PLACE PREVIEW - HUGE GAME AS PIES CELEBRATE NAIDOC WEEK

The Western Magpies have a massive game in terms of the their finals position when they take on old rival and third placed Mt Gravatt on Sunday at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer. 

The Magpies will celebrate the beginning of NAIDOC Week by wearing a guernsey with both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island indigenous designs on it to honour both peoples but also the Pies players from indigenous backgrounds. 

The match should be a ripping contest and being played on Sunday will attract a good local crowd.  

The Pies season isn't quite where they'd like it given the form they have displayed, and they need to start converting close losses into wins to remain in  contention to host a final. The top three clubs have skipped clear and it appears a race between 4 clubs for the final two places in the five. The Pies are currently fifth on the ladder with Surfers Paradise, Morningside and Labrador along with the Pies all chasing a finals spot, though the Pies superior % due to being competitive in every match to date has them in the box seat.

The Magpies selectors have swung the axe with Brenton Saunders, Gareth Crawford and Liam Dwyer all going back to the Reserves and Brady Allen unable to overcome a sprained ankle. 

In comes Aaron Highlands after missing one match with injury, Sam Copland back from Redlands, Billy Johnson from the Lions and Aaron Maricic wins promotion.

Dwyer is likely a victim of team balance with Highlands coming in while Saunders has struggled for form in the early part of the year and Crawford makes way for Johnson.

Copland gives the Pies another forward option and he is a bigger and stronger player than when he left the Pies last year. In his most recent game this year for the Pies he booted 5 goals at Palm Beach and he may prove a good foil for the likes of Anthony Corrie and Jake De Winter.

Highlands has been slotted to centre half forward and Jack Goodall to the key defensive post to replace Allen and the Pies attack looks stronger as a result. Coach Brydan Morgan is also able to switch these two if needed and that provides him with some versatility. 

Billy Johnson booted 3 goals from a wing in his only match for the Pies this year and provides another avenue to goal, albeit unconventional. 

Dylan Adkins was serviceable in ruck last week after a long injury lay off and will be better for the run this week and if he can do well in ruck then the in-form skipper Drew Mitchell and Ryan Harwood can get the Pies going forward.

Luca Winton has been a revelation in the last line of defence this year and with the solid David Lewis and hard at it Doug Lawrence the Pies backline will be strong. And they will need to be as the Vultures are likely to have a two pronged attack with ex-Pie Jordan Bain likely to overcome injury and the strong bodied Sam Stubbs returning from Victoria  last round with 7 goals.

The Magpies also have versatility in Mitchell Stallard, Lachlan Woods  and Aaron Maricic who can play a variety of roles and this may prove decisive on Sunday. 

The Pies will be fired up for a big performance after a pre-match Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by local Aboriginal identities and in what will be another hard fought contest the Pies need to have their noses in front at the final siren to keep their season on track.

QAFL Round 12: Western Magpies v Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Sunday July 8th at 2.00 pm.  

B:  Brodie Easton Doug Lawrence, Luca Winton

HB: David Lewis (vc) Jack Goodall   Matt Davis

C:  Luke Mitchell  Ben Jaenke-Cain Jono Macanawai

HF:  Jake De Winter Aaron Highlands  Lachlan Woods

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie  Sam Copland

Ruck:   Dylan Adkins

             Drew Mitchell (Capt) 

Rover:  Ryan Harwood

I/C:  Mitchell Stallard, Riley Easton, Aaron Maricic, Billy Johnson

In: Aaron Maricic, Sam Copland, Aaron Highlands, Billy Johnson

Out: Brady Allen (inj), Gareth Crawford, Brenton Saunders, Liam Dwyer (all Reserves) 

Sci-Fleet Taringa - Reserves Match Preview

RESERVES BOLSTERED BY SEVERAL KEY INCLUSIONS

The Western Magpies Reserves will be bolstered by several quality inclusions as the Pies field arguably the best Reserves side they have fielded for many a year when they take on ladder leader Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Sunday. 

The inclusion of three players back from the Senior side in Gareth Crawford, Liam Dwyer and Brenton Saunders, the return of Tom Ielasi after a 4 week trip to Finland and the World Cup in Russia and big forward Gerard Moore back in after missing with work commitments last week means the Pies have a quality side. Add regular senior players of last year in Val Pope, Logan Murray and Lachie Dennis and the Reserves have a quality feel about them. However, this has been said before during this season but has not translated to many wins so a footy side that is a sum of its parts rather than a team rarely wins.

Mt Gravatt are on top of the ladder due to having some good consistent players but also they play a good team brand of football and if the Pies think they can just run onto the ground and defeat the top team they will be sadly disappointed.

Coach Des Lashman will no doubt labour the point there is no “I” in TEAM and if the Pies can put it together then they will be more than a match for the Vultures.

Outs are Aaron Maricic promoted to the Seniors, Sam Denys has a niggle and is rested, while Sempatike Kwizera and Monty Vine were squeezed out and Matt Thomson returns to Redlands.

The Pies defence headed by Chris Hunt, Harry Marshall, Zach Collison and Tristan Dowdy has been good with Marshall and Dowdy playing their best games for the season last week.

Dwyer into the ruck to support Nathan Congram gives the Pies a midfield boost and with Ielasi and Pope across half forward, Jack Austin and Moore lurking deep and Rory Johnson at ground level the Pies have a forward line capable of kicking a winning score.

In reality, this is the best chance for the Pies to knock off one of the top teams and in doing so re-ignite their finals chances.

This will be also be a cracking game and will be of a standard not out of place in most other Senior competitions below state league level around the country—well worth getting to McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer a bit early to enjoy a great day of high standard local football.

QAFL Round 12: Western Magpies Reserves v Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Sunday July 8th at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Kurt Vine Harry Marshall Tristan Dowdy

HB: Zach Collison  Chris Hunt  Peter Kilroy

C: Brenton Saunders Lachie Dennis  Sean McEvoy (vc) 

HF: Tom Ielasi  Liam Dwyer  Val Pope

F:  Jack Austin Gerard Moore  Rory Johnson

Rucks: Nathan Congram Logan Murray Gareth Crawford

I/C:   Sam Hartog, Sean Mewing (Capt) , Jeremy DeRooy, Ethan Sivijs

Emerg: Sempitake Kwizera, Monty Vine, Matt Mazarolle

 In: Gareth Crawford, Liam Dwyer, Brenton Saunders, Tom Ielasi, Gerard Moore

Out: Aaron Maricic (Firsts), Sam De Nys (inj), Monty Vine, Sempitake Kwizera, Matt Thomson (Redlands)   

Arabon Financial - Colts Match Preview

COLTS FAVOURED AGAINST WINLESS VULTURES

The second placed Western Magpies Colts are favoured to take the four points against a winless Mt Gravatt side at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Sunday morning.

That said, coach Jake Fuentes will stress to his side that any laxity could prove dangerous as the Vultures will be up for a big game against one of their traditional rivals over many years.

