Sci Fleet Taringa - Reserves Round 8 Preview

EIGHT CHANGES BOLSTER RESERVES

Coach Kiran Verma has been able to bolster his side with eight inclusions for the Reserves clash with Morningside on Sunday

The Pies suffered a large defeat last week at a hands of a red hot Palm Beach outfit, but this side looks stronger physically and also with added football nous and experience.

Key inclusions  are the trio returning from the Senior side after performing well at Senior level, but forced out by returning regular senior players.

Jesse Hampel is still in the top three leading goal kickers despite limited games and will make a big difference up forward as will the inclusion of Redlands aligned Harrison Kerr, who comes back in after  missing over a month with a hand injury.

Also back in are key defender Harry Marshall and midfielder/forward Rory Johnson both having good seasons this year.

Other key inclusions are Premiership ruckman Gerard Moore and midfielder/defender Chris Hunt, who both add physical strength and footy smarts to the side, invaluable commodities in an otherwise relatively young side. 

The Pies will be keen to put last week out of their minds and there is no better way than put in a good performance and defeat a finals rival in the process.

QAFL Round 8: Western Magpies Reserves v Morningside (Indigenous Round) at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Sunday,  May 26th at 11.30 am.

B:  Aiden D'Roza  Gabe McKinnon Hamish Campbell  

HB:  Peter Kilroy Harry Marshall  Zac Collison

C: Charlie Thorpe Jordan Bonney Lawson Campbell

HF:  Finn Collison Matthew Mazarolle Chris Jenkins

F:  Rory Johnson Jesse Hampel  Harrison Kerr 

Ruck:  Gerard Moore

           Chris Hunt

Rover: Zane Lovell

Int: Sean McEvoy, Deng Arok,  Monty Vine , Harrison Radcliffe  

Harvey Norman - Colts Round 8 Match Preview

COLTS BOLSTERED FOR BIG CLASH

The Western Magpies Colts have been bolstered by three key inclusions for their all important clash with traditional rival Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Sunday morning.

The Pies sit 3-3  this season and are fourth on the ladder with the Siders gaining momentum after a slow start to the season, with 2 wins on the trot and sit in sixth place on the ladder.  

Into the team comes tall key position player Jack Briskey with Darcy Prest and Jonty MacDougall to add some zip around the packs and across half forward. Out go solidly built ruck rover Jacob Aurisch, nippy winger Ritti Batilimoyo and back pocket Lachlan Pearson, all injured or unavailable.

This is  match the Pies must win as it will put them 2 games clear of the Panthers and entrench themselves in the five.

It is a good opportunity to get one back on a long time rival and put a dent in Morningside’s finals chances as well. 

Coach Dallas Gallagher with stress to his young Magpies the need to be switched on from the first bounce to get on top early and then control proceedings.

QAFL Round 8: Western Magpies Colts v Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer  on Sunday, May 26th at 9.30 am

B: Tyler Bobin Tom Evans Jack Spry

HB: Oscar Murphy   Whitlam Bishop  Lawson Campbell

C:  Ethan Mooney  Rory Edwards Brodie Gardner

HF:  Abu Kante  Jackson  Paynter  Jack Briskey

F:  Darcy Prest Cam Ferguson  Cooper Crowell

Rucks:  Lachlan Davies

             Sam Mehari

Rover:  Jonty MacDougall

Int:  Morgan Smith, Anthony Caprioli, Claydes Doyle, Calsey Robinson

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Baby Pies challeng Premiers

On a day that had some warning bells ringing up against the undefeated Lions on their home ground, the under -manned Magpies missing up to 10 first choice players had to stand up and despite the final scoreline, the young Magpies did exactly that. A 43 point loss at face value looks like a bit of a thumping but the Magpies played determined football throughout and matched their opponents in most places on the ground but the Lions were more efficient going forward, particularly through star ex Fremantle & Collingwood forward Jack Anthony

The Pies featured 9 teenagers plus several other youngsters with less than 10 games to their name, but were not overawed and gave the undefeated Lions a solid workout. The Magpies took no backward steps and showed the club that the future and development is underway and will continue to see the club successful.

