"Gut Feelings V - A WEEKLY COLLECTION OF THOUGHTS FROM INFLUENTIAL MINDS DEEP INSIDE THE NEST

"Gut Feelings V"

Some deep thoughts from deep in the nest!

• Everything about the Sandgate clash had a feeling of 'upset' written all over it.  Home side coming off a morale boosting win, unfamiliar night game, sprinkle of rain...but the Pies sure put that to bed with a ferocious opening half and were as dominant as anyone has seen for many a year.
• The Pies won virtually every position, with miserly defence, a strong midfield and a busy forward line
• There were 5 multiple goalkickers, with a Ryan Harwood masterclass nabbing 6 goals, Jake De Winter and Tom Ielasi 5 each and Kale Reed and Anthony Corrie 3 each.
• Harwood suggested in pre-season it may take 5 or 6 rounds to adjust, turns out it was only the 3-4 as his past 2 outings have been superb, polling the maximum 10 votes in the Syd Guilford medal voting, taking him to 4th place.
• Jake De Winter was spotted dishing off a few handballs on Saturday, and even at one stage in the third quarter he was looking to pass when 35m out - sanity prevailed and he went back, line up and slotted it straight through the middle.  He now has 20 goals to his name in 4 games and sits 2nd on the QAFL leaderboard.
• The Senior side played an exciting and free brand of footy, with plenty of handball form congestion and run through the middle.  The players certainly look to be enjoying their footy and its starting to show in the results.
• Certainly kudos must go to Coach Morgan in keeping the group up, as while they appear to be playing free flowing footy - there is hours of training and preparation to create that illusion, as every player is adhering to clear structures and roles.
• The Pies will be looking to continue the momentum this week when they head to Stafford to take on Wilston-Grange.  Two close losses to the Gorillas in 2017 cost the Pies a finals berth, so we certainly owe them one!
• On that theme, interestingly the Pies will come up against a recent team-mate and club junior Luca Mason who opted for an 'in-season switch' of allegiance.  Should be an interesting day for the youngster.
• The only dampener on the big Sandgate win was injury to Dylan Adkins who will likely miss this week, at least its an injury and not a poorly timed birthday shindig!  With the bye only a week away, if he does miss, hopefully its just a week.
• SAVE THE BUMP - Jack Goodall was involved in 2 massive collisions early in the match, he won the first battle but the 2nd caught him off guard as he was 'ironed out' with a good old fashioned bump.  He's made of stern stuff though, and was back to his feet laying a tackle within seconds and continued his good form and battled manfully throughout the 2nd half in the ruck against a couple of big units!
• The Reserves and Woodies also had good wins over the weekend, with the Reserves boosting their %  by 36 to 114 to lift them into 5th place (the Seniors lifted by 33% to 138%) and the Woodies re-claiming top spot with a big win over UQ.
• Tommy Ielasi once again showed his class with another polished display. Arguably the best kick at the club off either foot, and his ability to pinpoint targets off one step is a great asset.
• Forwards Kale Reed and Anthony Corrie were also rewarded for several weeks of effort with 3 goals each.  Reed's forward pressure was a highlight, and he also hit up the ground and brought his teammates into the game.  Corrie provides great direction and a target up forward that demands respect, his forward 50 ruckwork is also underrated just quietly!
• Zach Collison played his first match for the Pies in the Reserves and was joined by younger brother Finn.  Both are what can be described as having tall, lithe builds but both throw themselves at the contest and cannot be missed with their mops of hair.
• The Reserves had a few small livewire forwards on fire on Saturday with Max Webber, Sam Parker and Colts player Chris Jenkins in his first match in the reserves.  Jenkins has good ball skills and knows where the goals are, he should be pushing himself to greater heights this year.
• Good to see Harry Marshall sneak forward for a goal in the Reserves to join regular defender Sean Mewing amongst the goals.  We think this would have to be Harry's first goal for the Pies, Sean McEvoy could have joined them but another shanked attempt cost him.  Might be time for Lasho to give up and leave him in D50 where he belongs!
• The Magpie Colts sure have a stop start year, with their schedule reading bye, match, bye, match, bye - makes you wonder why other clubs didn't support an extended Colts season to make up for Sandgates withdrawal.
• Despite having no opportunity to build momentum, they sit 3rd on % and take on the 2nd placed Wislton Grange this week in a big match, cooincidentally the Gorillas are also coming off a bye in a quirk of fixturing - should be a cracker!
• Bit of chat about the AFL introducing zones, one can only hope this is a joke. The local U/10 side can't wait to get out of their zones! Like many of us - they might just give it away if they don't leave the bloody game alone!
• Bit of temptation at lower levels of footy to always play your best players on the ball, the Woodies have recently switched Matt Hockley to CHF after flogging him unchanged in the midfield for 12 months.  The reward?  Hauls of 6,6,3 and 7 goals in the most recent 4 week stretch!
• Will be good to see Logan Murray back this week, he'll be itching to go after a long pre-season and a carry-over suspension from 2017.
• It looked like it could be the end of the road for the Club President in the Woodsmen on Friday night, ironed out early and sporting a cracking shiner - he was then unceremoniously dominated in the ruck to the point where he didn't bother competing at some centre bounces.  At the end of the game, he vigorously enquired as to the identity of his conqueror and was told it was a recently arrived US College Baskeballer who has a decent vertical leap.  Old Thommo was said to have felt much better upon that news!
• Speaking of old dogs, 2017 B&F Winner Gareth Crawford has been drinking from the fountain of youth, how good has his recent form been?  #evergreen
• The Woodsmen won on Friday night 14.15-99 to 3.4-22.  When team manager Craig Nipperess asked those who kicked goals to let him know, the final tally came to 22 - seems honesty isn't always the best policy.  (usual suspect Chris Mihalopoulous was correctly awarded just the 1 after claiming 5, but there was still a phantom goal in the end as Brenton Hocking was robbed of his debut goal in the books)
• Couple of 150 game milestones this week, more on that elsewhere - but the Magpies will be looking to celebrate some big ones this year.

MCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - PIES SHINE BRIGHT UNDER LIGHTS

The Western Magpies had a comprehensive and emphatic 126 point victory over Sandgate under lights at Sandgate on Saturday night.

In what many thought was a danger game for the Pies with the trifecta of the Hawks coming off a fantastic win last week, a night game and some rain about, the Pies came out on song and put the result to bed with a 6 goal first quarter and a brutal 10 minute period in the 2nd quarter where they banged home 6 straight goals, setting the scene which for the final 126 point margin 26.16-172 to 7.4-46

The Pies made a statement to the QAFL with the manner of the victory in that they put Sandgate to the sword with rapid ball movement, accurate disposal, a strong midfield presence, resolute defence and multiple scoring options up forward.

The Pies played more freely than in recent matches and their handball inside and disposal at the contest was a highlight. They were not afraid to attack through the middle and kick long although they forgot what got them 9 goals in the second quarter to be a little guilty of overusing the football in the third quarter, almost too eager to share the spoils of their dominance.

A simpler use of the football in the final quarter garnered a further 7 goals to finish with a percentage boosting win and fifth place on the QAFL ladder.