The Pies welcome back their Queensland Under 17 representative Sean Ryan but will miss livewire Lachlan Pearson and bigmen in the two Harrys , Keenan and Radcliffe. Still out on Queensland Under 17 representative duties are ruckman Samson Ryan and speedster Bruce Reville.

The Pies are still remain strong with centreman Jacob Sheath displaying his Maurie McNamee Medal winning form of last year as he has not had a bad game this year and has racked up plenty of possessions in every match.

Cameron Ferguson and Finn Collison  provide the forward targets and Sam Mehari and Jayden Johnson are smart players near goals, while Jordan Bonney is also back for his first game of 2018 after a long injury layoff.

Down back Aiden D’Roza has hit good form and with Chris Moloney, Charlie Thorpe and Chris Jenkins consistent players, the Pies defence should be able to keep the Vultures to a low total - especially if Whitlam Bishop continues his great form.

Captain Noah Resuggan was strong in his move to the middle last week and will be looking to continue that form, while Oscar Prior comes into the side after weeks of 'knocking on the door' to get his opportunity in the ruck. Lachlan Pearson has been flying under the radar almost averaging a goal per game this season and Jacob Aurisch is playing some good football and will be one to watch this weekend as he grows as a player.

The Pies can consolidate in second place on the QAFL Colts ladder and while 4 points is the main aim, a strong win will also boost confidence as they head toward the business end of the season . 

QAFL Round 12: Western Magpies Colts v Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Sunday July 8th, at 9.30am

B:    Jacob Aurich Chris Moloney  Charlie Thorpe          

HB:  Chris Jenkins (vc)  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Aiden D’Roza

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Sean Ryan

HF:  Sam Mehari  Cameron Ferguson Abdullah Haddad

F:   Mitchell O’Dea  Finn Collison Jayden Johnson

Foll:  Oscar Prior Dan Edwards Noah Resuggan (Capt)  

I/C:  Ryan Cherry Jordan Bonney Deng Arok  Lachlan Pearson  

MAGPIES CELEBRATE NAIDOC WEEK WITH INDIGENOUS JUMPER

The Western Magpies Senior side will play in a guernsey designed by the Indigenous players at the club when the Pies play Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Sunday. The Magpies elected to play in an Indigenous designed guernsey to celebrate the start of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week which starts on Sunday and runs until July 15.

The guernsey was designed with input from many of the Pies current Indigenous players and ex-players.

Senior Magpies player Anthony Corrie was keen on the Pies having a specially designed guernsey with indigenous themes to honour both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to unite all Australians whatever their background. The guernsey is white with black indigenous themes from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures and is highlighted with a beautiful magpie in the centre of the guernsey. The front of the guernsey has aboriginal themed art and the back shows Torres Strait Island themes including a Dhari that is also part of the Torres Strait Island flag.. Corrie had input into the design of the the guernsey from fellow indigenous players Chris Hunt, Aaron Maricic,  and ex-Pies Best and Fairest winner Dean Parkin also acted as an adviser with long time Magpie player/volunteer/coach/trainer Wil Ivinson

Sunday’s match will be preceded by a “Welcome to Country” by traditional custodian of the land Uncle Des Sandy and then there will be a “Smoking Ceremony” conducted by Greg Duncan, also a traditional custodian of the land. The ceremony will be held on Powenyenna Oval at Chelmer.  There will also be traditional dance during the day.

The ceremonies have been co-ordinated by Wil Ivinson,  who played for the Western Magpies in the early 2000s, has been involved in coaching Colts, played many games for the Woodsmen, was also a long term trainer for the Pies and is a current junior coach.  In the theme of the day, Wil has both Aboriginal and Islander blood with his mother  from the Wakka Wakka tribe whose traditional lands were from just north of Brisbane up to the Gayndah area and his father also having both Aboriginal and Islander heritage with his ancestors from the Murrinh Patha tribe from near Wadeye in the NT and from Mer Island (Murray Is)  in the Torres Strait.  

Anthony Corrie grew up in the NT in Darwin and his heritage is both Aboriginal and Islander with his mother from Badu Island in Torres Strait and his father from the Warlpiri tribe of Central Australia near Yuendemu west of Alice Springs. 

Aaron Maricic has Torres Strait Islander heritage with his mother from the Torres Strait. His maternal grandmother was from Mer (Murray) Island and his maternal grandfather from Saibai Island. 

Chris Hunt has Torres Strait Islander Heritage from his mother who is from Thursday Island.

Logan Murray’s heritage is from the Ngaro tribe of his father. The Ngaro tribe occupied the country around the Whitsundays.

Noah Resuggan’s  heritage is from the Tobwabba trribe of his mother, which occupied lands around Taree north of Newcastle. 

 NAIDOC Week is an important week on the Australian Calendar, celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself. Find out more about the origins and history of NAIDOC Week HERE.

Each year NAIDOC Week has a theme, and in 2018 - the theme is a beautiful phrase "Because of Her, we Can!"

As pillars of society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play - active and significant roles at the community, local, state and national levels.

As leaders, trailblazers, politicians, activists and social change advocates, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women fought and continue to fight, for justice, equal rights, rights to country, for law and justice, access to education, employment and to maintain and celebrate indigenous culture, language, music and art.

They continue to influence as doctors, lawyers, teachers, electricians, chefs, nurses, architects, rangers, emergency and defence personnel, writers, volunteers, chief executive officers, actors, singer songwriters, journalists, entrepreneurs, media personalities, board members, accountants, academics, sporting icons and Olympians, the list goes on.

They are mothers, elders, grandmothers, aunties, sisters and daughters.

Sadly, Indigenous women’s role in our cultural, social and political survival has often been invisible, unsung or diminished.

For at least 65,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have carried dreaming stories, songlines, languages and knowledge that have kept indigenous culture strong and enriched the oldest continuing culture on the planet.

Their achievements, their voice, their unwavering passion give strength and have empowered past generations and paved the way for generations to come.

Because of her, we can!

Coopers - Friday Night Footy Preview

The Woodsmen host Collingwood Park at McCarthy Homes Oval tonight at 730pm in an important tussle to shape their finals campaign and improve continuity in the team.

In cold and wet conditions the Woodies will be looking to build momentum going into the 2nd half of the year and clean up their recently scrappy play.

Key inclusions into the team are Scott Matthews, Matt Mazerolle and Chris La Burniy with Simon Purkiss and Adam Pedler unavailable and Jeffson Fehr-Smith squeezed out of the side in a record for the Woodies this year, with just 3 changes to the side!

It's an experienced and strong backline with Gabe McKinnon, David Jackson in particularly strong form, while regular key defender Tim Green will be going back 10 years in his career with a return to some secondary ruck duties and likely some time forward.