It is high praise for the performance and character of the Western Magpies from the  opposition coach Jess Sinclair who conceded

"the Magpies controlled the game most of the time but just could not apply scoreboard pressure.

In a frank assessment Sinclair said it was the first time this season his side had been ‘beaten up around the football’.

“We had some nice ball movement at times but I think they controlled the game most of the day and the scoreline probably flattered us a little bit"

The early clinches saw the Lions on top  and the scoreboard did not take long to start ticking over for the Lions and their star forward John Anthony certainly left a mark and it could said his 6 goal performance was the difference on the day. The Lions are a well drilled side but credit must go to the young first gamers for the Magpies who can be very proud of their first senior games for the club.

Teenage ruckman Samson Ryan did a great job in the ruck and exceeded expectations with an outstanding performance on the day in his senior debut, that confidence and performance certainly did not go unmatched by efforts of 17-year-old Cade Scott who also had an outstanding debut in the midfield and upforward, and despite his light frame the youngster was not afraid to throw his weight around in the clinches.

19 year old Jack Austin met the challenge set for the young forward and proved a great focal point in the forward line to boot 3 goals and he was well supported up forward by key forward Brody Lumber with 3 goals and around ground by Aaron Highlands, Drew Mitchell, Luca Winton and Jack Goodall .

We’re not in the business of celebrating losses, but the performance is one that sets a minimum benchmark for effort, a challenge was well and truly put on the table and the undermanned young Pies certainly bought a strong team performance that can set an standard for the remainder of the season.

However, a loss was not what the doctor ordered and the Magpies show up to every game expecting a win, so will be looking to getting players back and continue to build for the remainder of the season with the knowledge that the young Pies are up to the mark. The Magpies take on another close foe in Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Sunday in the club’s Indigenous Round and will wear a custom guernsey designed from original artwork commissioned by Chris Hunt in conjunction with Aaron Maricic and club stalwart Wil Ivinson. This is shaping as a season defining match which the Magpies must win to remain in touch with the five.

Palm Beach Currumbin Lions 7.1 - 43 | 9.8 - 62 | 14.11 - 95 | 16.14 - 110

defeated

Western Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 4.2 26 | 7.4 - 46 | 10.7 - 67

Best: Ryan, Winton, Goodall, Austin, D.Mitchell, Highlands

Goals: Lumber, Austin 3, Edwards, Highlands, Lonergan, Reed 1

Arabon Financial - Reserves Round 7 Review

An undermanned Western Magpies Reserves were no match for the ladder leading Palm Beach Currumbin side on Saturday. Due to extensive injury and unavailability in the Senior side, several top line Reserves players were given well deserved opportunities in the Senior game leaving the Reserves slightly depleted despite the inclusion of several top line Colts players.

Some late NEAFL call-ups resulted in more ‘uphill’ flow, leaving the Magpies with just 18 players, resulting in a couple of Colts backing up and coach Kiran Verma also suiting up despite having played the previous evening.

In contrast, the Lions side were up and about on their home deck in front of a Premiership reunion crowd and featured many quality players with senior experience displaying a depth that would be the envy of many clubs, and many Lions were quick to point out that until this point in the year, their senior side had enjoyed minimal injury interruption allowing their Reserves to settle into a cohesive unit.

A cohesive unit they were, running out 106 point winners after a 10 goal to nothing first half. The Magpies did compete well around the ball, and the inside 50 count was likely not as the scoreline suggests, but the young Pies outfit had no answer to the experienced forwards of Palm Beach who took full advantage of quality forward entries.

The Pies best performers were 16 year old Jack Briskey who again showed he has a big future despite the scoreline, while 3 other teenagers in the midfield worked hard to stem the tide in Jordan Bonney, Zane Lovell and Chris Jenkins.