The Pies percentage received a boost from 105.8% to 138% to have the second best percentage in the competition which may prove vital at the end of the season. 

Led by a Ryan Harwood masterclass, the Pies took control from the first bounce to stamp their authority on the match. Harwood kicked 6 goals, missed a handful of others and dished off 5 or 6 to be involved directly in 10+ goals while also gaining 40+ quality possessions in midfield and across half forward. His disposal by hand and foot, combined with his vision was, well it was AFL standard!

Not far behind was a "workmanlike performance" from Jono Macanawai but that description does not do him justice. He was hard at the contest, his tackling was ferocious, but he also won plenty of ball in tight contest and his vision under pressure to find a teammate with hand and foot was a highlight and gave the Pies midfield dominance.   If you have time to watch the replay, I'd invite you to keep an eye on some of his work, absolute pure silk at times!

Not much further behind was Tom Ielasi, who keeps winning the hardball, finds space and his foot skills off both feet are top shelf. He topped his game off with 5 goals, several from 50 metres on both right and left foot.

Luca Winton, a former club junior, but unknown quantity at the start of the year at senior level was given an opportunity early in the season and has made every post a winner.  Another composed match down back where his reading of the play, ability to spoil at the contest and then mop up and deliver to a teammate has been a revelation and a bonus recruit for the Pies. He has shown clean ball skills and as medium tall has good skills in the air and at ground level and a strong willingness to run and break the lines through sheer work-rate.

Riley Easton was very busy across half forward and he applied good pressure on the Sandgate defenders to force several turnovers and this game was his best this year but he had already started to find form in the past two matches.

Jack Goodall as pinch hitting ruckman was superb and with injury to Pies No 1 ruckman Dylan Adkins before halftime,  he with Aaron Highlands took up the cudgels against two very tall opponents to nullify them at the ball ups to give the Pies an even chance at the football.  Goodall's willingness and desire to compete 100% at every contest is why is fast becoming a Magpie favourite.

In reality the Pies did not have poor player and a 5 goal performance would usually get top billing but Jake De Winter does not figure on the best players list yet he was always a dangerous presence for the Hawks defenders to be good player and Kale Reed chipped in with 3 goals to also continue his strong form.

The injury to Adkins was the only dampener on the win and coach Brydan Morgan reminded his players that they need to prepare for another big game against a traditional rival in Wilston Grange at Stafford next Saturday.

Sandgate Hawks 3.3 - 21 | 3.4 - 22 | 7.4 - 46 | 7-4 - 46        

Western Magpies   6.2 - 38 | 15.6 - 96 | 19.9 - 123 |  26.16 - 172

Best: R. Harwood, L. Winton, T. Ielasi, J. Macanawai, R. Easton, J. Goodall

Goals: R. Harwood 6, J. De Winter 5, T. Ielasi 5, K. Reed 3, A. Corrie 3, D. Mitchell, J. Goodall, B. Saunders, R. Easton

Anytime Fitness - Reserves Review

RESERVES BACK IN THE GAME--HOLD SANDGATE GOALLESS

The Western Magpies Reserves are back in the QAFL season and the five after an emphatic victory over Sandgate on Saturday evening.

The Pies had a percentage boosting 107 point win over the winless Sandgate and in the process kept the home team to only 4 behinds for the match. 

The Pies won 16-15-111 to 0-4-4 and as a result of the big win the Pies percentage received a boost from 78% to 114.5% and it puts them in fifth place on the ladder. 

It was a patchy performance from the Pies who dominated long periods of the match but were at times wasteful when going forward.

Obviously the backline was strong with Chris Hunt controlling proceedings and he looks to be not only enjoying himself but getting back to form and playing the football he is capable of playing. 

First gamer Zach Collison settled in quickly in the back pocket and looks to be a find for the Pies with good ball handling and decision making. Half backs Peter Kilroy and Sam Hartog also thwarted many Sandgate attacks and initiated numerous Pies' counterattacks. 

Sean Mewing started across half back but enjoyed the opportunity to go forward and he kicked two goals and set up a few others in a good display.

Ruckman Nathan Congram returned from a last round injury and dominated in the middle of the ground with good ruck work but also strong marking around ground. 

Brodie Easton gained plenty of possessions as he begins to find good form and Aaron Maricic in his return match from illness showed he had lost nothing with a polished display in midfield and up forward that will put him in serious consideration for a Senior recall in the near future.  

The Pies had a bevy of young nippy forwards who created plenty of goal scoring chances. Chris Jenkins, promoted from the Colts,  was busy in his first Reserves match, while Max Webber, Sam Denys ad Angus Wyllie put forward pressure on the Sandgate defenders.

Young tall Finn Collison with Gerard Moore were strong targets up forward and brought team-mates into the match. 

The Pies have a must win match this week when they meet Wilston Grange at Stafford and a win will be the catalyst for a further charge up the ladder in coming weeks. 

Sandgate  Hawks    0.2 - 2 | 0.2 - 2 | 0.3 - 3 | 0.4 - 4

Western Magpies.   3.4 - 22| 6.8 - 44  | 14.11 - 95 | 16-15 - 111

Goal Kickers: B. Easton 2, M. Mazerolle 2, F. Collison 2, A. Maricic 2, S. Mewing 2, M. Webber 2, C. Jenkins 2, G. Moore, H. Marshall
Best Players: N. Congram, B. Easton, A. Maricic, S. Hartog, P. Kilroy, S. Mewing

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Match Review

The Woodsmen travelled to Coorparoo on Friday night to take on the UQ Red Lions in windy conditions.  With a few debutants in the side and the Woodies looking to bounce back, it was a strong start early with the Woodsmen banging home 5 goals in the first quarter to take a 27 point lead at the first break.  The run from defence was a strong feature in particular with Kiran Verma, Matty Prior and Jamie Page pushing hard for handball receives to link up through the midfield.  Tom Roderick and Alec Parsons were strong on the wings, with Roderick in particular impressing with his work rate.

In the clinches, Judson and Curtis were supreme – despite the dominance of UQ’s giant ruckman – the Woodies continually won it out of the middle to push forward where the prehistoric forwardline of Mihalopoulous, Evans and Hockley were getting aerial dominance – but struggled somewhat when the ball hit the deck!  The injection of Fuentes, Banim or similar into this side in coming weeks will be crucial!

The Woodsmen added a further 3 goals per quarter to slowly grind away a 13 goal win against a hard running and spirited opposition is what was a solid performance ahead of this weeks matchup with defending back to back Premiers the Zillmere Eagles at McCarthy Homes Oval.

Woodsmen 14.15 - 99 defeated UQ 3.3 - 21

Best: Judson, Curtis, Verma, Parsons, Page, Hockley

Goals: Hockley 7, Evans 3, Parsons 2, Roderick, Hocking 1

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES TAKE ON RESURGENT SANDGATE UNDER LIGHTS

The Western Magpies will face a quality young outfit high on confidence when they head to Sandgate to play a unusual Saturday evening timeslot (head to head with the Lions vs Swans!) against an opponent more experienced at night football.  With both teams coming off exciting wins, each of them their first win of the season - its a crucial match for the Pies to press forward after their 0-3 start.

