was silky mid-fielder Tom Ielasi, who polled 58 votes. Young ruckman Aaron Highlands was next with 49 votes, a superb effort in his first season in the top grade. Other votegetters in the mix were Logan Murray (46), Harry Marshall (45), Brenton Saunders (44), Jack Goodall (38), two time Bill Peirce Medallist, 200 game player and new Life Member Val Pope (36) and leading goalkicker Jake de Winter (35).

Ruckman Aaron Highlands took out the much coveted BG Award for Courage and Commitment and was also won the Rising Star Award, highlighting what a big future he has in the next few years.

2014 Bill Peirce Medallist Ben Jaenke-Cain was named as the Joe Schaffert-Kevin Garner Memorial Trophy Most Consistent Player after another solid season.

Best Team Player Award was shared by youngsters in midfield hard-nut Logan Murray and consistent defender Harry Marshall and Coach's Trophy was awarded to the unlucky David Lewis, who contributed all year despite a season-ending PCL tear in round 10.

Jake de Winter was the Leading Goalkicker with 39 goals, averaging 3 goals per match.

Club Vacancies - Football Department & Committee

The Club has a number of opportunities to be involved at both board level and in the 2018 Football Department.

Coaching Vacancies:

2018 Reserves Coach

2018 Reserves Assistant Coach

2018 Colts Coach

If you are looking to be part of a quality football program, with a focus on teaching and developing young players then we would like to hear from you. 

Level 1 accreditation required.

to register your interest, please e-mail president@westernmagpies.com.au

Other Vacancies:

Range of opportunities to be involved in a fantastic community footy club playing the QAFL.  If you want to be part of a great team, and embed yourself in the culture of a fantastic club - then please get in touch.

Various match day roles required to be filled.

Board Vacancy

The Sherwood Football Club Board would welcome nominations for the position of 'Events Director'. 

Key focus of this role is to plan, manage and execute a calendar of events for the 2018 season with a focus on community, member, player and sponsor engagement.

Further to this, the club celebrates 50 years of Senior Football in 2018 and the 10 year Reunion of the magnificent 2008 Senior Premiership.

If you would like to be involved in this key portfolio and work with fellow like minded board members focused on the on and off field success of the Sherwood Football Club, please register your interest my e-mailing president@westernmagpies.com.au

PLACE PREVIEW - BILL PEIRCE MEDAL WIDE OPEN

The Bill Peirce Medal will be awarded again tonight in what promises to be a thrilling vote count, with a group of midfielders this year expected to fight it out.

The Western Magpies will host their Gala Event and Presentation Dinner tonight at the Sherwood DAFC clubrooms commencing at 7 pm.

The medal favourites look likely to come from the midfield group with Tom Ielasi, Gareth Crawford, Ben Jaenke-Cain and Drew Mitchell likely to poll well after consistent contributions throughout the year giving them all a chance to take out the coveted medal.  Others in the mix could be young ruckman Aaron Highlands who did a magnificent job for a youngster, playing every game and carrying the ruck load for most of the season and defender Harry Marshall who was a quality defender all season, often against larger opponents. Charlie Pershouse will gain votes in most of the matches he played but likely missed too many games to be in the final mix, the same would apply to the likes of Lachlan Saunders and Jack Goodall.

Skipper Mitchell was solid all season and tough on baller Crawford had a good year and finished the season off strongly. 2014 Bill Peirce Medallist Jaenke-Cain was his usual prolific ball winner and Ielasi was impressive with his clean ball handling skills and ability to link up in transition.

David Lewis is the unlucky one as he would most likely to have been leading the voting until he was injured in Round 9 – he was magnificent across half back in almost every match he played until injured prior to the mid-season break.

