Place Preview - Beware the Pies on the Rebound as they look to swoop Cats

PIES NEED TO BOUNCE BACK AGAINST BROADBEACH

The Western Magpies will be looking to put behind last week's uncharacteristically poor performance when they welcome last year's runners-up Broadbeach to McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in Round 4 QAFL action on Saturday.

Both teams have one victory with Broadbeach coming from behind to sneak past Mt Gravatt by a point and were well beaten in Round 1 by Palm Beach-Currumbin. 

Given the Pies had an arm wrestle in Round 1 with Mt Gravatt it can be assumed little separates the Pies and Cats for this clash.

The Pies were poor last week in what was an aberration for a side that hadn’t lost a game by more than 25 points since the midway point of the 2017 season, with the challenge being learning to win the close ones.

The Pies welcome back Aaron Highlands and Liam Dwyer to bolster the big man department and both were missed last week. Will Fletcher comes back in after missing the past 2 weeks with an ankle and he was impressive in the mid field in round 1  before his injury. Winger/half forward Lachie Dennis gets a recall after a late start too the season but showed enough in Reserves last week and Harry Marshall comes in to the side to bolster the defence to cover for the unavailable Jack Goodall.

Also out are Val Pope (unavailable), Zane Lovell with a sore knee, Jack Briskey (unavailable) and Cal Carseldine has been rested by his NEAFL club Aspley, who have a bye

Interestingly, Aspley have refused Doug Lawrence and Tom Baulch permission to play which may make some sense with Lawrence, but Baulch is a Primary Listed Magpies player - work that one out!

Coach Brydan Morgan will no doubt have his charges switched on as they were very slow to start last week after a change to the training schedule due to the Good Friday match. It was back to normal this week and the Pies look stronger for this game and will be ready from the first bounce. 

Claye Beams has returned to something close to full fitness and will be keen to put his stamp on the game and youngsters Riley Greene and Ethan Sivijs will be even better for the experience of last week where both were among the better players for the Pies. 

The Pies will need to be tuned in from the first bounce against the Cats, who won both clashes last year due to their outside run. On their newly minted home turf the Pies will be keen to put last week's aberration behind them and bounce back to the winners list as they look to turn McCarthy Homes Oval into a home fortress.

Harvey Norman Oxley - Reserves Match Preview

RESERVES BOLSTERED FOR CATS CLASH.

The Western Magpies Reserves will be bolstered with the return of several key players for their clash with Broadbeach at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.   

Into the team come dual Senior Premiership ruckman Gerard Moore and half backs Peter Kilroy and Sam Hartog along with Colt Lawson Campbell getting an opportunity along wioth Magpie Junior Coleman Cornford returning to footy after a 3 year break since U16’s. Cade Scott also again earns promotion back to the Reserves , from the Colts. These inclusions will lift the Pies in midfield and with a more attacking half back line. 

Also in are big forward Finn Collison back from 6 weeks out with injury and Mitchell O'Dea gets his chance after being unavailable last week. 

Out go Lachie Dennis, who showed the selectors enough last week  to get a Senior recall, Harry Marshall who has been recalled to the Seniors after several solid games in defence, Gabe McKinnon,  who has wedding and he will be missed as he has had a new lease of life and has done well in the 2 games he has played this season and Deng Arok has a sore knee. 

Zac Collison and Charlie Thorpe shone last week in defence and Collison in particular has been impressive this season with his contested work and reading of the play.

Joel Workman is ready to put his stamp on a game after easing his way back into it back at his home club and Jesse Hampel gets better each match and will also be in consideration for a Senior promotion in coming weeks.

Coach Kiran Verma has a stronger team this week and will be hoping for a bit more polish as he was happy with the team's endeavour last week, but just need to finish off their work.

Again this is a match the Pies will want to win to stay in touch with the five.  

QAFL Round 4: Western Magpies Reserves v Broadbeach at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, April 27th at 11.30 am

B:  Aiden D'Roza Harrison Radcliffe Zac Collison  

HB:  Peter Kilroy Hamish Campbell, Sam Hartog

C: Charlie Thorpe Jordan Bonney Mitchell O'Dea 

HF:  Joel Workman Matthew Mazarolle Chris Jenkins

F:  Finn Collison Jesse Hampel  Cade Scott 

Ruck:  Gerard Moore

           Chris Hunt

Rover: Rory Johnson

Int: Isaac Bongaarts,  Sean McEvoy, Lawson Campbell, Coleman Cornford

CFMG Capital - Colts Match Preview

COLTS TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Colts will be looking to return to the winners list when they host Broadbeach in the early game tomorrow.

The Pies will be missing several key players with 4 goal forward from last week Cooper Crowell, Jonty McDougall, Cade Scott and Lawson Campbell promoted to Reserves and Darcy Prest getting an opportunity in the Brisbane Lions Academy side.

The Magpies depth is often tested but they still have plenty of class players in midfielders Noah Resuggan, Jacob Aurisch and Sam Mehari , strong defenders in Whitlam Bishop and forward turned defender Lachlan Pearson  and key forwards Cam Ferguson and Jackson Paynter.

The Cats have only a 2 weeks formline, but will be a quality opponent.

QAFL Round 4: Western Magpies Colts v Broadbeach  at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, April 27th at 9.30 am

B:  Lachlan Pearson  Xavier Jeffreyl  Jack Spry

HB: Rory Edwards  Whitlam Bishop  Anthony Caprioli

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Noah Resuggan  Brodie Gardner

HF:  Jackson  Paynter  Tom Evans  Tyler Bobin

F: Abu Kante Cam Ferguson  Ethan Mooney

Rucks:  Lachlan Davies

             Jacob Aurisch

Rover: Sam Mehari

Int: from: Morgan Smith,  Calsey Robinson,  Kelly Siemer,  Oscar Murphy

Gut Feelings IV - A weekly collection of random musings from deep inside the nest

• Good Friday football did not quite turn out as planned with the Pies losing all three grades to Wilston Grange—can’t remember the last time that happened!! The sun, stars, planets and moon all aligned against the Pies with 4 x NEAFL aligned players called up for their clubs (1 as a travelling emergency!), 2 players unavailable due to pre-arranged Easter events and another player injured to make 7 key outs for the Magpies from the previous weeks team. Meanwhile, the opposition and an influx of NEAFL aligned players. However, none of that explains the performance from the senior side!