Special mention also to Lawson Campbell and Luke Beetham who backed up from the Colts for their 2nd match of the day.

Lions 6.6 - 42 | 10.9 - 69 | 15.11 - 101 | 21.17 - 143

defeated

Magpies 0.1 - 1 | 0.5 - 5 | 4.6 - 30 | 5. 7 - 37

Best: Briskey, Jenkins, Vine, Bonney, Lovell, McDougall

Goals: Not recorded

Anytime Fitness - Colts Round 7 Match Review

An inexperienced Colts outfit took on the undefeated Palm Beach side down at Salk Oval and gave a good account of themselves against a side featuring more than 10 players in their 2nd season of Colts footy and several with senior footy experience. The Magpies had just 5 players returning from the 2018 squad with 3 from the victorious Premiership side.

However, it was a good measuring stick for the young side to see what it takes against a high quality opponent and the Colts fell well short on the scoreboard, but provided plenty of effort.

It was a bright opening as the Pies were just 1 goal down at 1/4 time, however the Lions got well on top in the 2nd quarter with 11 scoring shots to 2, with inaccuracy keeping the score respectable and the Pies in with a sniff. However a strong 2nd half saw the Lions turn a 30 point half time lead into a solid 47 point win to remain on top of the ladder.

Among the best players were Jackson Paynter giving a strong account of himself in the air, Brodie Gardner on the wing and no surprised Lawson Campbell, Whitlam Bishop and Jack Spry had plenty of work to do in defence to be named in the Pies best.

The Pies can bounce back this week against Morningside with several key players expected to return in what shapes as an important match for the Colts who currently sit at 3-3 and in contention for Top 3 and the double chance.

Lions 3.2 - 20 | 7. 9 - 51 | 9.13 - 67 | 12.16 - 88

defeated

Magpies 2.2 - 14 | 3.3 - 21 | 4.4 - 28 | 6.5 - 41

Best: Paynter, Gardner, Campbell, Davies, Bishop, Spry

Place Preview - Baby Pies Take on Unbeaten Premiers in Big Test

The Western Magpies selectors have again had to make several changes to the make-up of their team to take on the rampaging and  undefeated defending QAFL premiers Palm Beach-Currumbin on their home turf in QAFL Round 7 action on Saturday. 

Besides a couple of ageing warriors in Gareth Crawford and Drew Mitchell (apologies to Drew!!), the Pies side is very youthful and they will hold no fear of the Lions on Saturday.

AFLQ talks up the rivalries in the QAFL but the Pies v Lions is as good as any of them  as they developed a fierce rivalry over a fifteen year period from 2004 onwards when they met in many finals clashes and in three grand finals for a 2-1 result to the Pies. There was never any love lost between the teams and the Pies premiership wins in 2008 and 2012 over the Lions live long in  the memories of many a rusted on Pies supporter.

The Pies lose Claye Beams, Ben Jaenke-Cain and Luke Mitchell to unavailability and Riley Easton to injury. 

In exciting news in comes classy young ruckman Samson Ryan for his senior debut, whose ruck work harks back to the days of the tap ruck men of yore  who directed the ball to the chest of their rovers. Ryan has been on Brisbane Lions Academy duties in the first half of the season.

17 year old Cade Scott also comes in for his senior debut after impressive pre-season form and a solid first 5 rounds of Reserves footy to earn his chance and Jesse Hampel makes it a trio of debutants when he comes in after excellent reserves footy with consecutive bags of 5 goals and he found his feet after 4 years away from the game.

Despite the ageing warrior epitaph, Crawford and Mitchell were instrumental in the Pies comeback against Sandgate a fortnight ago and both are playing with plenty of vim and vigour, with Crawford showing no signs of slowing down, adding plenty of zip to the midfield with his pace and agility at stoppages.

In other good news Brody Lumber returns to the key forward position after missing due to unavailability Rory Johnson comes in after good Reserves form to add pace around the goals.