Still missing Lloyd and Judson, the midfield remains strong with Ness, Hocking, Curtis starting in there with options in Mazerolle, Davis, Baldwyn and Mihalopoulos to run through there as well.

Evans is a late out with another(!) calf issue suffered at training, but Hockley in imperious form will again be looking for another big bag in front of goals.

Woodsmen vs Collingwood Park 730pm @ McCarthy  Homes Oval

B: Stink - Burnsy - MattyP
HB: Jacko - Heinzy - Josh
C: K - Nessy - Tommy
HF: Shayno - Hocks - ChrisD
F: Maz - Mika - Brendon

Foll: Thommo - Hocking - Sammy

Int: Alec - Greeny - Mudge - Trav

EMG: AB - Buddsie - Angus

Gut Feelings VIII - a weekly collection of thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest

• Back pocket Luca Winton has arguably been the recruit of the year at the Magpies. Winton, a Sherwood junior, returned to the Pies after stints at Morningside and Kedron and has gone from strength to strength in every game this year. He has been in the Pies top players in every match and as he has grown in confidence he has been a key player in the Pies backline. He can play tall and is equally good at ground level and his hand and foot skills and decision making have been one of the highlights of the season as another local junior steps up to senior football.
• The Magpies will unveil their Indigenous designed guernsey on Sunday to celebrate NAIDOC Week. As mentioned last week, the guernsey has been designed by current and past players including Anthony Corrie, Chris Hunt, Aaron Maricic, Logan Murray, Dean Parkin and Wil Ivinson

• Unfortunately due to a clash, Mt Gravatt will be unable to wear their indigenous jumper on the day
• The Pies have had several tough closely fought matches in the past month and it started to show in the second half against Broadbeach. A Broadbeach stalwart commented the Pies appeared to be "playing sore"  after halftime and it is no coincidence that the Pies opponent from the previous week in Morningside were also overrun on Saturday late in their game. The Pies last quarter at Broadbeach was the first time the Pies have been outscored in the last quarter this year and that was by only a single goal. This week may have been a bit lighter on the track and the extra day to prepare will help the Magpies. 
• The Pies brought their famous "prison bars" guernsey out of mothballs for the match against Broadbeach as the QAFL strangely deemed there was a guernsey clash. The Pies seemed energised by the guernsey in the first half but could not keep the momentum going after half time. Still looked to be a handsome guernsey!!
• Syd Guildford voting this week for the Magpies went to Ryan Harwood 5, Kale Reed 4 and Riley Easton 3. Voting is on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis voted on by each team's match committee with maximum votes being 10.  Ryan Harwood has 25 votes with the leader Blake Ericsson from Broadbeach on 43 votes.
• The Reserves went down again to a very good Broadbeach team after the Pies were slow out of the blocks. The match confirmed the general view that the standard of QAFL Reserves has gone up a couple of notches this season.
• The Pies have a mixture of young and old, with coach Des Lashman pointing out that four of his six backmen were 19 years old or younger with 21 yo Harry Marshall and Chris Hunt in his mid 20s the exceptions. Lashman was especially pleased with back pocket Tristan Dowdy who did a good job on a regular senior player. Zach Collison gets better with each game and the other youngsters were Kurt Vine and Sam Hartog who were both consistent performers. Other 21 year olds or younger in the team were Lachie Dennis, Jeremy De Rooy, Jack Austin, Monty Vine, Ethan Sivijs, Sam De Nys, Sempatike Kwizera and Rory Johnson.
• the Pies Reserves fielded 12 players with Senior experience in recent seasons to underline the quality of the team and how hard it is to win matches in QAFL Reserves.
• The Western Magpies Colts are in second place on the QAFL ladder after sneaking past the third placed Broadbeach in a closely fought match. Coach Jake Fuentes was full of praise for the fighting spirit of his side , who were without three key players  on Queensland Under 17 duties as Bruce Reville joined Sean and Samson Ryan in the state team. Fuentes says his team has plenty of depth and with a squad of 30 players he has plenty to choose from and picking the team each week is a difficult task for all the right reasons. Several of the Colts have tasted Reserves football which will prepare them for some big games coming up in the next few weeks. 
• The Woodsmen had another solid win on Friday night to return to the top of the table, and the regular use of players who miss reserves selection is proving a winner for the club as a whole as players get continuity and youngsters get the opportunity to play with older experienced heads and a different style of football.
• The experienced Gabe McKinnon was prominent, while Tom Roderick continues to put his case forward for Reserves selection with consistent form with the Woodsmen
• Matt Hockley put up another bag of 6 goals to be well clear on top of the goalkicking going into the 2nd half of 2018
• The Woodsmen will take on Maroochydoore next Saturday 14 July in Maroochydoore in a top of the table clash, and with the Seniors/Reserves/Colts having a bye - a bus trip is planned to provide plenty of support for the boys, and a rowdy trip home!
• As part of the club's 50th Year of Senior Football celebrations on August 18 when the Pies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval, a Commemorative Guernsey will be worn by players and will also be for sale after the game.
• The guernsey will have the name of every player and coach to play a game in either Seniors Reserves, Thirds and Woodsmen and as it stands now the guernsey will feature 962 names on it. More details about the celebrations will be forthcoming in coming weeks but all past and present players are invited to the event which will be held at the Chelmer clubrooms from 6 pm. Everyone is invited to watch the Pies in action in the afternoon against Sandgate before the event commences in the clubrooms. 
• The Pies host Mt Gravatt in a Sunday match at McCarthy Homes Oval in what shapes as a cracker of a match. The Vultures are third on the ladder 3 games ahead of the Pies who need to start winning the tight games to stay in contention to host an elimination final.
• Despite the disparity on the ladder,  educated footy followers know the Pies match it with the Vultures and were unlucky not to win their Round 1 clash. What a difference a win makes with both the clubs' fortunes going in different ways with Mt Gravatt gaining in confidence to go on a 5 game winning streak while the Pies found new ways to lose the close ones.
• Sunday's game will be another live broadcast, so if you can't get down to the ground - look for the link in the Place Match Preview later this week
• Seems like we had our information all messed up last week when we said the 1978 premiership team were underdogs and stole the flag. It has been pointed out that the 1978 Sherwood premiership team were dominant throughout the season to finish on top of the SQAFA ladder with 20 wins and 1 loss and a percentage of 266.9%. The Pies defeated Mt Gravatt by 34 points in the second semi final then easily defeated the Vultures in the grand Final at Dittmer Park, 19.18-132 to 11.12-78. It was the 73 side that pinched a close one to prevent a Vultures 3-peat! Other clubs in the SQAFA in 1978 were Acacia Ridge, Aspley, South Brisbane, Banyo, Wynnum and UQ. 
• The 1978 Premiership team will celebrate their 40th anniversary celebrations along with the 10 year celebrations of the 2008 Western Magpies Premiership team on Saturday, July 21st when the Pies host Palm Beach-Currumbin at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer.
• "Great Clubmen" - Chris Dennis has been a vital part of the resurgence of the Sherwood and Western Magpies over the past 8 years, being a Board member since 2011, Junior Chairman 2012-14 and Club President in 2014-15. He is now the club's Facilities Director and is responsible for the Social Club.  He has written the submissions the club has made for grants to build the clubrooms, upgrade the ground lights and do upgrades on the oval.
• At season's end the oval will get a major makeover so that it can better withstand the traffic it gets during the season, though the actual traffic will also need to be reviewed in 2019 planning.
• Writing grant applications is a huge task and Chris has been able to secure several hundred thousand dollars in grants for the club to continue to develop its facilities. 
• Not satisfied with that Chris does a power of work during the week and on game days with ensuring all is in order for players to perform at their best and to cap it off escorts Heathy to be the umpires escort at home games. Chris was rewarded with club Life Membership last year, a most deserved award.
• Sherwood player Darcy Prest has been selected in the Queensland Under 16 team which will play NSW/ACT at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday, July 10 in round 2 of the Australian Championships. The Queensland team lost their first round clash last month to Tasmania in Sydney. 