• The match was played in windy and wet conditions and the Pies just did not turn up to play and were outplayed and out-enthused in the first half , especially in the second quarter.  The Magpies lifted in the second half and in fact dominated the last quarter but were unable to find the big sticks as the match developed into a hard slog.  However, the damage had already been done in a lack-lustre first half.

• Obviously with players out it provided an opportunity for several youngsters to play Senior football and in a tough baptism of fire Monty Vine, Zane Lovell and Jack Briskey all lined up for their first Senior game and  Ethan Sivijs and Riley Greene played their second Senior games. All acquitted themselves well with Lovell, Sivijs and Greene in particular all playing strong footy despite the team performance. Unfortunately Lovell went down late in the game with a knee injury and he is being assessed but he got his hair tussled by his teammates with a 40 metre goal in the third quarter that never looked like missing.

• The “outs” in the Seniors obviously filtered down to the Reserves who went down in a fighting display but they also struggled with the unfamiliar conditions of wind and rain. Coach Kiran Verma lined up in this game to get 21 on the park and several other youngsters were given an opportunity to stake their claim for a regular game time with Harrison Radcliffe, Isaac Bongaarts, Charlie Thorpe and Cade Scott all getting plenty of the ball in the game. Another young player in Zac Collison was the pies best with a strong game in defence which kept the Pies in touch until the final minutes of the game.

• The Colts were a bit like the Seniors—sluggish to get out of the blocks and completely outplayed in the second quarter – before hitting their straps late in the game to boot 5 last quarter goals but were unable to reel in the Gorillas.  Grange were a big side and the wet conditions suited them but the Pies decided to use their outside pace late in the game and were able to close the gap with good football but “ one quarter a game does not make!!”

• Much has been written about the magnificent new  playing surface at McCarthy Homes Oval but now the turf experts have packed up their kit the ground still needs to be maintained. The mainstays of the ground preparation and maintenance are Life Members Bruce O’Neill and Rob Lawson with assistance from Johnny Green and Greg Adams. Greg lives in Redcliffe but travels to Chelmer to help out with mowing of the oval and general ground maintenance. No to mention our resident ‘turf scientist’ Will Pearce.

  It is volunteers like this that help make the club a great place to be.

• Shane Bridley is doing a great job helping to reinvigorate the “Old Boys” and has produced two weekly newsletters to date  based on the original “Magpie Chatter”, which was produced in the 1960s and 1970s at the club.

CFMG Capital - Colts Round 3 Preview

Colts face first big test vs Grange

The Western Colts will get a stern examination of where they sit when they play Wilston Grange in a late afternoon game on Good Friday. 

The Pies have had a good start to the season with 2 out of 2 while Grange had a big win over the Surfers Sharks in Round 1  then had a bye last week.

The Pies were well beaten in a practice match by the Sharks but this week's team will be far stronger with the inclusion recently of tseveral players who played Senior and Reserves football in early rounds and in the practice matches.

Led by strong bodied Lachlan Pearson, Cam Ferguson, Jacob Aurisch and Noah Resuggan, the Pies have the strength and experience to mix it with the Gorillas.

At ground level speedsters such as Sam Mehari, Ritti Batilimoyo and Rory Edwards can open up the opposition while Blake Jones and Jack Prest are classy players who have come into the side this year.

This match shapes as a top two contest even this early in the season and the Pies will be well prepared for the contest. 

Be sure to stick around after the Senior Game to catch the lads in action at 345pm

Place Preview - Magpies join Gorillas in inaugural annual Good Friday battle

The Western Magpies have again named a strong side to take on Wilston-Grange in a historic Good Friday encounter, despite 5 forced changes to the side due to unavailability and NEAFL Selections.

The Pies bring in 3 debutants in ruckman Monty Vine, forward/mid Zane Lovell and tall utility Jack Briskey who returns from U18 Lions Academy duty. To offset these young debutants, the Pies were in the enviable position to be able to bring in two outstanding veterans both in fantastic form and in peak fitness with 200 gamer, and dual Bill Peirce Medalist - Val Pope returning to the side after a classy 4 goal performance in the Reserves last week and multiple league B&F winner and former Bill Peirce Medalist Gareth Crawford to boost the midfield. Crawford was a class above and hugely influential in the Reserves last week in a vintage display.

Out go Harrison Kerr (injured) and Billy Johnson and Liam Dwyer who have both been called up to Redland. Doug Lawrence and Tom Baulch could also be called up to Aspley and will be covered by Ethan Sivijs and Dan Edwards who are both cherry ripe and ready to play their 2nd senior games.

Talls in Highlands and Lumber are unavailable due to pre-existing commitments, with Highlands a big out after his 10 vote Syd Guildford Medal performance last week, and Lumber settling in nicely as he establishes himself in QLD footy, also a missing link.

Coach Brydan Morgan is confident the inclusions (young and old) will make the step up seamlessly and all have deserved their place. Jack Briskey is a tall 195 cm key position player and is back from Brisbane Lions Under 18 Academy duties where he was in the best players in several games and kicked goals in all matches and can play at both ends of the ground. Riley Greene will also play his 2nd Senior game after looking right at home in his debut last week.

New recruit Claye Beams was starting to exert influence last week and his leadership will be crucial for the Pies with so many changes to the team. 

Luca Winton returned to his brilliant 2018 form last week in the last line of defence and David Lewis is getting back to his 2018 form across half back. Brenton Saunders enjoyed his return to the side last week and played well in an unfamiliar half back role.

In midfield Vine has a big job in ruck and he gets support with some grunt at ground level in Logan Murray, Cal Carseldine and Drew Mitchell with Riley Easton providing the run and carry and also the harassment at the coal face.

Up forward Jack Austin continues to grow into his game and Jack Goodall provides fantastic leadership when in that part of the ground.

Harvey Norman Oxley - Round 3 Reserves Preview

The Western Magpies Reserves depth will be tested with a number of players promoted to the Seniors, injured or unavailable due to the Easter weekend but will welcome back the consistent and classy Chris Hunt, the classy Lachie Dennis and 194 game player Sean McEvoy to bolster the defence. The Pies have been forced to make 7 changes to the side that won last week with four promoted to the seniors and another 3 players out.   The fact the Pies can name 2 sides with about 15  players out from last week in both grades and another 4 players missing from long term injury is a sign of strong depth.