Westpoint Autos - JB Medal Reserves B&F Preview

JB MEDAL UP FOR GRABS IN WHAT PROMISES TO BE A CLOSE FINISH

Centreman Bryce Crossley will be favourite to add a second JB (John Burkitt) Medal to the one he won in 2015. Crossley was again a prolific and consistent ball winner in the centre of the ground and he played in a majority of the reserves matches. Challenges are likely to come from young midfielders in Will Lloyd and Joshua White, both who put in good seasons and will be pushing for senior selection next season.  Veteran and captain Gabe McKinnon was also a solid performer at in the spine and a dark horse could be reliable and courageous defender Jamie Page who had his best season to date and was always among the best players in a difficult season for the Reserves.

Anytime Fitness - Maurie McNamee Medal Colts B&F Preview

TALENTED YOUNG GUNS IN MIX FOR MAURIE McNAMEE MEDAL FOR COLTS

The Maurie McNamee medal for Colts B & F is wide open with a wealth of young talent in the mix to take out the coveted award.  Young forward Jack Austin was outstanding at CHF and the Queensland representative had a big season – and he is only 16 years old. Midfielder Max Webber had a strong season with plenty of possessions and performed well in the League Medal Count, while Jacob Sheath was also a workhorse in the middle of the ground. Defender Zac Stegmeyer and Tristan Dowdy were models of consistency down back although Dowdy played quite a few Reserves matches this year which may reduce his chances.

Sam DeNys is another who performed well all season and another 16 yo Queensland representative and midfielder Caleb Franks is all class and will poll well.

The Colts voting is wide open and could be won by half a dozen players, all who look to have a bright future in the game which is great news for the Western Magpies in coming seasons.

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Woodsmen Awards Preview

There won't be much tension in the room when the Woodsmen awards are presented tonight, as a vote count has been held already to avoid a packed schedule this evening.

CHF Gerard Moore will be presented the Nipperress Medal for Best and Fairest for the Woodsmen in 2017 - amazingly his first ever B&F win in a so far pretty illustrious career to date!

Moore was a narrow winner over joint runner up Andrew Thomson and defending champion Sam Curtis in the Woodsmen’s recent Vote Count.

Other awards for the Woodsmen included:

Woodie's Woody - Players Player - Chris Davis (2nd straight win)

Hard Wood - Hardest at the Footy - Andrew Bell

Club Wood - Best Clubman - Rick Masterson & Daniel Hitchcock

Solid Wood - Scott Keane Medal' - Coaches Award - Sam Long

Rising Woody - Best First Year Player - Rick Masterson

Leading Goalkicker - Chris Mihalopoulos

Coopers Club Event - Bill Peirce Medal 6 October

Great Night planned to cap off 2017

In addition to the major Best & Fairest Awards, the Bill Peirce Night will see a number of presentations and awards, with several new Life Members to be named, Club Person of the Year Award, the BG Award, Barry “Phantom“ Johnstone Award for the player who contributes most off the field, the Rob Schaffert-Kevin Garner Memorial Award for Most Consistent in Senior Football,  Leading Goal-kicker awards, Rising Star Award and The Russell Green Memorial Trophy for Coach of the Year.

Previews to follow!

HONOUR BOARDS

During the evening, the club’s new Honour Boards will be officially opened by Warren Selvage, 8 time Premiership player, Life Member and whose family contributed to the cost of erecting the Honour Boards. This is a great addition to the club’s history and highlights the many people and players who have made the club a strong performer over 60 years in Australian Rules Football in South East Queensland.

Club staff have done a great job preparing the room for the night ahead

Westpoint Autos Colts Grand Final Match Report

COLTS WELL BEATEN IN GRAND FINAL

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be for the Western Magpies Colts in 2017 coming up against a far superior Morningside Panthers in the Grand Final played in very warm conditions at Southport on Saturday.  The Colts battled gallantly all day but were no match for the bigger bodies and superior ball movement of their highly fancied opposition going down 18-10-118to 4-8-32.

The Magpies kicked into a three goal breeze in the first quarter and managed to hold the Panthers at bay, going into quarter time only a few goals behind. Unfortunately, the Pies failed to make use of the windand their dominance in the second quarter. The Pies had the football in their forward half for long periods without making an impact on the scoreboard and then Morningside would make them pay with rapid transition into an open forward line. Morningside were able to go into the main break 32 points up. From here on in Morningside controlled the game, out-bustling the Magpies around the contest and using the ball clinically when going forward.