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - TIRED PIES OVER RUN IN 2ND HALF

The Western Magpies were overrun by Broadbeach in a high standard contest at Broadbeach on Saturday. The Pies suffered their biggest loss of the season, going down by 26 points, 13.15-93 to 10.7-67. 

At one stage the Pies led by 22 points early in the second quarter and were well on top, but Broadbeach clawed their way back into the match in the latter part off the half to level the scores going into the long break.

The home team got on top in the third term by winning out of the centre and with a couple of big key forwards, including ex-Magpie Matt Fowler, were able to put pressure on the Pies defence which resulted in 5 goals and a 20 point three quarter time lead, which arguably could have been more but for some wayward goalkicking from the Cats. The Pies cut this to 16 points mid way through the final quarter but were unable too close the gap further.

A Broadbeach observer commented he thought the Pies were "playing sore" in the second half which has some merit as the Pies came off a tough encounter the week before. To add weight to this argument was that the Pies opponent a week ago in Morningside coughed up a 5 goals lead to be overrun by Surfers Paradise coming off the bye, just as Broadbeach, with some pacy midfielders and big tall players in the key positions, finished full of running also coming off the bye.

Early in the game the Pies were up and about and booted the first 3 goals of the game. With Kale Reed busy, Ryan Harwood and Drew Mitchell winning the ball out of the centre, Jack Goodall a marking target and Riley Easton applying forward pressure, the Magpies were on top. In fact, until halfway through the second quarter the Magpies were one more goal away from a 5 goal lead, which would take some catching. However, to their credit the Cats re-adjusted and started to get their running game going and moved the ball quickly to an open forward line to boot late goals to even the score at half time.  

Reed was the Pies best player and although the smallest player in the forward line finished with 4 classy goals. Harwood and Mitchell worked hard all game in the midfield and Matt Davis on a wing had his best game of the year with plenty of possessions and some strong contested marks.

Riley Easton kept harassing all match and was also a good linkman going forward while Luca Winton just keeps adding to his resume with another polished and efficient display in defence.  Goodall worked hard as did Mitchell Stallard and Dylan Adkins competed well in ruck his first match back from injury. 

There is no respite for the Pies as they meet old rival Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in a Sunday fixture. The Vultures are second on the ladder but the Pies will be up for the challenge. The Pies will wear a guernsey with an indigenous design on it to commemorate NAIDOC Week with some important ceremonies before the first bounce.

Western Magpies 4.2 - 26 | 6.3 - 39 | 8.5 - 53 | 10.7 - 67

defeated by

Broadbeach Cats 2.4 - 16 | 5.9 - 39 | 10.13 - 73 | 13.15 - 93

Best: Reed, Winton, Harwood, D.Mitchell, R.Easton, Davis

Goals: Reed 4, Lewis, Stallard, Goodall, De Winter, Corrie, D.Mitchell 1

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES SLOW START COSTLY

The Western Magpies Reserves have gone down down to the Cats in a high standard QAFL Reserves contest at Broadbeach.

The Pies were held scoreless in the first quarter but had a number of forward entries but could not trouble the scorer and trailed by 21 points at quarter time-- the final margin --21 points!! The Pies lost 11.9-75 to 8.6-56.

The Pies  were more than a match for the Cats for the final three quarters of the match and despite closing the gap to just 7 points midway through the final quarter, simply could not reel them in as the slow start proved costly.

Coach Des Lashman was very happy with his side who played some good football and despite the slow start fought hard to get back into the match. 

He was rapt in young back pocket Tristan Dowdy who held a well credentialed player quiet and another young defender in Zach Collison was solid and continues to improve each match. Chris Hunt at CHB was again a rock but he injured a thumb in the third quarter which hampered him for the rest of the match. Lachie Dennis again had a good game in the centre and he adds depth to the Pies and Logan Murray won plenty of possessions in the clinches. Peter Kilroy worked hard on a wing ranging from half back to half forward to be a good linkman for the team. 

Val Pope was a late inclusion after arriving back from overseas early Saturday morning and he worked himself into the game and with more fitness could be an option for the Seniors with some continuity in his football. Redlands games record holder Matt Thomson was included after a 5 week lay off from a hamstring injury and he showed his class at times and was a good contributor for the Pies with 2 goals in just 50% match time.

Des Lashman still thinks his side can make the finals but they slip 2 games out of the five and will need a win against ladder leaders Mt Gravatt this Sunday to re-charge their season.

Western Magpies 0.0 - 0 | 3.3 - 21 | 6.4 - 40 | 8.6 - 54

defeated by

Broadbeach Cats 3.3 - 21 | 4.3 - 27 | 7.7 - 49 | 11.9 - 75

Best: Dowdy, Collison, Hunt, Kilroy, Dennis, Murray

Goals: De Rooy 2, Austin 2, Thomson 2, Pope, Marshall

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Review

Colts hold on after Cats surge late

The Western Magpies Colts held off a strong challenge from the third placed Broadbeach to consolidate in second place on the QAFL Colts ladder.

The Pies had their noses in front for most of the match but the Cats fought back to take the lead momentarily mid way through the final quarter before the Pies showed resilience and lifted their work rate to wrest back the lead and go on to win by 7 points, 7.10-52 to 7.3-45. 

Chris Moloney was strong across half back and had great support from fellow defender Charlie Thorpe. Zane Lovell relished his move onto the ball to win plenty of possessions and Chris Jenkins was busy across half back and on the ball. Jacob Sheath continues to get a mention in the best players each week and he again was a driving force in the centre of the ground, while skipper Noah Resuggan relished his return to the middle, winning regular clearances to drive his team forward.

Finn Collison showed he will be a better player for his recent experience in the Reserves and was a good target up forward to boot 2 goals and Cam Ferguson was also strong up forward with 2 goals. . 