That said Jesse Hampel up forward will be better for the run last week after an extended lay off as will Joel Workman , who was good last week and will be a key player across half forward. Matt Mazarolle marked well last week and will need to be a strong forward target

Gabe McKinnon will pinch hit in ruck and Rory Johnson was back to his best form last week. Jordan Bonney has paid back coach Kiran Verma’s confidence he can do the job in the centre with strong play and his stocks are rising 

The Pies are a young team with a smattering of experience and will need to be at their best to defeat Grange on their home ground but last week’s win will give them confidence going into the match.

 QAFL Round 3: Western Magpies v  Wilston Grange at Hickey Park, Stafford  on Good Friday, April 19th at 10.30 am. (Note earlier start). 

B:  Aiden D'Roza Harry Marshall  Zac Collison  

HB:   Sean McEvoy , Hamish Campbell, Charlie Thorpe 

C: Deng Arok Jordan Bonney Cade Scott

HF:  Joel Workman Matthew Mazarolle  Chris Jenkins

F:  Lachie Dennis Jesse Hampel  Isaac Bongaarts 

Ruck:   Gabe McKinnon 

            Rory Johnson

Rover:   Will Woodburn

Int: Chris Hunt, Harrison Radcliffe, Ethan Sivijs, Dan Edwards

Gut Feelings III - a weekly collection of musings from deep inside the Magpie nest

• A healthy crowd saw the Pies wear down the visiting Labrador after a tough physical contest in the first half.  It was a good day for the Pies with the Reserves withstanding a Labrador comeback to hold on for a welcome victory.

• The Colts stamped themselves as a top three prospect once again with a strong win. The Colts have 35 players to select from which causes selection dilemmas but it is a sign of a healthy club.

• To top the weekend off the Woodsmen had another win over Collingwood Park  to make it 3 out of 3  for a good start to the season.

• In addition to the Colts numbers,  there were 78 players at training last Thursday night which included about 15 Colts eligible players. So for Seniors and Reserves there are over 60 players to select from which again is a good sign of the club’s progress. Players who do not get selected for the Reserves can be eligible to play for the Thirds (Woodsmen) on Friday nights which is as it should be.

• Didn’t the Oval look an absolute treat on the weekend?!

• Aaron Highlands had a big game on Saturday, taking 2 speccies and booting 3 goals as well as containing the Labrador key play maker. He polled the maximum 10 votes in the Syd Guilford medal voting (voted on by opposing coaches) on the weekend and also was named the Pies BG Award winner, which recognises the player who showed “courage and commitment” to the cause and is named after Brett Gwyther, who always showed these fearless qualities as a player and who passed away in 2007 from cancer not 4 months after playing in the 2006 premiership. The BG Award is highly prized at the club, so much so there is an honour board in the rooms with the name of the annual winner. Highlands was the winner in 2017. The award is sponsored by the McEvoy family, who had a very close relationship with BG.

• The Seniors, Reserves and Colts Squad had a Western themed evening after the game, and special mention must go to Luke Mitchell for a quality outfit, but easily best dressed was young debutant Riley Greene in a quality set of chaps! Thumbs up RG!

• Saturday’s match against Labrador had a good contingent of past players and officials  and the work Shane Bridley and Terry O’Shea are doing to reconnect with past players  is starting to pay dividends.Shane produced the first edition of the new “Magpie Chatter” last week which will be added at the end of the column. Past players are advised there is a Past players Facebook  site “ Sherwood and Western Magpies Old Boys”

• Past players in attendance and enjoying each other’s company and also enjoying the resurgent Pies second half were Rob Lawson, Barrie Johnston, Dick Jakavicius, Bruce O’Neill, Rob Vowles, Terry O’Shea, Bill Carey, Vic Beerling, Steve Mitchell, Paul Hope, Lee Rush and no doubt plenty more!

• The Pies and Gorillas play in the inaugural QAFL Good Friday match at Hickey Park, Stafford tomorrow and the Pies and it will be interesting to see what the crowd looks like. Gut Feelings thinks this will grow and grow to become one of the highlight’s of the season with the Pies to host the fixture in 2020.

Kaplan - Reserves Round 2 Match Review

RESERVES BOUNCE BACK FOR NAILBITING WIN

The Western Magpies Reserves have bounced back to have a hard fought 8 point win over Labrador. The Pies controlled the game for the second and third quarters to hold what seemed like a match winning 27 point lead at three quarter time but in another case of deja vu the Pies coughed up the lead with 5 minutes to go in the match, but in a sign of maturity - this time were able to kick 2 late goals to snatch back the lead, then hold on for the win.

The Pies won 11.9-75 to 10.7-67. Last year the Pies lost to the Tigers after holding a 6 goal lead at three quarter time and this year they allowed the Tigers 5 unanswered goals in 15 minutes in the last quarter but they are made of different stuff this year, and were able to compose themselves and win the game back.

Coach Kiran Verma was a relieved man after the game but at least he now knows his Pies are a competitive outfit and can challenge for a finals berth. 

As expected, the  inclusion of Gareth Crawford, Jesse Hampel, Matt Mazzarole, Joel Workman and Gabe McKinnon added some experience and physical strength to the side and this rubbed off on the bevy of youngsters in the team, who enjoyed having some grunt and footy smarts around them. All were good players, but Crawford especially took charge of the midfield and with his partner in crime in Val Pope was instrumental in the Pies getting on top in the second and third quarters and then late in the game, fighting back to take the 4 points. Pope finished with 3 goals and along with Crawford made up 2 of the most 3 influential players for the Pies

One of the youngsters who shows lots of poise and good reading of the play is Ethan Sivijs, who had another strong game across half back and he showed clean ball skills for the second week in a row and will push for senior selection after a best on ground performance.

Another youngster in  Zane Lovell was also solid through the midfield and Colts B & F winner last year in Dan Edwards put in a strong case for an early recall to the Seniors with plenty of possessions on a wing. Rory Johnson played his best game for  some time with a busy and bustling display on ball and across half forward with the form that had him playing senior football only 2 years ago.

With confidence restored the Magpies will be looking for another win against Wilston Grange on Good Friday, with an earlier start at 10.30 am. 