After a string of big defeats, Sandgate caused a big upset when they defeated Morningside last weekend at Morningside.

With their confidence high the Hawks will be a keen to add another win and the Pies will need to be on their guard to ensure this does not happen. 

The Magpies also enjoyed their first win of the year last week in a comprehensive victory over Surfers Paradise but the Pies form in early rounds had been good and a win was in reality just around the corner., and could be the icebreaker the side needs

The Pies made three changes to the side with Brady Allen coming in to replace the unavailable Doug Lawrence, Will Fletcher back from Aspley to the back flank and exciting young key forward Jack Austin has worked his way back into the side. Also out is Ben Jaenke-Cain with back spasms, and Sam Hartog can consider himself unlucky to find himself back in the Reserves.  

Jack Goodall will show his versatility at centre half forward and while the key forward post has been a concern for the Pies this year, last week the livewire Jake DeWinter had a day out with 10 goals and was supported by Anthony Corrie working up the ground as well as contributing 2 goals. Tall youngster Jack Austin adds some height and marking power to the Pies forward line.

Dylan Adkins has gradually worked his way into the season and has been good in ruck and also has been busy around ground which pleases his coach Brydan Morgan.  Ryan Harwood has led from the front in midfield and on the flank and Jono Macanawai gets through a power of work and has been a model of consistency this year.

Last week the back six were fantastic, applying great pressure on the Demons forwards and Morgan will expect the same despite some personnel changes.

Brady Allen is no stranger to CHB while Aaron Highlands has been excellent in key defensive posts and Tom Ielasi has been solid all season.  David Lewis has been in great form and may have a run in the midfield this match and Will Fletcher looks bigger and stronger since last year and is key addition to the Pies for this match.  

Sandgate will be a big challenge at home and may be be further bolstered due to the Aspley bye.

The Pies cannot afford to drop another game this early on and if they bring the pressure game and clean ball handling skills they displayed last week should prevail on the big Sandgate ground that has recently been fully resurfaced and should be a treat in the autumn twilight.

QAFL Round 6: Western Magpies v Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday, May 26th at 630pm.

 B:  Tom Ielasi  Aaron Highlands  Luca Winton

HB:  Will Fletcher Brady Allen Matt Davis

C:   Lachie Dennis  David Lewis (vc) Luke Brennan

HF:  Anthony Corrie  Jack Goodall  Ryan Harwood

F:    Brenton Saunders Jake De Winter  Riley Easton

Ruck:  Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Jono Macanawai

I/C: Gareth Crawford, Kale Reed, Luke Mitchell, Jack Austin

In: Brady Allen, Jack Austin, Will Fletcher

Out: Ben Jaenke-Cain (back), Doug Lawrence (unavailable), Sam Hartog (Reserves)

Arabon Financial - Reserves Match Preview

PIES RESERVES BOOSTED WITH BIG NAMES RETURNING

The Western Magpies Reserves have made 9 changes to the side that lost in disappointing fashion last week with several big inclusions.

Aaron Maricic returns after missing 2 matches due to illness and he had been in superb form in the first 2 rounds so will be keen to regain touch and improve match fitness. Gerard Moore returns after a week out, 200 gamer Gabe McKinnon is in for his first Reserves match this year after regaining fitness with some quality displays for the Woodsmen after a late start to his pre-season, Sam Hartog comes back from Seniors, and Sean McEvoy and Nathan Congram come back in after missing a week to bolster the midfield.  Also in for his first game for the Pies is tall defender Zach Collison. Collison injured a groin in the pre-season and makes his long awaited Magpies debut on Saturday.  Another youngster in Jordan Bonney also gets his chance in the Reserves. 

Brady Allen gets a much deserved recall to Senior ranks, Bryce Crossley tweaked a knee, Rohan Smith injured a finger, Jeremy DeRooy has a Uni exam and Sempitake Kwizera is ill. 

With Moore in the key forward post the pies have a big target and youngsters in Max Webber and Tristan Dowdy might enjoy some crumbs. Chris Hunt moves to CHB and Sean Mewing to the flank and then there is tall utility McKinnon on the bench to cover any eventualities.

Nathan Congram was missed last week and is a big inclusion to give the Pies control of the ruck and will give the consistent Sam Denys, Sam Hartog and Brodie Easton first use of the ball.

Sandgate have struggled this year and the Pies will start warm favourites to win their second match of the season, but playing in difficult twilight conditions and will need to be on their game.

After indifferent early season form, Coach Des Lashman will want a four quarter effort from his side and with positions on the line will expect all his players to play hard consistent football.

QAFL Round 6: Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday May 26th  at 4:00pm. 
 

B: Zach Colllison, Harry Marshall Sam Parker

HB: Peter Kilroy Chris Hunt Sean Mewing

C: Sean McEvoy  Brodie Easton Tristan Dowdy

HF: Jordan Bonney Monty Vine Finn Collison

F: Aaron Maricic Gerard Moore Max Webber

Followers: Nathan Congram Sam Hartog Sam DeNys

I/C:  Angus Wyllie, Gabe McKinnon, Chris Jenkins, Matt Mazarolle

Emerg:  Alec Parsons, Tom Roderick

In: Gabe McKinnon, Gerard Moore, Nathan Congram, Sean McEvoy, Sam Hartog, Aaron Maricic, Zach Collison, Chris Jenkins, Jordan Bonney  
Out: Brady Allen, Jack Austin (both Firsts), Rohan Smith (finger), Bryce Crossley (knee), Jeremy DeRooy (exam), Sempitake Kwizera (ill), Zane Lovell (concussion), Alec Parsons, Tom Roderick (both Woodsmen)

Coopers Friday Night Footy Preview

The Woodsmen will be looking to bounce back this week when they take on UQ under lights at Coorparoo in a double header at the 'Friday Night Bites' event.  Bouncing back is not just about getting the win, its going to be about restoring some of the pride that somehow went missing in the last outing.

Once again, as is often the case with this outfit - 7 forced changes have been made with some big ins as well as some big outs to balance the ledger.

Into the side comes the ever green defender Chris 'Stink' La Burniy, ruckman Andrew Thomson, key forward Jason Evans and former Magpie junior Brenton Hocking for his Woodsmen debut.  That takes care of the 'older inclusions' while it will also be exciting to see young Tom Roderick back for his 2nd game for the Woodsmen, important inside midfielder Will Lloyd also returns and Brendan Garvey will make his Woodies debut.

Out go Brodie Easton, Max Webber and Gabe McKinnon to the Magpies Reserves, while Greg Matthews, Tim McEvoy, Travis Young and Simon Purkiss are all unavailable.

UQ sit 8th on the ladder, but are more than capable of taking a few scalps - including knocking off the Woodsmen in their last outing in 2017, so its expected to be a tight tussle and exactly what the team needs is a good solid hitout against quality opponents.