Western Magpies 2.4 - 16 | 4.6 - 30 | 5.8 - 38 | 7.10 - 52

defeated

Broadbeach Cats 2.1 - 13 | 3.2 - 20 | 4.2 26 | 7.3 - 45

Best: Moloney, Lovell, Sheath, Thorpe, Jenkins

Goals: Collison 2, Ferguson 2, Thorpe, Pearson, Johnson

Coopers - Friday Night Footy Review

Woodsmen return to top of QFA ladder

The Woodsmen traveled to Mayne on Friday night to take on a Tigers outfit fighting to remain in the hunt for finals football.  Playing on possibly the smallest ground in QLD Senior Football, the Woodies found it hard to adjust but remained well in the contest at quarter time trailing by 5 points.  Key outs in the midfield in Judson and Lloyd against a strongly built Tigers on-ball division saw the Woodies regularly outmuscled in the contest and a heavy hit to Thomson in the first quarter saw him sidelined until midway through the 2nd.

The Woodsmen started to get on top in the 2nd quarter through some solid run off halfback from MacKinnon and Jackson and Hockley was causing headaches for Mayne roaming across half forward.  Despite general ascendancy, the Woodies were repeatedly guilty of shallow and wide entries as they failed to adjust to the fact that a kick from centre wing could get to the hotspot on such a small surface. A strong and physical Mayne side continued to force the contest and play smarter footy with late goals closing the Woodsmen half time lead to just 4 points.

The Woodies re-grouped at half time and opted for a more direct style of play while also opting for a taller forwardline.  Having played with 21 until late in the 2nd quarter, Tim Green's arrival allowed for some positional switches and more marking power across half forward.  The Woodies skipped out to a 3+ goal lead for a period before again some late goals from Mayne including an absolute pearler from the boundary line again kept the margin at the final break to under a kick.

After continually being outmuscled by a tough Tiger midfield, Mihalopoulos shifted to the midfield for the final quarter with immediate effect winning some early clearances to take advantage of the ruck advantage as the Woodies again pushed out to a 3 goal lead, though on a ground so small the game certainly was never safe.  Mayne then kicked another one against the run of play to get back to a 10 point margin before another one in more controversial circumstances closed the gap to 5 points and it was 'game on' with a few minutes to play. Perhaps buoyed by a sense of injustice the Woodies lifted and camped in the ball forward for the remainder of the match kicking the sealer to take the margin to 12 points  and a hard fought win to take top spot on the ladder.

Hockley was again a dominant player across half-forward kicking 6 goals, while Brent Hocking spent extra time in the midfield to provide plenty of grunt.  Curtis was tireless despite regularly being outsized by bigger opponents, while McKinnon and Jackson provided plenty off half back.  Perhaps the highlight of the match was Woodies Legend Jeffison 'Buddsie" Fehr-Smith taking a contested grab at a crucial moment late in the game and then through repeat efforts earning another free kick from a sensational tackle to thwart what would be Mayne's final forward thrust.

Woodsmen 10.5 - 65 defeated Mayne 8.5 - 53

Best: Thomson, Hockley, Curtis, McKinnon, Mihalopoulous, Hocking

Goals: Hockley 6, Garvey 2, Mihalopoulous, Hocking 1

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK WITH KEY INCLUSIONS

There are no easy matches in this year's QAFL and the fourth placed Western Magpies have another big test when they travel down the M1 to take on the third placed Broadbeach in Round 11 QAFL action on Saturday. .

The Pies lost narrowly to the Cats in their round 2 clash in a match that could have gone either way so once again the team that plays four quarters and more importantly for the Magpies,  the team that kicks straight, will take the four points.

Into the team comes ruckman Dylan Adkins back from 6 weeks out with injury as a straight swap for the injured Aaron Highlands and half forward Kale Reed returns after missing last week with a family wedding. 

Boosting the Pies forward stocks is the return of Jack Goodall to centre half forward which will give the Pies a forward target. The Pies in recent weeks have been without a dominant centre half forward and as a result have had difficulty kicking goals and while Anthony Corrie competes hard he is not a monster who can take a big pack mark. The Pies have had to finesse the ball forward which is a high risk strategy but with Goodall back and Jake De Winter overcoming a foot injury and  Lachlan Woods across half forward the Pies look to have more options up forward.

The inclusion of three NEAFL listed players is a boost for the Pies with Doug Lawrence coming in to a key defensive position, Mitchell Stallard onto a wing and Goodall into CHF. Also in is midfield workhorse Gareth Crawford after a short break overseas.

Out go the injured Will Fletcher and Highlands with Aaron Maricic, Logan Murray and Jack Austin all squeezed out and on Stephen Mills goes back to Redland.  

The Pies defence has been keeping the opposition to low scores so have been doing their job with Brady Allen, Luca Winton and David Lewis the standouts in recent weeks and with the inclusion of Lawrence will make Broadbeach work hard for their goals.

Drew Mitchell has led the midfield brigade with hard work and Ben Jaenke-Cain ranges far and wide and Jono Macanawai works hard in tight and it will be these three who will need to get the Pies going forward from the stoppages.

Once again the Pies face a big test but have shown they have been up for the challenge in every contest this season. Being up for the challenge is OK, but the four points are much nicer and the Pies really need the four points in this match.

QAFL Round 11: Western Magpies v Broadbeach at Broadbeach  on Saturday June 30th at 2 pm.

B:  Brodie Easton Doug Lawrence, Luca Winton

HB: David Lewis (vc) Brady Allen  Matt Davis

C:  Luke Mitchell  Ben Jaenke-Cain Brenton Saunders

HF:  Jake De Winter  Jack Goodall  Lachlan Woods

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie  Riley Easton

Ruck:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C: Liam Dwyer, Jono Macanawai, Gareth Crawford, Mitchell Stallard

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Preview

CRUNCH TIME FOR PIES RESERVES

It is crunch time for the Western Magpies Reserves as they meet a strong Broadbeach team which has only 2 losses this season, one of them to the Pies earlier in the year. 

The Pies look stronger than in recent weeks with Aaron Maricic, Logan Murray and Jack Austin dropping back from the Seniors and regular Redlands NEAFL player Matt Thomson returning after an injury stint. Also in to boost the backline is Kurt Vine, who missed last week with work but managed a run with the Woodsmen.

Out is key forward Gerard Moore with work and small forward Sam Parker misses with injury.  

There is plenty of senior experience mixed with a crop of youngsters in this side and with a number of players pushing for senior selection the Pies will be keen to return to the winners list and get their season back on track.

Chris Hunt at CHB has been in fine form and Harry Marshall at fullback started to regain form last week. Maricic, Murray and Austin were squeezed out of the Seniors and will be  keen to put their stamp on the match and Thomson is a legend at Redlands and adds some class to the side. Lachie Dennis had a good outing last week and will be looking to repeat, an if he gets support from skipper Sean Mewing, the ageless Peter Kilroy and nippy rover Rory Johnson, who will be better for the run last week, the Pies can return to the winners list and start a surge towards a finals appearance.