Magpies  3.1-19  | 7.7-49 | 9.9-63 | 11-9-75

defeated

Tigers  4.2-26 |  5.4 34  |  5.6-36 |  10.7 -67

Best: E. Sivijs, V. Pope, G. Crawford, Z. Lovell, D. Edwards, R. Johnson

Down 2 Earth Electrical Contractors - Colts Round 2 Review

COLTS MAKE IT TWO FROM TWO

The Western Magpies Colts flexed their muscles early with a dominant display in a 68 point point win over Labrador in the early game  on Saturday. The Pies have  signalled they are up and about to defend the premiership they won last year. Final scores were 14-15-99 to 5-1-31. 29 scoring shots to 6 underlines the Magpies dominance and they could have won by more except for wayward kicking for goal. 

New coach Dallas Gallagher marshalled his troops well and his long experience in the coaching ranks in Victoria, Tasmania and NSW will put him in good stead to guide the Pies toward a top three finish this year. 

The Pies best were CHF Jackson  Painter, who also booted 2 goals, strong bodied midfielder, Jacob Aurisch, half forward Lachine Davies also with 2 goals, speedy half forward Sam Mehari,  classy midfielder Jonty  MacDougall, and half back Lachlan Pearson.

Cam Ferguson celebrated his return to the Colts with 4 goals at full forward. 

The Pies play in the late game after the Seniors on Good Friday at Stafford and this will be a stern test for the Pies. Grange had a strong win in Round 1 and will be fresh after a last round bye.

Magpies  2.5-17 | 5.10-40 | 9.11-65 | 14.15-99

defeated

Tigers  1.1-7 | 2.1-13 |  5.1 -31 | 5-1-31 

Best: J. Paynter, J. Aurisch, L. Davies, S. Mehari, J. MacDougall, L. Pearson

Goals: C. Ferguson 4, L. Davies 2, C. Crowell 2, J. Paynter 2, N. Resuggan, S. Mehari, M. Smith, X. Jeffrey

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Big Weekend for Magpies with 4 from 4

It was a good weekend for the Magpies with four out of four wins. The Seniors, Reserves and Colts had  three wins over Labrador and the Woodsmen made it a clean sweep with a solid victory over Collingwood Park on Friday night.

The home victories a McCarthy Homes Oval were played in front of a healthy crowd  with a large contingent of past players and officials in attendance to witness the official opening of the refurbished playing surface and surrounds with guests Mark Bailey, Local Member and Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Cr Nicole Johnston, Brisbane City Councillor for Tennyson Ward, Dean Warren, AFLQ chief Executive, Magpies Club President Andrew Thomson and recent Director for Infrastructure on the club Board, Chris Dennis, whose grant applications and lobbying resulted in significant contributions from the State Government, Brisbane City Council and AFLQ for the ground upgrade. 

It was also pleasing to see a good turnout of club sponsors for the day with McCarthy Homes Directors David Farrer and Nick O’Sullivan, Jie Walsh from Harvey Norman Oxley, Pete May from Place Graceville, Bryce Hatton from Anytime Fitness, Peter Wells from RHP Physio, Peter Carter from Carter Capner Law all in attendance.

Nick O’Sullivan (McCarthy Homes), Andrew Thomson & David Farrer (McCarthy Homes)

PIES BREAK AWAY IN SECOND HALF

After an arm wrestle in the first half with only one point separating the sides at half time, the the Western Magpies, led by a miserly defence, were able too wrest control from midway through the third quarter to then dominate the last quarter to run out point 51 point winners in Round 2 QAFL action over the visiting Labrador at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday. 

The Pies won 13.13-91 to 6.4-40. The Magpies skill levels were a vast improvement on last week and were obviously better for the run and whereas last week the backline were loose, on Saturday they were clean, played tight and close and simply blanketed the Tigers forwards. Doug Lawrence and Luca Winton redeemed themselves after a below average games last week and  were superb in the last line of defence, keeping key forward Bryce Retzlaff to one goal and the Tigers to 10 scoring shots for the match. In fact the Tigers troubled the  scoreboard attendants only twice in the second half!! 

The first half was an arm wrestle as both sides were wasteful in front of goal. It was a tough contest and the Pies midfield gradually got on top with ruckman Liam Dwyer competing vigorously all game and ex-skippers Drew Mitchell and Cal Carseldine and the bullocking Logan Murray controlling the midfield battles, especially after half time. Gun recruit Claye Beams also looked too be exerting his influence until he was injured in a dangerous tackle mid-way through the third quarter and was basically out of the game from then on. That the Pies still dominated without the class of Beams underlined their  dominance after the long break.

Best player for the Pies was Aaron Highlands, who coach Brydan Morgan, in a masterstroke, pushed the key defender forward to ostensibly play a defensive forward role on past Grogan Medallist and ex-AFL player Wayde Mills, who controls the Labrador defence from CHB and is often a launching pad for the Tigers. The bonus was the Highlands was able to kick 3 goals, 2 from spectacular grabs deep forward. The exciting thing for the Pies was that the 21 yo Highlands and 18 yo Jack Austin, both still youngsters,  launched themselves numerous times at the pack with high leaps and almost pulled in spectacular marks and if they had held half the grabs it could have been mayhem!

Winger Tom Baulch made a  few mistakes early but won plenty of the ball to be good player by matches' end. Small forward Macauley Lonergan was busy up forward and but for inaccurate kicking could have turned 1 goal into 5.  Jack Goodall was a strong competitor ranging far and wide --the old description would call him a " utility" - and he booted two goals as well as playing a role in defence and on-ball and Brenton Saunders was solid on his return to an unfamiliar half back role where his good ball use was invaluable. 

The Pies booted 5 goals in the last quarter but it should have been closer to 10 goals such was their dominance.

The with puts the Pies into third place on the QAFL ladder and they now face old foe Wilston Grange at Stafford on Good Friday. The Gorillas went down by 5 goals to Surfers Paradise in Round 1 and had a bye this round, so they are a bit of an unknown quantity and pose a danger to the Pies. This match will start an hour earlier on Good Friday, starting at 1.00 pm. The Reserves therefore start at 10.30 am and the Colts will play after the Senior game.   

Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 5.4 - 34 | 8.6 - 54 | 13.13 - 91

defeated

Tigers 2.1 - 13 | 5.3 - 33 | 5.4 - 34 | 6.4 - 40

Best: Highlands, Winton, Goodall, D.Mitchell, Lonergan, Carseldine

Goals: Highlands 3, Lumber 2, Goodall 2, Murray 2, Baulch, Lonergan, Reed, Kerr

Anytime Fitness - Reserves Preview

EXPERIENCED INCLUSIONS BOLSTER PIES

The Western Magpies Reserves will welcome back some bigger bodies and plenty of experience with the inclusion of  Gareth Crawford, Matt Mazarolle, Jesse Hampel, Gabe McKinnon and Joel Workman into the side to play the visiting Labrador on Saturday at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer. 

Also in is speedster Dan Edwards who will add some class to the side. Out go impressive youngster Riley Greene and Brenton Saunders, both promoted to the Seniors. Greene stood out in badly beaten side last week and showed maturity beyond his years. 

Hampel, a former Pies player, will give the Pies a forward target with his strong hands and good goal sense.

Joel Workman returns after a premiership at Park Ridge and he played Senior QAFL football several years ago and will be a welcome addition to the side.

Likely the most important inclusion is Gareth Crawford, joint Bill Peirce Medal winner 2 years ago, who will add grunt and leadership to the midfield, ensuring the Pies are pushing forward and getting their hands on it at stoppage. Also into the side is experienced layer Gabe McKinnon who forced his way in via very strong form for the Woodsmen last week that could not be ignored.

The "old hands" will give the many youngsters in the side more confidence, although Ethan Sivijs, Zane Lovell and Zac Collison were solid players last week and will go into this game with a positive frame of mind.

Cade Scott and Cam Ferguson will both return to the Colts this week, but will no doubt feature again at Reserves level. Several Colts aged players however have been retained in the side.

Coach Kiran Verma is confident that with the inclusions his side will bounce back and redeem themselves in this match. 

Place Preview - Magpies look to celebrate grand opening with a win vs Tigers

The Western Magpies will be keen to bounce back after the disappointment of last week's narrow loss when they are at home to Labrador at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.  It will be a celebratory affair as the ribbon is cut on the new look playing surface and picturesque new picket fence and to top it off, new goalposts with new pads to tidy up the look.

The Pies had more inside 50s than their opponents last week and although beaten in the midfield contest were able to produce enough contested and turnover football to remain in the contest. 

The Pies welcome another debutant in Riley Greene, who is an impressive 17 yo half back/utility who stood out in a badly beaten Reserves team last week. A member of the Park Ridge QFA Senior Premiership side last year at just 16 , he looks ready made for QAFL football and we welcome Riley to senior footy in the black & white. Brenton Saunders gets his chance this week, though likely will find himself in defence. Out are the injured Will Fletcher with an ankle and he will miss 2 weeks. Fletcher was impressive through the midfield which is a new role for him and he will only grow in that role when he returns. Also out is Dan Edwards, a youngster  who has a big upside but will benefit from a run in the Reserves. 

The Magpies back half looked somewhat disjointed last Saturday and will be better for the run in this match.  Normally reliable defenders in Luca Winton, Doug Lawrence and Aaron Highlands made some uncharacteristic errors and expect them to be better this week. Also better for the run with be ex-Lion Claye Beams, who found it hard to put a stamp on the contest last week and he will quickly  transition to the tempo of QAFL football and then look out!! 

Likewise new key forward Brody Lumber will be better for the run but he was still a good player last week and Jack Austin provides a strong contest up forward and he will kick a bag one day--hopefully on Saturday.  Several ‘hangers’ last week showed he is ready for a big year and growing in confidence to fly at his marks.

Liam Dwyer was a workhorse last week in ruck and he looks stronger and fitter than in recent seasons and is a key player for the Pies.  Riley Easton was a terrior last week and knows no other way than full on attack at the contest and former Pies skipper Cal Carseldine will be another one better for the run after he had an interrupted pre-season at Aspley. New players in Tom Baulch and Redlands aligned Harrison Kerr looked the part last week  in the midfield and will also get better this week as they become accustomed to the Magpies playing style. 

Labrador have bookends in ex-AFL players in CHB Wayde Mills, who controls their defensive half, and full forward Bryce Retzlaff,  and how the Pies control these two will go a long way in determine the result. 

The Pies won both contests last year but both were tight battles and the  Tigers are reported to have recruited well so expect another tough and tight contest in the Magpies first official QAFL match at the newly refurbished McCarthy Homes Oval. 

Gut Feelings II - A weekly collection of thoughts from deep inside the Magpie Nest

• The Seniors again went close but no chocolates and looked a bit rusty , only having 2 practice matches to sort out the cobwebs. The team that lined up on Saturday was vastly different to the practice match teams with an influx of NEAFL aligned players and several players returning after missing the last practice match. The backline looked disjointed at times and clean ball handling was not at he required level.

• The Pies face another tough task this week against Labrador, who have recruited again and will be a tougher proposition than last year and coach Brydan Morgan does have a difficult task as he does not know what players he has from the NEAFL until later in the week. 

• Morgan was happy with his player endeavour on Saturday and pointed out it there were several aspects of the game that were not good enough but he  is confident these are simple things to sort out. He also pointed out that the Pies went inside the 50 mere arc 54 times to the Vultures 47 times, so the opportunities to kick a wining score are there.

• The Reserves will be hoping to bounce back and they will welcome back the experienced Gareth Crawford, Joel Workman and Matt Mazarolle and also the return to the club of Jesse Hampel , who tweaked a hamstring in the pre-season. Hampel will be looking to force his way into the seniors in the next few weeks.  Due to come back into the playing squad in coming weeks after injury or delayed start to the season are Luke Mitchell and Lachie Dennis who will be looking to push for senior selection

• The Magpies Senior and Reserves teams are in desperate need of Team Managers this year following the retirements for one reason or another of Michelle Shepherd, who understandably decided to follow her son Callum to Moorooka, Peter Wilmot and Phil Kelemen, who both have their health problems and Chris Dennis, who has taken a well deserved rest  after many years as a club volunteer across a mountain of areas.

• On Saturday it was left to the support staff and coaches to manage the teams and also gather up all the club gear after the game and one of the players in Jack Goodall took the gear back to Chelmer. President Andrew Thomson is doing a fantastic job at the top but he is also doing a power of work to ensure guernseys are organised and washed and is unfortunately left to pick up the slack in a variety of areas due to lack of volunteers

• So if anyone wants a rewarding job and to be an intimate part of the club then let Andrew or any of coaches or committee know.