It will be exciting to see 2 fresh debutants in the side, as well as some familiar Magpies faces like Jason Evans coming out of the square and Tommy Roderick working up and down one wing.

the on-ball division will be bolstered by the return of Thomson i the ruck and will bat deep at ground level through the likes of Judson, Lloyd, Hocking, Curtis and Ness rolling through, as well as Davis, Baldwyn and Mihalopoulous if required.

The Woodies will look a little short down back, but make up for it in strength and desire.  Bell at fullback is like an immovable object and Young at CHB can play tall without too much trouble, just as La Burniy can as well despite his short stature.

Come down to Coorparoo to enjoy the great atmosphere, good tunes, amazing food and scintillating (!) footy 7:30pm, Giffin Park Fri 25 May

Woodsmen:

B: Prior - Bell - Fehr-Smith

HB: Verma - J.Young - LaBurniy

C: Parsons - Judson - Roderick

HF: Davis - Hockley - Baldwyn

F: Mihalopoulos - Evans - Merritt

Foll: Thomson - Lloyd - Curtis

Int: Garvey - Hocking - Mudge - Ness

EMG: Ormesher - Enright - Krause

"Gut Feelings" IV - A WEEKLY COLLECTION OF THOUGHTS FROM INFLUENTIAL MINDS DEEP INSIDE THE NEST

"Gut Feelings IV"

Some deep thoughts from deep in the nest!

• Jake De Winter bagged 10 on the weekend, matching other memorable 10 goal hauls from Senior Magpies in the last decade such as teammate Anthony Corrie in 2012 vs Mayne and one of the Pies greatest goalsneaks in Adam Gillespie who kicked 10 vs Springwood in 2008.
• De winter was one of 3 players in the QAFL in Round 5 to poll the maximum 10 votes in the Syd Guildford Medal.
• Luke Mitchell with 8 votes obviously caught both coaches eye, while Aaron Highlands polled 5 and Luca Winton polled 2
• Luke Mitchell played arguably his best Senior game in Magpie colours with 25+ quality disposals, poise in traffic and faultless decision making.  Pint point disposals while also maintaining a strong work-rate, applying plenty of pressure to the opposition ball carriers
• Luca Winton also played a sterling game in his 4th senior match at his junior club after returning in 2018.  Reading the play beautifully, Winton was the intercept king on the day - particularly in the 3rd quarter when he racked up 5+ marks and 10+ disposals alone.
• Also in the back 6, Coach Brydan Morgan was effusive in his praise.
• Aaron Highlands took yet another step forward as a senior footballer playing a quality match at Centre Half Back, displaying maturity beyond his years.  Several key contested marks were a highlight.
• 19 year old Sam Hartog impressed with his attack on the footy, and in one passage he laid three consecutive tackles to thwart what appeared a certain Surfers Paradise goal.  Repeat efforts are a great way to earn respect from the Magpie crowd!
• Dave Lewis, played like...well he played like Dave Lewis and Dougy Lawrence was damaging in the air, swithcing play, shutting down key forwards and also just for good measure, chased down a flying Demons midfielder on the wing to lay a textbook tackle and win a free kick.
• In the Reserves, youngster Sam 'Snowy' DeNys continues to impress and hasn't yet produced a bad game, a great way to put you name forward for Senior selection.
• Des Lashman struggled for words that could be repeated in polite complany after his  Reserves lost on Saturday. Des had  a few choice words to describe the overall effort of his side and as we know Des can be the user of "colourful" language so anyone who knows Des will have a fair idea how he described his team's performance. That said Lasho is working hard to turn his team's fortunes around and the Reserves should return to the winner's list against Sandgate this Saturday.
• Des was also seen  to infiltrate the Seniors winners circle singing the club song after the a great win--some wags suggested he was subbing in for Heathy!!  Heathy was also there to help sing the song and he decided this was more important than escorting the umpires off the ground--good to see Heathy has his priorities in order
• The Colts had a comfortable victory in the twilight game on Saturday and coaches Jake Fuentes and Kiran Verma have their side playing an exciting brand of football. Blessed with a fleet of nippy and fast onballers and forwards in Jayden Johnson, Deng Arok, Abdullah Haddad, Sean Ryan, Dan Edwards and Ritti Batilimoyo the Pies moved the ball quickly into the forward line and their skill levels were excellent.
• Young Toowoomba product, ruckman Samson Ryan brought tears to the old timers eyes with some brilliant tap work where he put the ball in the bread basket of his onballers several times to remind everyone there is still a role for the tap ruckmen. Some of his outstanding work directly resulted in Pies goals.
• It is still frustrating to watch the boundary umpires looking over shoulders and waiting for the ruckmen to arrive and set themselves for a boundary throw in. As suggested last week, get rid of the nominated ruckman rule, throw the ball in as soon as possible and get the game moving.  This pause is one of the greatest causes of congestion at any level of footy!
• This pause also lets ruckmen get a 'free rest' too as they dawdle to stoppages knowing umpires will wait.
• The crowd at McCarthy Homes Oval on Saturday was very healthy, and was swollen by the beautiful ladies of Chelmer who enjoyed the Pies victory from the sideline marquee.  Certainly added a touch of glamour to the 'Berg' and hopefully the champagne glasses were clinking as the Magpies posted each goal.
• Speaking of major sponsors McCarthy Homes - they were pleased to get one up on their friendly competitor Metricon Homes who sponsor Surfers Paradise Demons!
• With the Woodsmen having a bye, a couple of lads took the opportunity to have a kick with local Division 3 club the mighty Moorooka Roosters, with Kiran Verma and Matty Prior almost helping them to their first win in some time before going down by just 5 points.  'Special K' was happy to report to anyone that would listen that he had a severe bout of leather poisoning,
• Regular back pocket Matty Prior, when asked, told the Roosters coach he was a mid/forward and as a result managed to snag a couple of sausage rolls for his troubles.  Miracles never cease!
• Keen observers of the Woodsmen would have noted the match report from their recent loss to Jimboomba.  The scribe certainly pulled no punches!
• While it was their first loss of the season, our correspondent did not pull any punches in assessing the collective effort of the side on a cold and miserable night down the Mt Lindsay Highway.  Most frustrating for the suitably chastened group is that they then encountered the bye so have had to wait 2 full weeks to redeem themselves against UQ this wee,
• It must be said, the result was not the issue, but rather than effort.  As the author stated "This side has suffered far greater defeats when the stakes were higher, but never has he seen such a lack of effort from a traditionally proud and never say die footy side."

Important Note:

Sherwood Footy Club Celebration of 50 years of Senior Football is scheduled for Saturday August 18 when the Pies host Sandgate.  Celebrations will encompass all eras under the Sherwood Football Club banner. (Sherwood, West Brisbane, Western Magpies, Woodsmen).  There will be a commemorative guernsey with names of all players who have donned the black & white at open age level.

Combined 1978 and 2008 Premiership Reunions -  celebrating 40 years and 10 years respectively will be Saturday 21 July when the Pies host Palm Beach Currumbin at home.  The 1978 team in the middle of a dominant run of 8 consecutive flags(!) had an easy win over arch rivals Mt Gravatt while the 2008 Premiership is legendary at the club after coming from 45 points down for an improbable win against the hot favourites in Palm Beach Currumbin.