QAFL Round 11: Western Magpies Reserves v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday June 30th  at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Kurt Vine Harry Marshall Tristan Dowdy

HB: Zach Collison  Chris Hunt  Sean McEvoy (vc)

C: Sean Mewing (Capt) Lachie Dennis  Peter Kilroy

HF: Matt Mazarolle  Jeremy DeRooy Aaron Maricic

F:  Jack Austin  Monty Vine Sempatike Kwizera

foll: Nathan Congram Logan Murray Rory Johnson

I/C:   Sam DeNys, Sam Hartog, Ethan Sivijs, Matt Thomson (Redlands)

Anytime Fitness - Colts Preview

COLTS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Colts will be looking to bounce back to the winners circle when they take on the third placed Broadbeach on Saturday. In a two v three clash the stakes are pretty high with both teams and PBC all on 20 points so for the winner it gives them a real chance to finish the season in the top three and get the double chance.  

The Pies lose speedster Bruce Reville to Queensland under 17 duties where he joins Samson and Sean Ryan, both of whom were missed in last wek’s loss.

Coming in to the side to boost the forward line are Finn Collison who has benefitted from a stint in the Reserves and will provide a tall target up forward., and nippy half forward Abdullah Haddad to give the Pies another option up forwad.

Skipper Noah Resuggan moves onto the ball to provide some midfield spark and aide the consistent Jacob Sheath and Dan Edwards. Zane Lovell will also spend more time in the midfield rotations to try to give the Pies first use of the football.

The Pies have not put together a four quarter effort for some time, with one bad quarter costing them dearly in their two losses to PBC and Morningside.  The Pies can cement a top three position with a win but the Pies will be challenged and will need four consistent quarters to overcome a dangerous Broadbeach team.  

QAFL Round 10: Western Magpies Colts v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday, June 30th  at 9.30am

B:    Aiden D’Roza  Chris Moloney  Charlie Thorpe          

HB:  Chris Jenkins (vc)  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Cooper Crowell

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Dan Edwards  

HF:  Sam Mehari  Cameron Ferguson Abdullah Haddad

F:  Lachlan Pearson  Finn Collison Jayden Johnson

Foll: Harry KeenanZane Lovell  Noah Resuggan (Capt)  

I/C:  Ryan Cherry Jacob Aurich, Harrison Radcliffe Deng Arok

Gut Feelings VII - a weekly collection of thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest

• Saturday’s match against Morningside was a tough affair and while low scoring was still an entertaining game of football. The Morningside coach commented it was their best win of the season in a high standard match with finals like intensity.
• The Pies big man stocks are taking a bit of a pounding recently with Aaron Highlands injured on Saturday when doing a great job in the ruck while giving away about 20cm in height to his opponents. Dylan Adkins, who has missed 5 weeks, will have a fitness test on Thursday and the Pies brains trust will be sweating on him coming through the test to bolster the Pies ruck division
•  The Pies Reserves put up a better showing with a strong effort but were well beaten by a bigger and ultimately better team. CoachDdes Lashman was happy with the his teams’ effort but said it was small things that cost the team dearly with short kicks to a player under pressure, missed handball targets and fumbles the main culprits. While the ladder says the Pies are 8 points out of the five they have a game in hand over a couple of teams above them so are still in contention. However, they need to start winning some of the big matches if finals action is to remain a real possibility.
• The Pies Colts when down narrowly to a resurgent Morningside but missed the two Ryans, Samson and Sean. Ruckman Samson and rover Sean are in the Queensland Under 17 team which will play Tasmania this weekend at Arden St in Melbourne in the Futures Series then host NSW/ACT at Southport the following weekend and finish up against Victoria Metro at Ikon Park (Princes Park) at Carlton on August 12. 
• Sherwood premiership player, father of Drew and Luke and an acute observer of the game in Steve Mitchell made an interesting observation on Saturday.  He suggested that if a player gathers the ball in congestion then pulls it to his chest to take the tackle and thereby cause a stoppage, he should be penalised. Put simply, if a player pulls the ball in and makes no attempt e to get rid of the ball legitimately by hand or foot then pay a free kick for holding the ball
• "Great Clubmen" - Tom Roderick was mentioned in dispatches by Coaching Director Paul Grentell for putting his hand up and doing the water for both Seniors and Reserves then lining up for the Woodsmen in their win over Morningside on Saturday evening, capping a big day with the opening goal for the Pies in the match. Great effort from a young bloke who just loves being a part of the Pies family, and we love having him!
• Craig Barden, who played for the club in the early days of the Western Magpies in and around 2002-2008 and also coached the Colts in 2006 also did the water on Saturday. "Sounder" lives in Gippsland, Victoria and drives interstate transports and somehow makes sure his schedule takes him to Brisbane on weekends so he can come down and watch and help out his beloved Magpies
• The Magpies joint 1978 and 2008 Premiership Reunions will be held when the Magpies host Palm Beach-Currumbin at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, July 21st. Both premierships were won in sensational fashion with the 1978 side having an upset 4 point victory over red hot favourites Mt Gravatt at Dittmer Park and the 2008 team coming from 45 points down to defeat red hot favourites Palm Beach-Currumbin at Broadbeach in a cracking Grand Final (do you see a pattern here?). No doubt the 2008 boys (and 1978 team) would like nothing better than see the current Magpies inflict a defeat on the Lions, the 2017 QAFL Premiers and currently undefeated  ladder leaders this year. It is shaping up as big day in more ways than one.!!
• Reserves ruckman Nathan Congram has played consistent football each week and has very clean handling skills. He also knows how to use his body but on Saturday he made contact with the opposing ruckman in a ball up which resulted in his opponent falling over as he did not expect contact. Congram thumped the ball 30 metres into space but was penalised for blocking. My goodness, free kicks for blokes who don't expect contact in a ruck contest in what is a contact sport...world officially going mad!!
• The Magpies will unveil their Indigenous Guernsey in next Sunday's big clash against Mt Gravatt. The Pies decided to wear the Guernsey which has been designed by indigenous players Anthony Corrie, Chris Hunt, Aaron Maricic and Logan Murray (with input from club stalwarts Dean Parkin and Wil Ivinson) to celebrate NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 8-15, rather than on the QAFL's Indigenous round played several weeks ago where the Magpies were away from home.
• Good to see Magpies ex-Assistant Coach and Woodsmen player Sam Long call in to the Nest on Saturday evening to catch up with a few mates and watch the Woodsmen in the night game. Sam is now the coach of Yeronga-South Brisbane in QFA Division One and the Devils are struggling a bit at the moment . Sam has started to play again such is the long injury list at the club but says he is still enjoying the challenge of being a senior coach.
• Not great news for Dual JB Medallist (Reserves B&F) Bryce Crossley when it was confirmed he had torn the ACL in his left knee.  He injured his knee over a month ago and returned to training 2 weeks ago where he re-injured the knee in an innocuous manner and scans revealed the extent of damage.  Bryce is the second Magpie to tear his ACL this year after Lucas Jackson in Round 2.
• Good to see a solid contingent of Morningside players and officials stick around at McCarthy Homes oval for a chat about the day and some post match beers to watch their fellow clubmen battle it out under lights.  Great atmosphere for the Woodsmen victory, and games like this should be fixtured more regularly!
• Well done to Dylan Mudge who played his 50th game for the Woodies.  'Mudgee' played Senior football for the Magpies as a teenager back in the early 2000's and its great to see guys like him still at the club having a kick

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - INACCURATE PIES BLOW CHANCES

The Western Magpies will again rue missed chances in their 17 point loss to Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday. In a finals like atmosphere in front of a good home crowd, the match lived up to its billing as Match of the Day and was played with a finals like intensity.