Sam Hartog and Caleb Franks worked tirelessly through the midfield all day. Both boys were able to win their fair share of footy around the stoppages and used it well when they had their opportunities. Once again Hamish Campbell was a shining light up forward, leading up at the ball hard, providing a contest and working ferociously when the ball hit the ground. Tristan Dowdy was again solid as a rock down back and was well supported by the ever reliable Whitlam Bishop. 

Whilst it was a disappointing end to the year for the Magpies it has been a really successful season for the Colts. The young Magpies had several players involved in the State U17's and U18's Lions Academy competitions, a host of players made their Senior and Reserves debuts and the boys finished the regular season on top of the ladder after a nasty mid-season slump. A fantastic group of young men, the club looks forward to them remaining at the club, getting stuck into pre-season and forming a core group of the Western Magpies Senior football team in coming seasons.

Morningside 5.3, 7.5, 12.10, 18.10 (118) d Western Magpies 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 4.8 (32) 

Western Magpies

Goal Kickers: J. Commons, C. Franks, H. Campbell, Z. Stegmeyer

Best: C Franks, T Dowdy, S Hartog, W Bishop, H Campbell, C Smith

Anytime Fitness - Colts Grand Final Match Preview

YOUNG MAGPIES UP FOR THE CONTEST IN GRAND FINAL

After a big win in the Preliminary Final the Western Magpies Colts look ready and raring to go against their highly fancied Morningside counterparts in this year’s QAFL Colts Grand Final on Saturday at Southport. Boasting a star studded list, the Magpies know they will need to be at their very best to come away with the Premiership Cup. Always a quality match up, the Colts have beaten the Panthers on two occasions this season, drawn once in a pre-season match and been on the end of a nasty loss a few weeks ago in the Second Semi Final.

The Colts started the year off well, hit a bit wall mid season but have rallied since those rounds to conquer all before them. Whilst many may consider them underdogs this weekend, the boys are full of confidence and belief that their best football is more than good enough to get them over the line.

The young Pies have worked tirelessly over the season to perfect their running style of play and their defensive work around the contest. They will pull heavily on this during the Grand Final as they back their game plan and systems to take them all the way in 2017. Boasting a star studded midfield lead by Caleb Franks, Jacob Sheath and Max Webber, the Pies will look to get first use of the ball through the middle of the ground and shut down the opposition’s ability to spread from contests. Finn Collison and Harry Keenan have been excellent in the middle this season and expect a physical showing from the two young ruckmen this weekend.

Big games are tailor made for quality tall forwards so expect big things from Hamish Campbell, Jordan Bonney and Jack Austin this weekend. All capable of clunking big marks and kicking a bag they will be primed for a big outing on the biggest stage of the year. They will get ample support from small forwards Chris Jenkins and Abdullah Haddad and look for Sam DeNys, who comes back in after missing last week with injury, and Will Gillespie, to add a touch of mongrel to the classy Magpies forward line.

As always the Colts backline will be up against a quality outfit with the Panthers possessing some classy small forwards and dangerous targets. The ever reliable Zac Stegmeyer, Cam Smith and Whitlam Bishop will need to be at their best to curtail these players’ influence and allow Ethan Sivijs, Sam Hartog and Tristan Dowdy to attack on transition.

The Colts have had a solid week on the track, enjoyed each other’s company and focussed on fine tuning some key aspects of their game. The Pies were underdone in the Second Semi Final and will be better prepared this week. The margin in that game was an aberration as the Pies were jumped early after three weeks without a game and just could not get into the contest. A fired up Pies know exactly what to expect this time and will be ready. With a full list to choose from their will be no excuses this weekend as the young Magpies look to take home the Premiership Cup.