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - DE WINTER IS HOT AS PIES KNOCK OFF DEMONS

The Western Magpies high leaping and dynamic forward Jakob De Winter has booted 10 goals to lead the Pies to their first win of the year with a comprehensive victory over the 4th placed Surfers Paradise at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday.

De Winter was on fire from the time he booted the Magpies' first goal at the 5 minute mark of the first quarter and then kicked a further 2 goals for the quarter. His bag of 10 goals were from  a combination of high flying marks, speed and agility at ground level and a couple of easy goals when the Pies were able to get past the Demons' press, leaving him open to run into the square unmarked.

De Winter's haul was the highlight of a comprehensive performance from the Pies as they won by 55 points, 18.7-115 to 9.6-60 in front of a healthy Ladies' Day crowd in perfect autumn weather.

The win boosts the Pies percentage and lifts them into fifth place on the QAFL ladder. The  Pies have 4 points but so does last placed Sandgate, who caused a boilover by defeating a struggling Morningside on Saturday, so the ladder is congested after the top 3.

After last week when they lowered their colours, the Pies midfield gritted their collective teeth and fired up and won the midfield battles which gave De Winter and Anthony Corrie plenty of chances to kick goals. Corrie contributed 2 goals but he also worked up the ground and took plenty of marks to then set up a number of Pies goals, including turning the clock back for a bit of a hanger in the 2nd term on the far flank!

Luke Mitchell played more on ball and had arguably his best match for the Pies with over 25 quality possessions and Tom Ielasi again showed poise and class with incisive kicking into the forward line. Dylan Adkins won the hitouts for the Pies and worked hard all around the ground and Gareth Crawford was busy around stoppages, winning some crucial clean breakaways to setup several scoring opportunities.

Aaron Highlands was strong in the key defence post and took some important contested marks to keep the Demons at bay. Luca Winton in defence was solid and played his best game for the Pies to date, with in excess of 10 marks and plenty of rebound. Matt Davis worked hard on his wing and Sam Hartog laid some key tackles at crucial times to stem any hope of a Surfers comeback.

Coach Brydan Morgan was pleased with the pressure his side was able to apply to the contest which forced plenty of turnovers and the ball movement by both hand and foot was by far the best of the season. He was also happy that the Pies kept the pressure on even when the game was well in hand to outscore the Demons 6 goals to 3 in the final quarter.

The win was also particularly pleasing for club sponsors McCarthy Homes who will enjoy friendly bragging rights over Metricon Homes who are a major partner of Surfer Paradise Demons!

The Pies travel to the northern suburbs on Saturday to play Sandgate who are coming off a solid win over Morningside at Morningside. There are absolutely no easy matches in the QAFL and the Pies will be very aware of the danger that awaits them on the weekend.

Western Magpies

 3.1-19 | 8.3-51 | 12.5-77 | 18.7-115

Surfers Paradise

 1.1-7 | 4.3-27 | 6.5-41 | 9.6-60

Best: J. De Winter, L. Mitchell, A. Highlands, L. Winton, M. Davis, T. Ielasi
Goals: J. De Winter 10, A. Corrie 2, J. Goodall, R. Harwood, R. Easton, B. Saunders, K. Reed, D. Adkins

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES IN ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING LOSS

The disappointments keep adding up for the Western Magpies Reserves after another loss in a match that got away. Once again the Pies did not come to play and were behind the eight ball for the first half then when they got into gear to level the scores late in the game put the cue in the rack and the Demons kicked away again to win by 21 points.  The Pies went down 11.8-74 to 8.5-53 and now sit in eighth place on the ladder.

The Magpies teams look far stronger on paper than in 2017 so either the standard of the Reserves competition has gone up, the Pies are not as good as they think or they are just not turning up to play--likely a bit of all three but the last is the one that frustrates coach Des Lashman the most and who has vowed after the game he will keep searching for committed players to lift the side out of the doldrums.

Lashman was happy with a number of his younger players in young high flying forward Jack Austin, ruckman Monty Vine, nippy on ballers Sam Parker and Max Webber, rover Sam DeNys  and half forward Tristan Dowdy. Veteran Sean Mewing also worked hard across half back.

Austin provided a target up forward to boot 3 goals and put a case for a Senior recall, Vine worked tirelessly in ruck, DeNys was again good  and has not had a bad game this season and Webber was busy in his first match in the Reserves. 

The Pies have three winnable matches in the next 3 rounds and must start to get some wins on the board if finals are to be a realistic target.

Western Magpies

2.0-12 | 3.2-20 | 6.2-38 | 8.5-53

Surfers Paradise

4.2-26 | 6.3-39 | 7.7-49 | 11.8-74

Goal Kickers: J. Austin 3, T. Dowdy 2, S. Mewing 2, M. Mazerolle
Best Players: J. Austin, M. Vine, S. Mewing, S. Parker, M. Webber, B. Easton

Anytime Fitness - Colts Match Review

COLTS BOUNCE BACK TO WINNERS LIST WITH BIG WIN

The Western Magpies Colts have returned to the winner's list with a comprehensive 90 point victory over Surfers Paradise on Saturday evening.

Before a good twilight crowd, the young Pies put their stamp on the match early to boot 3 goals in the first 5 minutes and were never threatened thereafter.

The Pies midfield were on top and this gave the small and medium forwards plenty of opportunities and they nipped here and there to boot the majority of the Colts goals. The defence were solid and gave little away all night.

The Colts played a high standard of football and again look the real deal in 2018.

Abdullah Haddad and Deng Arok were both busy across half forward and in midfield and they applied forward pressure to the Demons defence and both got on the scorecard as a result. Charlie Thorpe led a rebounding half back line and midfielders Jacob Sheath and Sean Ryan controlled proceedings around the packs.

Tall ruckman Samson Ryan was impressive with some clever tap work to give his rovers an armchair ride.

The Colts have another bye this week as Sandgate do not have a Colts side in 2018.

Magpies 16.10 - 106 defeated Demons 2.4 - 16

Best: A. Haddad, C. Thorpe, J. Sheath, D. Arok, S. Ryan

Goals: S. Ryan 2, A. Haddad 2, D. Edwards 2, L. Pearson 2, J. Johnson 2, C. Ferguson 2, H. Radcliffe, O. Prior, D. Arok, H. Keenan
 

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Preview

COLTS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK IN PRIME TIME

The Western Magpies Colts will look to bounce back from their disappointing loss last week when the Pies host Surfers Paradise at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer in the prime time twilight game on Saturday.

The Colts are scheduled to play under lights at 4.45 pm which will give many of the Black & White faithful who often cannot get to matches early a chance to check out the youngsters.

The Pies sit fourth on the ladder and the Demons in eighth place but the visitors have been competitive and any laxity from the Pies’ Colts could prove fatal.

The Magpies lose big forward Finn Collison and nippy rover Zane Lovell to the Reserves where they will get a chance to showcase their stuff.

Dan Edwards goes to roving and Ritti Batilomoyo to the wing. Edwards has been in fine form and with Jacob Sheath in the middle, Deng Arok on ball and big men Harry Keenan and Cameron Ferguson in ruck the Pies will look to control the middle of the ground.