• On the subject of Club Person of the Year winners such as Michelle Shepherd, Peter Wilmot and Phil Kelemen, hats off to club legend and Life Member Gabe McKinnon who played on Friday night for the Woodsmen then turned up on Saturday and ran water in hot conditions for both the Reserves and Seniors. Gabe also wears his other hat as the club Secretary on the Board which is a demanding and time consuming job.  the work that goes on behind the scenes to get us to match day is all-consuming, so additional help is needed on match day to relieve those giving up their week nights.

• AFLQ developed a Player Points system in late 2018 to be implemented in 2019.

  Depending on the playing history of the player he is allocated a points rating and clubs must have all 22 players points total to be at or under the current maximum of 51 points.

  Players will have points deducted over the seasons depending on years played and loyalty of service  and in some instances it may stay the same for 2 seasons before starting to reduce e.g. Ryan Harwood still remains on 7 points for the 2019 season. 

  There are also discounts for players who return to their club of origin from NEAFL clubs, or those aligned players who wish to make a permanent switch after many years playing down from their NEAFL list.

  The system was brought in to:

  1.      support equalisation of community football competitions;

  2.      ensure teams fielded in the competitions are strong and as equally matched as possible;

  3.      provide the best opportunities for players to develop and display their skills;

  4.      provide opportunities to compete at a community level within an orderly and fair system;

  5.      enable team spirit and public support;

  6.      encourage community and corporate sponsorships of Community Clubs;

  7.      reduce the inflationary nature of player payments to assist clubs survive financially and reduce financial burden/stress on Clubs;

  8.      promote player loyalty and junior development;

  9.      support the role volunteers undertake in managing their Clubs by;

  - minimising the need to fundraise for player payments

  - providing a more competitive environment on field, that encourages more volunteers to support at Club level

  - providing incentive to spend more time and effort in the development of football, a welcoming Club environment and growing the game within the local community.

  Player Points Categories

  A player’s Category and the subsequent Player Points Allocation will be determined by that player’s playing history and achievements and is structured in a way to promote player retention and loyalty.

  Each player expected to play in the Senior Team of a QAFL Club will be allocated a

  Category and a Player Points Allocation as follows:

  Category 1 – Home Player – 1 Point
  Player who has played 40 or more games at the aligned junior club up to and including Under 17 Competition;
  A player who has played only at that Community Club or an aligned junior club, and for no other Community Club; or
  A player who has not played Competitive Football in the previous 36 months.

  AFL Player – 7 Points
  Player who has played a minimum of one AFL game in any of the current or previous three (3) Seasons.

  State League Tier One – 6 Points

  Player who has played a minimum of 5 senior games of VFL, WAFL or SANFL in any of the current or previous three (3) seasons.

  State League Tier Two – 5 Points

  Player who has played a minimum of 5 senior games of NEAFL, NTFL or TSL in any of the current or previous three (3) seasons.

  Premium Community Player – 4 Points
  Player who has played a minimum of 5 senior games in the current or previous three (3) seasons, in any Premium Competition in Australia.

  Premium competitions include QAFL, Canberra and Sydney Premier Leagues, SA and WA amateurs and major leagues in country and metropolitan Victoria--eg Geelong FL, Ovens and Murray FL, Ballarat FL, Essendon FL 

  Senior Community Player – 3 Points
  Player who has played the same number or more senior games than reserves games in total, over the current and previous three (3) Seasons at community football level.
  The player must have played at least 5 games in total, for either the Seniors or Reserves.

  Community Player and Transferred Junior Player – 2 Points
  Community player – A player who has played more reserves games than senior games in total, over the current and previous three (3) Seasons at community football level.
  Transferred Junior – a player who was recruited from an U19’s (or younger)Competition and who does not meet Category 1 eligibility.

  The Pies had 39 points against Mt Gravatt and don’t expect to ever have to make any selection decisions with points in mind during the 2019 season

  The breakdown as follows vs Mt Gravatt:

  7 points - Claye Beams

  6 points

  5 points

  4 points - Jayden Gallagher, Brody Lumber

  3 points - Kale Reed, Thomas Baulch

  2 points - Macauley Lonergan

  1 point - Jack Goodall, Liam Dwyer, Cal Carseldine, Doug Lawrence, Will Fletcher,  Harrison Kerr, Billy Johnson, Jack Austin, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Luca Winton, David Lewis, Drew Mitchell, Logan Murray, Riley Easton, Aaron Highlands, Dan Edwards,  

  TOTAL = 39 points 

   The above shows the Magpies ability to develop and retain local talent with 13 of the 22 playing junior football with the Magpies.

• The growth of the game, especially in South East Queensland and even more especially in the womens' game continues to gather pace and is healthy for our great game. The early success of the Lions and Suns also creates interest in footy at AFL level but also at local level.

• The standard of QAFL football continues to improve and should be spruiked by all supporters of our game. 

• On that note, club doctor Dr GregThompson has 2 daughters who started  playing AFL in Canberra 3 years ago and both just love it. One daughter Alexandra has decided to spend a year in London and luck would have it she found she was living 500 metres from the ground of the Wandsworth Demons, who have 3 mens and 2 womens teams  who compete in a London competition which has 8 clubs. Most of the players are Aussies but there is quite a smattering of English players and the club President is English.

• Ex-Magpie Alex Dickfos also plays for the Wandsworth Demons who won all 5 premierships last year. Might be time to come home Dicko as the Pies are looking for a big full forward at the moment!! ( a little birdie told me Dicko might be heading home soon!!) 

• A lot of the footy is 9-a-side but the competition proper in London is 18 a side. The Demons women won the Haggis Cup recently in Edinburgh where 5 clubs from Scotland and few from south of the border competed as well.

• Last weekend in Amsterdam there was a 9 a side pre season competition and have a look at the sides that competed --  Women-- Wandsworth Demons, West Clare Waves (Ireland), Amsterdam Devils, Paris Cockerelles, Port Malmo Lynx (Sweden), Zagreb Dockers, Nottingham Scorpions, Hamburg Dockers 

• Men ---Wandsworth Demons, Amsterdam Devils, Prague Dragons, Oslo Crows, Copenhagen Giants, Bristol Dockers, Norrtalje Dockers (Sweden) Manchester Mosquitoes, Edinburgh Bloods, West London Wildcats, Winturther Lions (Switzerland). The winners were coached by Dustin Fergus who previously played at UQ and was a roommate of Club President, Andrew Thomson at Kings College 20 years ago.