QAFL Colts Grand Final-- Western Magpies Colts v Morningside at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport on Saturday, September 23rd at 9 am (Note earlier starting time for finals)

B: Ethan Sivijis, Whitlam Bishop, Tristan Dowdy

HB: Sam Hartog (vc), Zac Stegmeyer, Cameron Smith

C: Noah Resuggan (Co-Captain), Max Webber (Co-Captain) Dan Edwards

HF: Sam De Nys, Jack Austin, Hamish Campbell

F: Jayden Johnson, Jordan Bonney (vc), Will Gillespie

Foll: Finn Collison, Jacob Sheath, Caleb Franks

Int: Chris Jenkins, Abdullah Haddad, Josh Commons, Harry Keenan

Emerg: Tom Slatter, Cameron Macdonald, Tristan Jackson

Previous meetings:

Rd 12  WM 8-5-53 def Morningside 8-3-51 at Chelmer

Rd 17  WM 10-6-66 def Morningside 7-11-53 at Morningside

Second Semi Final   WM4-5-29 def by Morningside 17-10-112

Coopers - Grogan Medal Wrap

MAX WEBBER RUNNER-UP IN QAFL COLTS BEST AND FAIREST

Western Magpies Colts Co-Captain Max Webber was runner up in the QAFL Colts Best and Fairest Award announced at the QAFL Awards Night at the Gabba on Sunday evening.

The Sherwood junior plays in the midfield and polled 18 votes to be behind the winner on 22 votes. Webber was 3 votes clear of the third place getter.

Webber has led from the front this season and his hard work at the coal face obviously caught the umpires eyes.

He has the ability to run all day and also does not mind a scrap to win the hard ball at the bottom of the packs.

Webber and his Colts team-mates are preparing for the QAFL Grand Final at Southport on Saturday and no doubt he will be a key player in the Pies' attempt to win the Premiership.

CHARLIE PERSHOUSE IN QAFL TEAM OF THE YEAR AND FIFTH IN RISING STAR AWARD

Young Pies key positionplayer Charlie Pershouse was the only Pies player named in the QAFL Team of the Year when named on the interchange bench on Sunday night.

He also finished fifth in the QAFL Rising Star Award, polling 13 votes to be behind the winner on 24 votes. Being named in the QAFL Team of the Year is a great achievement for the young gun. In addition he was also a Syd Guildford Trophy (QAFL Media Best Player Award)  nominee for Round 10 when he booted 6 goals against Mt Gravatt.
Pershouse has great versatility, being able to play at both ends of the ground. He kicked multiple goals in several matches as a key forward then was able to play at fullback and contain some of the QAFL's big full forwards. He also missed several matches when he was elevated to the Brisbane Lions NEAFL team and also missed a couple of games late in the year with injury. He was certainly missed in those games when he was absent.

The other Pies nomination for the Rising Star Award was young ruckman Aaron Highlands. Highlands did not finish near the top of the leaderboard but he is held in the highest regard within the Pies establishment. He rucked tirelessly in all 16 matches and his durability and ability to simply keep going all match in every match against some big opponents was a fantastic effort and well noted within the club, if not fully acknowledged by outside judges.

It is said ruckman do not mature until their late 20s but Highlands, only just turned 20, showed he can mix it with the big boys and do it consistently in a terrific first season in the QAFL.

Sherwood Magpies AFL9s

The Sherwood Magpies will be running a mixed and a men's AFL 9s competition at the club from 7pm onwards on Monday Nights starting on the 16th of October and finishing on the 4th of December.

AFL 9s is a fast, fun, free-flowing game that involves 9 players on each team playing on a smaller field. Best of all, it's 'touch football' with no tackling or bumping, making it suitable for everyone.

The coordinators for the Sherwood Magpies AFL 9s Spring Season are: Max Webber - maxwelljameswebber@gmail.com, 0408 692 077 and Cameron Smith - camsmith.5@hotmail.com, 0459 475 817.

The cost for a team is $800. If you want to play but don't have a team, then you can register as an individual, and you will be put into a team. 

For more information and to register go to the AFL 9s Website