The defence looks settled with Chris Jenkins and Whitlam Bishop in the key positions providing stability to the back six.

The Pies will be keen to make it 3-1 for the year in what is shapuing as a danger game.

The 4.45 pm start will see the Colts play in front of a good crowd and they will want to showcase their premiership credentials to the Chelmer crowd.

QAFL Round 5: Western Magpies Colts v Surfers Paradise at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer  on Saturday, May 19th at 4.45 pm

B:    Aiden D’Roza  Chris Jenkins (vc)  Cooper Crowell         

HB:  Chris  Moloney  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Charlie Thorpe

C  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Jacob Aurich

HF:  Sean Ryan  Abdullah Haddad Lachlan Pearson

F:    Oscar Prior  Noah Resuggan (Capt)  Cameron Ferguson

Rucks: Harry Keenan

              Deng Arok

Rover:   Dan Edwards  

I/C: Harrison Radcliffe, Jayden Johnson, Charlie Graham,  Samson Ryan

PLACE PREVIEW - MUST WIN MATCH FOR MAGPIES

Despite showing strong from in the opening rounds this year, the reality now is that the Magpies must win today against 4th placed Surfers Paradise to get their season on track.  Honourable defeats simply don't cut it as the Magpies return home to McCarthy Homes Oval with their backs against the wall.

It's a long season, but the Pies are in danger of slipping out of finals contention without a win after 5 rounds and must turn close games into wins.

The Pies regain vital defender David Lewis this week, a huge inclusion and have also recalled livewire small forward Riley Easton.  Key position player Jack Goodall is back from Redland and tall wingman/flanker Luke Brennan is promoted for his first match at Senior level for the Pies after a strong pre-season and good reserves form. 

There are 3 forced changes with Mitch Stallard and Sam copland returning to Redland and Aspley aligned former Sherwood junior Luca Mason electing to walk out on the Pies and re-enter the mini draft, finding his way to Wilston Grange.  Meanwhile, Harry Marshall has paid the price for an indifferent start to the year and and will return to the Reserves to regain the form he is certainly capable of.

With Copland out, the Pies will be looking to Anthony corrie and Jake De Winter to hit the scoreboard with Corrie keen to put his stamp on proceedings. At ground level Brenton Saunders has not been as productive as in the past and with Easton will be looking to clean up at ground level.

The Pies midfield were down a bit last week with the exception of Ryan Harwood and Ben Jaenke-Cain and a lift from Jono Macanawai, Drew Mitchell and Gareth Crawford is required for the Pies to gain the ascendancy.

Lewis returns to defence where Goodall and Aaron Highlands take the key posts and Tom Ielasi looks to lock down the demons small forwards.

The messaage from the Pies' heirarchy will be  the need to get a good start and lead from the front rather than give the opposition a 2-3 goal lead and then try to catch up. The Pies will be desperate on their own turf to get on the board and be a springboard for the return to serious contenders in 2018.

QAFL Round 5: Western Magpies v Surfers Paradise at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer  on Saturday, May 19th at 2 pm.

B:  Tom Ielasi  Aaron Highlands  Luca Winton

HB:   David Lewis (vc) Jack Goodall Matt Davis

C:   Lachie Dennis Ben Jaenke-Cain  Luke Brennan

HF:  Anthony Corrie  Doug Lawrence   Ryan Harwood

F:    Brenton Saunders Jake De Winter  Riley Easton

Ruck:  Dylan Adkins

            Drew Mitchell (Capt)

Rover: Jono Macanawai

I/C: Gareth Crawford, Kale Reed, Sam Hartog, Luke Mitchell

In: David Lewis, Jack Goodall, Riley Easton, Luke Brennan

Out: Mitchell Stallard, Sam Copland (both Redland), Luca Mason (unavail--Wilston Grange), Harry Marshall (Reserves)

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Preview

UNSETTLED RESERVES STILL LOOKING STRONG

The Western Magpies reserves have again had numerous changes to the side to take on Surfers Paradise at McCarthy Homes Oval on Saturday. The Pies are 1-2 after a narrow loss last week. With a large number of forced changes the Pies will need to be on guard to ensure a victory against a Surfers side who have also had 1 win so far.

Keys ins are Rohan Smith, Harry Marshall and Brodie Easton and several youngsters come into the side to show their credentials.  smith back form illness, Marshall down from the Senior side and Easton back after a hit out with the Woodsmen last week.

There are some big outs with Val Pope, Gerard Moore and Sean McEvoy all unavailable, Riley Easton and Luke Brennan to the Seniors and Nathan Congram, who has been good in the ruck, and Kurt Vine both missing through injury.

That said the reserves are still a good side with some new found depth and again the half back line of Kilroy, Allen and Hunt is the key to the win. If they can get on top they will give the forwards plenty of opportunities with rebounding football. Consistent Bryce Crossley and youngster Sam De Nys have both been good this year and if big marking forwards Jack Austin and Jeremy DeRooy can get their hands on the ball then the Pies will be well on the way to kicking a winning score.

Coach Des Lashman will emphasise a good start and four quarters of consistent football to ensure a win but in this QAFL season anything less will not be good enough to take the 4 points.

Also exciting to see some young Colts having a run in Lovell and Collison and Max Webber named on the bench after his first 2018 hitout last week with the Woodsmen where he was named best.

QAFL Round 5: Western Magpies Reserves v Surfers Paradise at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer  on Saturday, May 19th at 11.30 am.

B: Sean Mewing Harry Marshall Rohan Smith

HB: Peter Kilroy Brady Allen (C) Chris Hunt

C: Sam Parker  Bryce Crossley  Tristan Dowdy

HF: Matt Mazarolle Jack Austin Zane Lovell

F: Sempitake Kwizera Jeremy DeRooy Finn Collison

Rucks: Monty Vine

             Brodie Easton

Rover:  Sam DeNys

I/C from: Angus Wyllie,  Braydon Thomas, Alec Parsons, Tom Roderick, Max Webber

Emerg: Ryan Colclough, Will Burgess

In: Rohan Smith, Harry Marshall, Brodie Easton, Zane Lovell, Finn Collison, Tom Roderick, Max Webber, Alec Parsons.
Out: Luke Brennan, Riley Easton (both Firsts), Val Pope (UK), Nathan Congram, Kurt Vine (both injured), Gerard Moore, Sean McEvoy (both work)

Ladies Day - Proudly supported by Goodness Gracious Cafe

That's right, ladies of Sherwood Football Club and the surrounding community - its Ladies Day at McCarthy Homes Oval this week when the Magpies take on Surfers Paradise!

So to the wives, girlfriends, mothers, sisters and other significant women in the Magpie lives - join us for a day of celebration!

1:45pm Start - Sat 19th May

LADIES DAY INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

- VIP Ladies Area
- Presidents champagne drinks package
- Gourmet platters kindly provided by our friends at Goodness Gracious Cafe
- Live Tunes
- Photo Wall
- Lucky Door Prizes including Luxury Accommodation at Soda Brisbane.