The young Pies will attack this match with nothing to lose and with the Magpies having a good record at the Salk Oval, coach Brydan Morgan will stress to his charges that this can be a season defining match and to leave nothing in the tank by the match's end. 

QAFL Round 7: Western Magpies v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Salk Oval, Currumbin   on Saturday, May 18th at 2.00 pm

B: Jayden Gallagher Harry Marshall  Riley Greene

HB:  Luca Winton  Jack Goodall  Brenton Saunders

C: Macauley Lonergan Drew Mitchell  Dan Edwards

HF:  Lachie Dennis Aaron Highlands Kale Reed 

F: Brody Lumber Jesse Hampel Jack Austin

Rucks:  Liam Dwyer

             Will Fletcher

Rover:   Cade Scott

Int: Samson Ryan, Gareth Crawford, Ethan Sivijs, Rory Johnson

Emerg: Bruce Reville, Joel Workman, Zach Collison

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Round 7 Preview

RESERVES FACE TEST AGAINST UNBEATEN LIONS

The Western Magpies Reserves face a stern test as they take on the unbeaten Palm Beach-Currumbin at Currumbin on Saturday. 

The Pies are missing key players with injury or unavailability and are also a young team except for ageing warriors Peter Kilroy,  Gabe McKinnon and Sean McEvoy. Also joined by Ben Jaenke-Cain for this match as he is unavailable in the 2pm timeslot due to work. Kilroy and McKinnon have found the elixir of youth and are among the best players  this year, Jaenke-Cain played his best match a fortnight ago in the senior game and McEvoy is regaining touch after  a delayed start to the season and he is 3 matches shy of 200 matches for the club in what has been a magnificent career for the Pies over the past 15 seasons. All the other players are quite young with an average age of 20 and they will be keen to inflict the Lions first defeat.

The Pies will miss the class and experience of Chris Hunt, who is unavailable, but welcome the high flying youngster in Jack Briskey to the forward line. 

The key to victory will be the midfield battles and Jaenke-Cain, the strong bodied Jordan Bonney and the returning Zane Lovell will be keys for this and if the ball can get down quickly to a strong forward line, the Pies can kick a winning score.

Down back, youngster Hamish Campbell has been a revelation with strong marking at centre half back and Zac Collison has been the Pies best player this year in the last line of defence. 

The Pies will need to bring their A game to knock off the Lions on their home turf but coach Kiran Verma will have his side up for the challenge.

QAFL Round 7: Western Magpies Reserves v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Salk Oval, Currumbin  on Saturday, May 18th at 11.30 am

B:  Sean McEvoy  Harrison Radcliffe Zac Collison  

HB:  Peter Kilroy Hamish Campbell, Isaac Bongaarts

C: Charlie Thorpe Jordan Bonney Mitchell O'Dea 

HF:  Joel Workman Matthew Mazarolle Chris Jenkins

F:  Gabe McKinnon Finn Collison Jack Briskey 

Ruck:  Monty Vine

           Ben Jaenke-Cain

Rover: Zane Lovell

CFMG Capital - Colts Round 7 Preview

COLTS IN GRAND FINAL REMATCH

The Western Magpies Colts face a tough match when they take on last year’s Grand Final protagonists Palm Beach-Currumbin in a top five clash. PBC are undefeated and the young Pies will be up for the challenge.

The Pies welcome young rover Luke Beetham to the side and from all reports he is a classy player. Lachlan Pearson returns to the last line of defence.

The Pies will be without good players in Jonty MacDougall, who is promoted to the Reserves, while centreman Noah Resuggan and utility Darcy Prest

Rory Edwards moves to the centre  and will team up with Jacob Aurisch and ruckman Lachlan Davies to win the midfield battles.

Up forward Cam Ferguson and Cooper Crowell have been in good form and Whitlam Bishop, Tom Evans  and Lawson Campbell anchor the backline.

Like the Seniors and Reserves, the Colts will need to bring their very best to match and then overcome the undefeated lions on their home turf, but they looked to be returning to their best form a fortnight ago and will be primed for a big team performance.