• To continue the theme of international footy, Doc Thompson's brother Neil attended a reunion of the Jakarta Bintangs at the Gabba in the Lions win over the Eagles. 

  The Jakarta Bintangs are largely ex-pats but they did have a few Indonesian players and here is the list of the other clubs in SE Asia--  Bali Geckos, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Wombats, Hong Kong Dragons, Vietnam Swans, Philippine Eagles, Malaysian Warriors, Japan Goannas, Cambodia Eagles, Lao Elephants, Macau Lightning, Thailand Tigers, Guangzhou Scorpions, Shanghai Tigers, Beijing Bombers, Myanmar Fighting Cocks. Current Woodsmen Volunteer, former senior player and u18 Premiership player, Dylan Mudge is a former Singapore Wombats representative.

• Further on  international footy, Leigh Barnes, who was mentioned in last weeks Gut Feelings , wrote back in the Old Players Facebook page that Bryan Dragus, who played for the Magpies in 2009-10,  is also a legend of USA AFL, having been a leader of the US team in the International Cup in 2011, 2014 and 2017. He finally won the national championship flag in 2017 and was one of the best players and is now married with a baby girl--great stuff. 

• Of interest there are 42 mens and 22 womens teams in the USA with the Golden Gate AFL having 5 teams, In Canada there are 47 clubs and ex-Magpie Rob McNaughton is still playing for the Toronto Dingoes--I see a recent post about indoor training and with the temperature at minus 20  who can blame them! Current Woodsmen player Brenton Hocking also spent a season with the New York Magpies in 2017.

• Fantastic to see footy played everywhere in the world with a significant Magpie connection.

• There are still a number of 50  year Commemorative guernseys available for purchase for $100 and the will be on sale at Saturday's home match against Labrador. For those with a penchant for a particular number, numbers available are-- 1, 10, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 36, 40, 50. 

• the club will hold a Country & Western night after Saturday's match and it will be combined as thank you to the Coaches and Support Staff by the players.  There will be $3 cans and there will be prizes for the best dressed. Hopefully the Pies will be celebrating a victory!! 

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Deja Vu as Pies lose Round 1 Thriller

It was deja vu as the script for the 2019 season opener against Mt Gravatt almost ran to the script from the 2018 loss to the Vultures.

In both matches the Pies got on top early then concentration lapses and skill allowed the home side in to the contest and then the Pies fell behind and just could not reel Mt Gravatt in.

The 2019 Pies lost a tough but typically scrappy Round 1 contest by 6 points, 13.10-88 to 12.10-82 in warm conditions in front of a healthy crowd. 

The Magpies started brightly to skip to a three goal lead early with Jack Goodall a lively target up forward with the first 2 goals and new players Tom Baulch and Harrison Kerr continually getting the ball forward.

Riley Easton was in everything early with 10 touches in the first 15 minutes and Will Fletcher celebrated his move into the midfield with several hard ball gets. 

In the story of the day, the Magpies made some simple skill errors with concentration lapses and the Vultures booted three goals in time on in the first quarter to square the ledger, putting to waste a bright start from the Pies

The second and third quarters became an arm wrestle with the Vultures keeping their noses in front, getting out to 3 goals ahead before being reeled in by the Pies.

In a tense and hard fought last quarter the Pies levelled the score going into time on but from the centre bounce the home team again pounced on a Pies defensive mistake to soccer a goal from metres out and much as they tried that elusive levelling goal never materialised. 

The Magpies gave up 6-7 goals from simple turnovers or dropped marks/fumbles within 20 metres of goal, and combined with some loose checking by the defenders - this allowed the Vultures to capitalise on skill errors to their full extent.

Ruckman Liam Dwyer played a virtual lone hand in ruck with a few rests and worked hard all game against a bigger and highly regarded opponent. Dwyer was able too nullify his opponent around the ground but after quarter time the Pies were beaten in the midfield battles.

Easton and Fletcher were busy around ground but the Pies struggled to get some clear ball from the centre bounces. 

Jack Austin presented across half forward and took 2 hangers to get the crowd alight and finished with 2 goals.

Baulch and Kerr showed they will be handy for the Pies this year and Billy Johnson and new key forward Brody Lumber -2 goals-- also had their moments. 

Goodall battled hard all day and was rewarded with three goals  and also spent some time in defence. 

The Pies looked a bit underdone after only paying 2 practice matches and with an influx of new players and will be better for the run. The Pies are at home at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer  next Saturday when they take on Labrador, who went down narrowly to Morningside. 

Goals: J. Goodall 3, J. Austin 2, B. Lumber 2, T. Baulch, K. Reed, W. Johnson, M. Lonergan, W. Fletcher
Best Players: L. Dwyer, W. Fletcher, R. Easton, J. Austin, D. Lawrence

Harvey Norman Oxley - Reserves Match Review

SECOND HALF DISASTER FOR RESERVES

The Western Magpies Reserves capitulated in the 2nd half in their match against Mt Gravatt, being outscored 14 goals to 1 after half time.

The Pies were well in the match and had the first 5 scoring shots of the game, unfortunately all behinds but were still within 10 points just before the long break but a controversial Mt Gravatt goal after the half-time siren seemed to take the wind out of the Pies--and as the match continued the Pies were indeed out of wind as they struggled to match the Mt Gravatt players for intensity at the contest and willingness to run.

While fitness could be to blame, players weren’t visibily exhausted as the Vultures had runners everywhere in the 2nd half, and it was a lesson in maintaining intensity and focus for 4 quarters for the young side.

The Pies were a mainly young team withjust a smattering of experienced players  and the Vultures looked more experienced with stronger bodies and it told after half time in the warm conditions.  Losing big ruckman Monty Vine to injury also didn’t help matters with the young and relatively small side on the park.

The Magpies had most of the early opportunities but a 1-5 return for early dominance resulted in the home team coming back hard to take a quarter time lead. The second quarter was an even contest but the second half was disappointing. 

In pleasing signs, most of the best players for the Pies were teenagers with young 17 year old recruit Riley Greene the Pies best with a non stop display across half back and through the middle and with other youngsters in Zane Lovell, Jordan Bonney, Cade Scott and Ethan Sivijs, the youngsters didn’t look out of place despite the heavy defeat.