Tickets: $10 available for purchase on the day

"Gut Feelings" III - A WEEKLY COLLECTION OF THOUGHTS FROM INFLUENTIAL MINDS DEEP INSIDE THE NEST

"Gut Feelings IIi"

Some deep thoughts from deep in the nest!

• The Pies sit in 8th spot 0-3 after meeting the Top 3 teams in the QAFL, with each loss being by under 3 goals.  Doesn't get any easier this week, when they take on the team in 4th place!
• The Pies were unlucky the siren sounded when it did against Mt Gravatt as it was a game that could have gone either way, and the less said about the Broadbeach loss the better as we don't want to attract fines!
• The 12 point loss vs Palm Beach however probably flattered the Pies a little, as the game was put to bed early in the last by the defending Premiers while the Pies kicked the final 3 goals of the game to narrow a 5 goal defeat to 2.
• After dominating the final quarter in 3 encounters this year without getting the chocolates, its time for the Pies to address the slow starts and stop playing catch up footy.
• Bit of commentary about the state of the game in general in recent weeks.  Congestion, over use of the football etc etc is destroying the game so they say!
• What do we reckon is destroying the game?  Changing bloody rules all the time!  start paying the obvious free kicks, pay the holds at stoppages and most importantly get rid of ruck nomination rules so umpires don't do TWO unforgivable things 1. Waste time looking for a ruckman to nominate and 2. Wait for Ruckmen to arrive!!  - Throw the bloody thing up and get on with it!
• Get it going quickly and not as many players have time to get there, and even less time to set up their 'structures' - they just have to adapt quickly - its not rocket science!
• There are at least 2, and often 3 umpires out there too - where are they looking?  the most important place is the contest.  Pay the illegal blocks and shepherds in marking contests and pay the holding at stoppages.
• Junior and youth coaches need to start teaching players how to protect themselves, instead of teaching them to play for free kicks.  Don't lead with the head, teach awareness - prepare for contact! (analogy - modern batsmen can't handle the short ball because they grew up with helmets and never had to worry about it, or get inside the line and get out of the way...)
• Example of teaching kids to protect themselves, not play for free kicks. Our U/10's coach was shocked to hear the opposition coach (in a match where they don't even keep score) telling his charges to throw themselves to ground when tackled to win the free kick.  4 x Selwoods is enough thanks coach!
• Finally, how about we let the ruckmen within the metre again?  Makes no sense that the midfielders surrounding them can hug each other, but the rucks have to stay 1m apart!
• How about the clash jumpers....? The Pies are forced to wear clash strip against both Broadbeach and Mt Gravatt - mysteriously when they played each other on the weekend, neither team had to wear a clash strip?
• Good to see veteran Anthony Corrie putting in the extra work to help his side turn the year around.  Doing those little extras around the club can turn narrow losses into narrow victories and its great to see Nuxy leading the charge here.
• The club celebrates 50 years of Senior Football this year, where a commemorative guernsey will be created with the names of every player to have played Seniors, Reserves or Woodsmen.
• Its a fairly difficult task sourcing the names of every player to have played a game at any club, even moreso at sherwood after the clubs records were lost in 2 major flood events in 1974 and 2011.
• Ladies Day at the club this week with the turnout expected to be fantastic and sticking around for a little longer with the Colts playing under lights post the Senior match.

Feel free to send us your 'Gut Feelings' for next weeks edition!

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - PIES GO 0-3 AFTER ANOTHER NARROW LOSS

The Western Magpies have lost another close contest against one of the QAFL heavyweights with a potentially flattering 13 point loss to Palm Beach-Curumbin in Round 4 action on Saturday.

The Pies went down 12.16-88 to 11.9-75 but they were down by 31 points midway through the final quarter before showing fight to boot the final 3 goals of the match.  However, make no mistake they were in it up to their eyeballs for 3 quarters, but again failed to take advantage of large periods where they controlled the game.

The home team had a strong on-ball brigade and hit more targets by foot and hand than the Pies. Moving the ball with more fluency, the Lions were able to transition well and utilise their superior speed and often the Magpies were unable to cut off the switch despite being well aware it was on, purely due to the skill and speed of the Lions ball movement, as well as their trademark leg speed throughout their squad.  Conversely, the Pies were often held up on the switch or were cut off pulling the trigger into the corridor, often being forced down the line where the efforts of Adkins and Copland in particular often resulted in good efficiency despite slow ball movement after being held up.

The Pies lost arguably their most influential player in  David Lewis before the match after he did not recover from an ankle injury suffered at training and wise observers commented the Pies may have won had he been in the team. Youngster Sam Hartog came in and played his role well.

The Magpies had trouble containing PBC's full forward Jarryd Douglas and he booted 5 first half goals in a bag of 7 to put the game beyond the Pies reach. after starting forward, Doug Lawrence was moved onto Douglas and was able to minimise further damage, but was also still outpointed one on one a few times. Douglas was a regular target, and had he kicked straight could have had 10+ for the game.

At the other end of the ground Sam Copland showed he likes the Salk Oval with another 5 goal performance on this ground, and like Douglas for PBC he was a strong focal point in attack and could have kicked 8+ but for some inaccurate kicking, though it must be said he made up for some simple set shot misses with 2 or 3 long bombs from outside 50 from more difficult angles. In a display that pleased his coach, Copland worked hard at the contest, was strong and aggressive in the air and applied forward pressure to be rewarded for his efforts and was the only Pie forward to get off the leash. He also booted 6 goals at Palm Beach 2 seasons ago as a 17 year old in a strong Pies win and its easy to forget he is still just a teenager!

As a collective group the Pies midfield lowered their colours against a side that bats very deep in the rotations but Ryan Harwood, Ben Jaenke-Cain and Drew Mitchell worked hard to keep their team in the game.

Mitchell Stallard returned to the Pies from Redlands and was a good player across half back, ruckman Dylan Atkins also toiled hard and Matt Davis was a consistent performer across four quarters. 

The Magpies have now gone down narrowly to the three treams sitting 1-2-3 on the QAFL ladder and with some more composure in vital moments, could easily be sitting pretty at 3-0.

However, the reality is very different for the Pies and while its highly unlikely a team at 0-3 can be complacent, the Pies will need to be wary of 'expecting' things to happen after challenging the top 3 sides in the opening rounds and will need to be on their game against a Surfers outfit sitting in 4th place with 3 solid wins and a narrow loss to Broadbeach. 

Certainly not getting easier for the Pies, so come down ad throw your support behind them in their 2nd home game for the year with the Magpies celebrating Ladies day with a Champagne catered function.

Palm Beach Currumbin

3.3-21 | 7.6-48 | 10.11-71 | 12.16-88

Western Magpies

3.4-22 | 5.6-36 | 8.8-56 | 11.9-75

Western Magpies

Best: S. Copland, R. Harwood, D. Mitchell, D. Lawrence, M. Davis, M. Stallard

Goals: S. Copland 5, R. Harwood 2, B. Saunders 2, J. De Winter, K. Reed

Anytime Fitness - Ressies Review

RESERVES DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST

The Western Magpies Reserves went down by just 3 points in a high standard match at Palm Beach, losing 7.11-53 to 6.14-50 after a questionable late goal sunk them on the siren. The Magpies Reserves,  like their Senior counterparts, were playing catch up football and as is often the case did not quite catch up.