QAFL Round 7: Western Magpies Colts v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Salk Oval, Currumbin on Saturday, May 18th at 9.30 am

B:  Lachlan Pearson  Tom Evans Jack Spry

HB: Tyler Bobin  Whitlam Bishop  Lawson Campbell

C:  Ethan Mooney Rory Edwards Brodie Gardner

HF:  Calsey Robinson Jackson  Paynter  Oscar Murphy

F: Morgan smith Cam Ferguson  Cooper Crowell

Rucks:  Lachlan Davies

             Jacob Aurisch

Rover:  Luke Beetham

Int:  Anthony Caprioli, Kelly Siemer,  Coleman Cornford,  Claydes Doyle,   

Gut Feelings VI - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care

• The Magpies had another good weekend with 4 out of 4 last weekend. The Seniors had a tough hitout against the last placed Sandgate but all it underlined was that the QAFL is a tough competition and there are no easy games. For the purist this is a great thing but for the Magpies faithful it can cause a few heart palpitations!! The Reserves, Colts and Wodsmen all had victories in matches they were expected to win 

• The Woodsmen after a comfortable win vs UQ last weekend then took on Jimboomba on Friday night and were well beaten in tough conditions. It’s a bit of a consistent theme with the old lads in this side, they don’t do well in tough conditions when speed and fitness are as important as skill and experience!

• Certainly doesn’t help when they had yet another 8 changes from the week before!

• Well, well, there's life in the old dog yet! Gareth Crawford has turned back the clock to his League and Bill Peirce Medal winning ways with two superb games of footy, easily being the Pies best player in the past two matches

• In last Saturday's match at Sandgate, Crawford was instrumental in keeping the Pies in the contest after the home team had slammed on four first quarter goals to have the Pies supporters just a little bit nervous. He then continued to win the footy in contest after contest to propel the Pies into the lead then hang onto a hard fought 12 point victory. Crawford spent most of last year in the reserves and was largely content to play there but he has rejuvenated himself this season and is relishing his footy and the challenge of being the old dog in a young team. 

• Crawford polled 10 votes in the Syd Guildord QAFL player voting (a reminder this is voted on by both coaches and the maximum votes is 10) and he now has 17 votes to be third on the voting, only 2 votes behind the joint leaders. Dan Edwards polled 4 votes and again underlined his enormous potential with another polished display for a youngster and he impressed with his clean ball handling in wet conditions and also adds much needed pace to the Pies line-up.  Jack Goodall also polled 4 votes to have 13 votes and other Pies to poll a vote were Drew Mitchell (3), Riley Greene (1) and Luca Winton (1).

• Reserves tall forward Jesse Hampel is putting up a strong case for a Senior debut after another 5 goal performance which takes him to 17 goals and second on the QAFL Reserves goalkicking list. Hampel marked strongly and is a long accurate kick--he has a perfect kicking action which means he can perform week in-week out regardless of the pressure and game situation.

• The Colts returned to the winners list with a solid display and from all reports will be stronger in coming weeks with the return of their Brisbane Under 18 Academy players. Forward Cooper Crowell booted 4 goals again after a 4 goal effort 2 weeks ago before missing last weeks clash. He is also a strong mark and has a good kicking action and he has 13 goals for the season to be third on the QAFL Colts goalkicking list. 

• You may have noticed that each week for the past couple of weeks  a Sherwood Team of the Week is posted with the players adjudged to be the best in their respective teams from Under 8s through to the Seniors. A great innovation and creates a lot of interest. I am sure the younger players will be stoked to be mentioned in the same team as Gareth Crawford!! Younger platers will be very happy to see their name on the Team of the Week and it is a good way to foster the one club environment.

• PBC next week--huge challenge for the Pies--PBC on top of the ladder in 3 grades--undefeated. Likely celebrating their 1999 and 2009 Premiership reunions after their 2009 opponent remains at lower levels and the Magpies were their greatest rival from that era before being promoted in 2009 to the NEAFL.