Zac Collison was busy all match as can be expected playing in defence but he and Sivijs turned back many Vulture attacks. 

The Magpies will get a chance of redemption when they are at home to Labrador on Saturday. The Tigers lost a close contest to Morningside. 

Vultures   3.2-20 |  6.4-40  | 12.9-81 | 20.12-132

Magpies  1.5-11 |  3.6-24  |  4.7-31  |   4.7-31

Goals:  Not listed

Best: Riley Greene, Zac Collison, Zane Lovell, Cade Scott, Jordan Bonney, Ethan Sivijs 

CFMG Capital - Colts Match Review

COLTS HOLD ON FOR HARD FOUGHT WIN

The Western Magpies Colts had a hard fought 25 point point win over Mt Gravatt  on Saturday, winning. It was an important win for the Pies and a testament of the depth in the Colts ranks with with a total of 13 Colts aged players playing Seniors, Reserves and on Academy duties

The Magpies had good contributors all over the ground and were once again well lead by Noah Resuggan.

Best players for the Colts were Jonty McDougall , who returned after an injury layoff,  Darcy  Prest,  Lachie  Davies,  Rory Edwards, Jackson Paynter, and key defender Whitlam Bishop. 

Magpies 0.2 - 2 | 4.5 - 29 | 8.5 - 53 | 10.7 - 67

defeated

Vultures 0.4 - 4 | 2.4 - 16 | 4.5 - 29 | 6.6 - 42

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Round 1 Preview

The Round 1 Reserves outfit is a youthful outfit with some quality experience mixed in, to formulate what should be a quality development team for the club.

There will be 14 players aged under 20 in the side, including 7 players still eligible for the Colts, with every player absolutely earning their spot. There is also an influx of senior experience, both from practice matches and years gone by, with experienced campaigners in Pope, Saunders, Kilroy adding the wise old heads and Harry Marshall at just 22 already graduating to experienced campaigner in the group.

Kilroy, Pope, Saunders, Greene, Johnson, Scott and Vine could all consider themselves a bit stiff to miss out on Round 1 senior selection with the influx of NEAFL listed players pushing them back to the Reserves.

It’s expected to be a tough opening round with the Vultures fielding a very strong Reserves outfit in 2018 and expected to retain a majority of the side. Experienced players in Hunt, Crawford and Mazerolle are unavailable, while the returning Workman and Hampel are both injured along with Finn Collison.

Coach Kiran Verma is a competitive beast and will be looking to open his account as the 2019 Reserves Coach with a strong win, but also with an eye to the future as the young team develops under his watch to produce more senior footballers.

A first up win will do wonders for the confidence of the playing group and coaches.

Carter Capner Law - Colts Preview

The Western Magpies will go into Round 1 as somewhat of an unknown quantity in Round 1 when they take on Mt Gravatt. The Magpies were Premiers in 2018, while the Vultures took home the spoon, but a year is a long time in Colts footy with the Magpies having 7 Colts eligible players playing in the Reserves today in addition to 4 players unavailable due to Lions Academy duties.

The side features several returning players from the 2018 Premiership team as well as members of the 2018 squad, whilst also being bolstered by upcoming players from the Magpies Div 1 u16 side from 2018 where Mt Gravatt were a strong outfit, playing finals.

Noah Resuggan is in his 3rd year of Colts footy and is joined by Premiership teammates Whitlam Bishop, Jacob Aurisch and BOG in Grand Final Sammy Minin, while Riti Kagi who also played in the Premiership is a surprising omission and listed as an emergency.

Lachie Davies, Darcy Prest and Lawson Campbell bring plenty of ability to the Colts side, while academy product Jonty McDougall looks set to return after a long injury layoff.

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES & VULTURES RENEW RIVALRY IN ROUND 1 QAFL ACTION

The Western Magpies renew their long standing rivalry with Mt Gravatt, when for the fifth year in a row,  the Pies travel to Dittmer Park in Round 1 of QAFL action.

The Pies will field seven senior Magpie debutants in the match and will put a side on the field that does not resemble any of the teams they had in the practice matches with NEAFL aligned players in Lawrence, Carseldine, Johnson, Dwyer and Kerr joining the side, 3 of whom are club juniors. NEAFL rookies and Magpie listed players Tom Baulch and local junior Will Fletcher also strengthen the 22.

Two more notable inclusions are Claye Beams who joins the club from the Brisbane Lions for his first outing in the black & white (due to cricket commitments) and 2018 R/Up B&F Luca Winton who has been travelling in Europe before blowing off some cobwebs in an outing for the Woodsmen last week where he was best afield.

Interstate recruits will also feature, with key forward Brody Lumber haling from Deniliquin in for Round 1 after strong form in one practice match and Jayden Gallagher and Macauley Longergan also into the side after relocating from Yarrawonga.

Dan Edwards makes his senior debut after winning the joint McNamee Medal for Best & Fairest in the Colts Premiership side in 2018 and has had strong pre-season form.

 The Pies also officially welcome Jack Goodall as a fully fledged Pies player and the new vice-captain slots into the key defensive post where his strong marking and reading of the play will be vital for the pies this season. 

Next to him will be new captain David Lewis who also reads the play well and is brilliant at the intercept mark across half back. Jayden Gallagher has shown strong form in his two practice matches and has a strong left foot and Aaron Highlands look fit and raring to go as a key defender or pinch hitting in the ruck. 

Beams at half forward will offer a forward target and no doubt will have some midfield time and with his AFL experience and the new 6-6-6- rule at centre bounces opening up play his ability to win the ball will be crucial for the Pies. He will also be a foil for new forward Brody Lumber, who has an impressive CV from the southern Riverina of NSW. 

Liam Dwyer will shoulder the ruck duties and will have Beams, Will Fletcher and Riley Easton in the engine room and QAFL 2018 Rising Star Easton and Fletcher in particular were impressive  in the practice matches. 

This is a new look Magpies outfit with only 11 players in the side from the team that lost in the final round last year. Magpies coach Brydan Morgan will be very keen to have an early season win to  kick start the season after the Pies slow start last year with 5 narrow losses ended up costing them a finals berth in 2018. 

The Magpies are hoping a big contingent of ex-players will travel to Vulture territory to support the Pies against their old rival.