Coach Des Lashman says his side ahd every opportunity to claim the 4 points but some wayward kicking for goal in the last quarter from very gettable shots cost the Pies dearly.  the Pies kicked 3.8 in the final quarter, with 7 of those 8 behinds considered relatively gettable shots including multiple set shots from good angles.

The match started in windy conditions which favoured the home side in the first quarter and they quickly went to a 3 goal lead before the Pies got into gear.  It was a frantic final quarter with the Pies hitting the front midway through the quarter on the back of goals to Kwizera and Parker, but then failed to drive home their advantage with 5 straight behinds.  It was a tough pill to swallow when the winning goal came from an illegal 3rd man up in the ruck, and then a silly 50m penalty - but the Pies only had themselves to blame for not taking their opportunities to put the result to bed when they were peppering the PBC goals.

The Reserves team had two late inclusions with Gerard Moore coming in for Sam Hartog, who was called up to the Seniors for the injured David Lewis and Sean Mewing in for an ill Aaron Maricic.

Both Moore and Mewing were among the best players with the big "G" providing a contest across half forward and reeling in some trademark contested grabs and Mewing strong at half back and setting up several Pies goals.   If Moore is able to improve his fitness, he may still have a role to play at Senior level with his contested marking ability showing no signs of rust in his return to Saturday football.

Brady Allen pushed his claim for a Senior recall with a strong game at CHB, youngster Sempatike Kwizera was busy up forward or roving, Val Pope showed glimpses of what we all know he is capable of and Kurt and Monty Vine were also good players.

Young livewire Sam Parker was busy up forward in his debut for the Pies and 18 year old rover Sam DeNys was again among the better players for the third match in a row.

Despite the loss, the match was a high standard Reserves match with both sides displaying some high quality football.

Palm Beach Currumbin

3.2-20 | 3.5-23 | 4.9-33 | 7.11-53

Western Magpies

0.1-1 | 2.5-17 | 3.6-24 | 6.11-47

Western Magpies

Best: B. Allen, S. de Nys, G. Moore, S. Mewing, S. Parker, V. Pope

Goals: J. Austin, S. Kwizera, N. Congram, L. Brennan, S. Parker, V. Pope

One2One Plumbing - Colts Review

COLTS DOWN IN FIRST LOSS

The Western Magpies Colts suffered their first defeat of the season when defeated by Palm Beach-Currumbin by 17 points,

The young Pies found the windy conditions in the morning match difficult to master and set the tone for the day for the Pies by falling behind early then trying to reel in their opponents.

The talented outfit were disappointed with their efforts and failure to adapt to the conditions, but their efforts can't be questioned.  Skill errors were the feature of the day, with both inaccurate kicking for goal and poor execution around the ground keeping the pressure on the young side.

Best players were half forwards Abdullah Haddad and Ritti Batilimoyo, winger Jacob Aurisch, ruck rover Deng Arok and defender Chris Jenkins.

The Pies will be looking to bounce back to the winners list when they play Surfers Paradise next Saturday in a feature twilight match at 4:45pm after the Seniors in front of a big home crowd and will be particularly looking forward to impressing the attendees of the Magpies Ladies Day!

Palm Beach Currumbin

2.4-16 | 6.5-41 | 7.7-49 | 8.8-56

Western Magpies

1.2-8 | 2.4-16 | 4.6-30 | 5.9-39

Best: A. Haddad, J. Aurisch, R. Batilimoyo, C. Jenkins, D. Arok

Goalss: N. Resuggan, R. Batilimoyo, Z. Lovell, J. Johnson, H. Keenan

Coopers - Friday Night Footy Review

Flat Woodsmen suffer first defeat

The Woodsmen headed to a cold and windy Jimboomba on Friday night and based on their performance on the field, never really warmed up.

Jimboomba had clearly 'come to play' and had set themselves for the challenge of knocking off the competition front runners, while the Woodsmen played a disinterested brand of footy that can only result in one outcome.

Jimboomba shot out of the blocks early with some slick ball movement and quality inside 50 entries to have 4 straight goals on the board before the Woodies could blink.  The Woodies settled a little, made some matchup changes and from some rare forward entries were able to push forward for 2 late goals to give the scoreboard some respectability.

The Woodsmen opened the 2nd quarter with their only patch of genuinely good football at some intensity, kicking 2 more quick goals to take the lead.  However, in general play they were still being out worked and lacked any enthusiasm for the contest.  In what was an extremely cold night, there were plenty of Woodies who would have barely broken a sweat and an unwillingness to bodyline the footy was incredibly uncharacteristic of the group.

Inevitably Jimboomba pushed home their advantage, but failed to take their chances kicking 5 straight behinds to close the half that gave them a 3 point lead at the main break, though in reality they were well on top.

Huddled into a cold demountable dressing room, the Woodies failed to adapt and harden up and exposed a soft underbelly in the third quarter as Jimboomba pushed home their advantage with a further 4 straight goals to no score from the Woodsmen who barely had a forward 50 entry for the quarter.

Facing a 26 point 3/4 time deficit, there was still a faint hope the Woodies would dig deep and show some of their trademark fight, but this was quickly put to bed with some lacklustre efforts early in the last quarter as the Redbacks extended their lead to a healthy 7+ goals.  Some late changes to the midfield were too little too late, as the Woodies kicked a couple of goals in junk time to flatter the margin in a game where they never really fired a shot.

Max Webber in his debut was the shining light, providing consistent 4 quarter effort his elder teammates were unable to replicate.  Gabe McKinnon was tireless in the ruck and pushing deep into defence, Simon Purkiss gave a consistent effort in defence and Matt Hockley never stopped working despite rare forward 50 entries and poor delivery as the Redback ruckman continually pushed into the defensive hole to shut down any attack.  Special mention also to Shayne Baldwyn, a normally free flowing mercurial half forward who sacrificed his game to move onto a dangerous opponent.  He shut him down consistently and forced a position change to break the shackles.  Sadly Baldwyn was rewarded with a strained groin late in the contest and will miss some weeks for his efforts.

While the Woodsmen certainly had some significant and key players missing, the effort was unbecoming of what this team has put out week in week out over 10 years and hugely disappointing.  While the Woodies have had far more significant losses in both occasion and margin, this loss hurts most due to the lack of effort displayed across the board and the lack of voice and support for teammates throughout the match.  Injuries, unavailability and freezing weather are not excuses for lack of desire.

The Woodies will look to put this one behind them and the sooner it is forgotten the better.  With the bye this week, it takes 2 weeks to redeem themselves and it can't come soon enough!

Jimboomba Redbacks  11.9 - 75 defeated Woodsmen 6.4 - 40

Best: Webber, Baldwyn, MacKinnon, Purkiss, Judson, Davis

Goals: Mihalopoulos 3, Hockley 2, T.McEvoy 1