The result hinged on who could take their chances and it was the Panthers who kicked straighter for goal and were also on the end of a couple of fortunate umpiring decisions. The Pies again were inaccurate in front of goal especially in the second quarter when they controlled the game but instead of going in to halftime with a four goal break only had a 10 point lead.   Importantly, its not 50/50 chances going begging, as key senior players missed 4 consecutive set shots from directly in front just 35m out or closer as the Pies fans were beginning to shut their eyes and hope as the Pies lined up for goal.

As is the Pies want of late they coughed up the lead quickly in the third quarter and were never able to get their noses back in front. Morningside won by 17 points, 11.9-75 to 7.16-58,  with a late goal on the siren rubbing salt into the Pies wounds. The Pies losses this year are 17, 18, 12 and 6 points and they have been in every match up to their eyeballs, with inaccuracy proving particularly costly in at least of those losses.

Morningside had a big height advantage in the game with two big ruckman and another key forward. The Pies struggled to contain the Panthers' bigmen and when Aaron Highlands, who had done a commendable job in ruck, was injured early in the third quarter and key forward Jake de Winter hobbling after a foot injury early in the match, the Pies were up against it.  

Stephen Mills again was superb for the second match in a row when  he contained Morningside's Kent Abey and was also good when moved forward in the last quarter to give a forward target as CHF Liam Dwyer was forced into the ruck on Highlands injury. Lacking big marking targets the Magpies were forced to play the short game and run the ball and at times this proved their downfall with some disposal errors costing them momentum.

In midfield skipper Drew Mitchell led by example at the coal face to continually win the hard ball and Ben Jaenke-Cain ran himself ragged to win plenty of the football all over the ground. Brady Allen has relished his return to senior football with another composed display at centre half back and had good support from the consistent Luca Winton and ever reliable David Lewis. Lachlan Woods was back to his usual bustling self with strong play in the clinches on his return to senior football for his first senior match since the 2016 Preliminary Final.

The loss drops the Pies into a bun fight for the last two places in the five but the top three prize can still be had as several key players will filter back into the side over the next few weeks. However the Pies big man stocks are dwindling and coach Brydan Morgan will sweat on whether ruckman Dylan Adkins and/or Highlands are passed fit for this weeks crucial match at Broadbeach.

Western Magpies 0.3 - 3 | 4.8 - 32 | 5.12 - 42 | 7.16 - 58

defeated by

Morningside Panthers 2.3 - 15 | 3.4 - 22 | 9.6 - 60 | 11.9 - 75

Best: Jeanke-Cain, Mills, Mitchell, Allen, Woods, Harwood

Goals: Harwood 2, R.Easton, Woods, Dwyer, Corrie, De Winter

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Match Review

PIES RESERVES DOWN DESPITE IMPROVED EFFORT S

The Western Magpies Reserves went down to a quality Morningside team but coach Des Lashman was pleased with his team's effort despite the loss. 

Morningside were cleaner with their ball use and had some big bodied and taller players that the young Pies found hard to counter, probably a factor of the Senior side having several outs thus moving the best of the Reserves into the main game this week.

The Pies were also wasteful at times with promising attacking moves coming unstuck with poor disposal or poor decision making. 

The Pies went down 14.5-89 to 6.6-36 but the final score did not reflect the closeness of the game. The Pies were in the contest for long periods and at times controlled play but could not apply scoreboard pressure and then the Panthers would make the most of scarce opportunities to goal.

The Magpies were their own worst enemy at times with poor decision making when kicking into the forward line and also tried to finesse too much and eventually would cough up the ball.

The loss magnifies last week's loss to Labrador as the Pies now fall 2 games outside the five and have a mountain of work to go to fight back into finals contention. 

Nathan Congram in ruck was again a workhorse and his strong marking and clean ball handling skills were a standout—only for work commitments preventing him doing full training he would surely be in contention for a senior call-up.

Chris Hunt was again solid with good reading of the play and strength at the contest at CHB amd fellow experienced Senior player Lachie Dennis did exactly as the coaches asked when he racked up 30+ disposals in a fine performance in the midfield.

Rory Johnson was busy on ball and across half forward in his first match back from injury and key defender Harry Marshall repelled many Morningside attacks and Peter Kilroy was also a fine player on the wing.

It is getting to crunch time for the Pies Reserves but they are one of two sides to defeat Broadbeach this season and there is no reason why they cannot repeat the dose on Saturday and get their season back on track.

Western Magpies 2.3 - 15 | 4.5 - 29 | 6.6 - 42 | 6.6 - 42

defeated by

Morningside Panthers 5.1 - 31 | 9.2 - 56 | 12.4 - 76 | 14.5 - 89

Best: Kilroy, Congram, Dennis, Hunt, Johnson, Marshall

Goals: Kwizera 2, Mazerolle 2, De Rooy, Parsons

Austral Plywoods - Colts Match Review

Colts suffers 2nd loss for 2018

The Western Magpies Colts were defeated in a high standard but tough contest against Morningside on Saturday.

Despite the 7.10-52 to 5.11-41 loss the Pies still hold second place on the ladder. 

After an even first quarter the Panthers skipped to a handy 2 goal lead by half time which basically proved the difference in the final analysis.

The Pies, like their senior counterparts were wasteful in front of goal with several easy misses proving costly and a lack of structure around the ball proved telling in the 2nd half as Morningside kept them at bay.

The Magpies were missing several key players but were still confident going into the match. 

Morningside were also better than their form line suggested as they were boosted with the return of some key players of their own.

Jacob Sheath was again a prolific ball winner in the centre and rover Dan Edwards also continued his good form to keep the Pies in the contest.

Defenders Charlie Thorpe and Aiden D’Roza worked hard to keep the Panthers out and Sean Ryan was also busy on ball or across half forward.

The Pies face another challenge at Broadbeach this Saturday with both sides on 20 points so this looms as an 8 point match.    

Western Magpies 2.2 - 14 | 3.4 - 22 | 3.8 - 26 | 5.11 - 41

defeated by

Morningside Panthers 2.2 - 14 | 5.4 - 34 | 6.7 - 43 | 7.10 - 52

Best: Sheath, Edwards, Thorpe, D'Roza, Sean Ryan

Goals: Mehari, Ferguson, Lovell, Edwards, Batilimoyo

Coopers Match Review - Woodsmen Round 11

The Woodsmen finished off what was a tough day at the office for the Magpies against Morningside after the Colts, Reserves and Seniors all suffered losses in quality earlier encounters.

Much like the Senior side before them, the Woodies came into the game with a raft of important players unavailable and it showed early with a lack of continuity, but the Woodies worked their way into the game against what appeared to be an also undermanned Morningside outfit who had just one fit player on the bench from early on in the game.

It was a fairly even first quarter with the Woodsmen holding onto a lead thanks to early goals from hard running Tom Roderick and some good finishing from Chris Davis and Matt Hockley.  However, it was a poor 2nd quarter showing as the Woodies were lazy and outworked by their younger opponents in front of a big home crowd., but the boys managed to hold onto their slender lead thanks to some trademark magic from Sam Banim.

the 3rd quarter opened up for the Woodsmen, but forward entries were messy and disjointed and skill level was down and it was anyones game going into the final quarter as the Woodies held a 14 point lead.  Morningside kicked the opening 2 goals to close the margin to less than a kick and memories of the fadeout against Zillmere when controlling the majority of the game started to flood back. 

In his 50th game, Dylan Mudge remained composed to push the ball forward for some repeat entries and the Woodsmen were able to regain the ascendancy and camp in the forward half for the remainder of the game to eventually run out 16 point winners.

The Woodsmen remain in 2nd place on % with 8 wins and 2 losses and head to Mayne next Friday night for what will be a tough encounter as the Tigers are fighting for their chance at finals football.

Woodsmen 9.10 - 64 defeated Morningisde 7.6 - 48

Best: Young, S.Matthews, Thomson, Ness, La Burniy, Davis

Goals: Hockley 3, Banim 2, Roderick, Davis, Mihalopoulous, K.Vine

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES TAKE ON PANTHERS IN 'MATCH OF THE DAY'

The Western Magpies face another challenge when they host Morningside in a big day of football at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

Morningside tipped the QAFL season on its head with a huge victory over the previously undefeated Mt Gravatt last week and now sit in sixth place, one win behind the fourth placed Pies.  While the win was probably not unexpected by close observers, the margin certainly was.

The Magpies welcome back Brodie Easton after being unavailable last week due to exams, Logan Murray in for his first senior game of 2018 after two solid return games in the Reserves and in exciting news, former Captain - Lachlan Woods returns to the senior side for the first time since 2016 after after a year off in 2017 and excellent reserves form early in 2018 set him up for Senior football before a 5 week injury intervention.  Woods will offer a hard edge to the Magpies side and exudes natural leadership.

Out are Billy Johnson back to Lions NEAFL duties, lively forward Kale Reed is unavailable and Lachie Dennis returns to the Reserves after a late call-up last week.

This is an old fashioned "Match of the Day'" with both teams in good form and only 4 points separating the teams on the ladder.

The Panthers have been somewhat of  an achilles heel for the Pies over the past few years with veteran key forward Kent Abey proving a handful and his likely opponent is Stephen Mills who did a great job on another big forward last week. Luca Winton and David Lewis have been superb in recent weeks and complement each other to deflect opposition attacks and will provide support for Mills. Brady Allen has also slotted into the key defensive role in recent weeks.

The visitors have had a few key players drift back into the side in the past few weeks and after a slow start to the season hit their straps last week.

The Magpies will need to be on song from the first bounce and play four quarters of football but they are a tough outfit as proved last week.

Jono Macanawai, Ryan Harwood and Drew Mitchell have been the grit in the midfield for the Pies and do a lot of unseen heavy work in the clinches and this has been an area of major improvement for the Pies this season. Aaron Maricic provides classy use of the football from a wing and Luke Mitchell has also been solid across half back.

Jake De Winter was kept goalless last week and he will be itching to make a mark --no pun intended-- on this match and Anthony Corrie will cop plenty of attention which may open up options for other goal scoring avenues. 

This shapes as a classic match and with a big day of football deserves to be played in front of a big home crowd at McCarthy Homes Oval.

QAFL Round 10: Western Magpies v Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday June 23rd at 2 pm.

B:  Will Fletcher   Luca Winton  Logan Murray

HB: David Lewis (vc) Stephen Mills  Brenton Saunders

C:  Luke Mitchell  Ben Jaenke-Cain Aaron Maricic

HF:  Jake De Winter  Aaron Highlands  Matthew Davis

F: Brady Allen  Anthony Corrie  Riley Easton

Foll:  Jack Austin Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C: Liam Dwyer, Jono Macanawai, Lachlan Woods, Brodie Easton

In: Lachlan Woods, Brodie Easton, Logan Murray

Out: Billy Johnson (Brisbane Lions NEAFL), Kale Reed (wedding), Lachie Dennis (Reserves)

Cross Fit Disposition - Reserves Round 10 Preview

PIES RESERVES NEED TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Reserves have again experienced several changess for a must win match against the fourth placed Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies welcome back Rory Johnson from injury, Sean Mewing from illness and Lachie Dennis is back from the Seniors after a late call-up last week (Ironically to replace the ill Mewing!)

Logan Murray has been elevated to the Senior side and they lose Val Pope overseas again for work and also Gabe McKinnon and Kurt Vine with work commitments.

The Pies will miss Murray in the hustle and bustle department and the Pies midfield looks strong with Nathan Congram playing consistent football in the ruck and Sam DeNys another good player this season while Lachie Dennis will look to work on his game to earn a recall to the Senior side.

Chris Hunt and Zach Collison were good last week and with Mewing back into the side the half back line looks very solid. 

Up forward Gerard Moore and Jeremy DeRooy provide the big marking targets and Sam Parker, Rory Johnson and Sempatike Kwizera the ground level bustle.

Coach Des Lashman will expect his side to be ferocious at the contest from the first bounce after last weeks second half capitulation and the Pies need the win to get their season back on track against a team that will also be fighting for a finals berth.

QAFL Round 10: Western Magpies Reserves v Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday June 23rd  at 11.30 am.

B: Sam Hartog  Harry Marshall Tristan Dowdy

HB: Zach Collison  Chris Hunt  Sean Mewing (Capt)

C: Sean McEvoy (vc)  Lachie Dennis  Peter Kilroy

HF: Matt Mazarolle Gerard Moore  Finn Collison

F:  Sam Parker  Jeremy DeRooy  Sempatike Kwizera

Rucks: Nathan Congram Angus Wyllie  Sam DeNys

I/C:   Alec Parsons, Rory Johnson, Ethan Sivijs, Monty Vine