• the Magpies will be hosting Morningside on Sunday May 26 to celebrate Indigenous Round and will again sport a special edition guernsey for the game. This year the jumper will be very different from the 2018 edition and is derived from original artwork specifically for the Magpies arranged by Chris Hunt.

• Grey Magpiees Co-ordinator Shane Bridley  has done a great job in creating interest among the Past Players and he informs GUT Feelings that he has been able to secure Hawthorn, Carlton and AFL legend David Parkin as a guest speaker for an event to be held at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday July 20th when the Pies host Sandgate.

• The final format is yet to be determined but put this date in your diary  as it promises to be a great day and Shane is hopeful of attracting a bevy of Sherwood past players and officials home for the weekend. 

• There were 6 Magpie Lads at the recent state U15 carnival, with 5 in the Met West side and 1 in the Darling Downs side. Another 6 will be at the U12 carnival, 5 in Met West and 1 in Met East, while club stalwart Brett Noodles McEvoy will coach Met North and also the State Side, though unfortunately young Elliot Sinfield will have to relinquish his place after a broken collar-bone last Friday night put him out for an extended period, a similar fate suffered by young gun Jacob Edwards in 2018 when he broke his arm and missed the carnival

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Magpies prevail after early challenge

The Western Magpies survived a scare at the hands of Sandgate to pocket the 4 points after being challenged early in the game when the home side booted the first 4 goals of the match to have the Magpies on the back foot and digging deep.

Sandgate came out of the blocks on their big home ground  from the first bounce and with several pacy players were able to isolate the Pies backmen and boot 4 goals before the Pies had troubled the scoreboard or even had an inside 50!

The heavens opened up for the last 10 minutes of the first quarter and the match then became a hard fought contest but the Pies were able to steady then match the intensity of the Hawks before wresting control of the middle of the ground.

The Pies did not panic and decided to go with a smaller faster forward line which proved effective and then worked their way back into the contest then dominated the second and third quarters to claw their way to a 21 point three quarter time lead. In the slippery conditions this was a formidable lead but if the Pies thought they were going to run away with the match the Hawks had other ideas and kept the Magpies honest with a 5 goal quarter. Luckily for the Pies they were also able to kick 3 goals themselves and the 12 point final margin was the closest Sandgate got in the last quarter.  

The Magpies had 12 more scoring shots in winning 10.14-74 to 10.2-62. In the circumstances a win is a win, especially after giving up a 4 goal start.

The Pies had to make a late change to their side with Luke Mitchell being rushed straight back into the side after key forward Brody Lumber was a late withdrawal due to upset travel plans  

Mitchell repaid he faith of the selectors by being one of the best players and he showed his class with clean ball handling skills in wet conditions. 

Gareth Crawford continues his fine vein of form with another hard working contribution with well over 40 disposals and Dan Edwards on a wing confirmed he is right at home at QAFL level with a class display, also showing clean handling skills in difficult conditions. Crawford and Edwards, along with Will Fletcher,  kept the Pies in it in the early stages of the match.

Riley Greene kept one of the Hawk's key forwards quiet in a disciplined display and he is growing in maturity and stature in each game he plays. 

Jack Austin was thrown into the ruck after half time and did a fine job, competing hard all around the ground and stand-in skipper Jack Goodall presented all day at CHF and Doug Lawrence was solid at CHB.  Ben Jaenke-Cain and Kale Reed both played their best games to date to also be good contributors for the Pies. 

The Magpies had the bye in the most recent weekend before taking on the undefeated Palm Beach-Currumbin at Currumbin this Saturday. The Magpies will regain a few key players and have a good record at Salk Oval so this shapes as one of the matches of the season to date.  

Magpies: 0.3-3 | 4.5 -29 | 7.11- 53 |  10.14-74 

Hawks: 4.0-24 | 5.2-32 | 5.2-32 | 10.2-62 

Best: G. Crawford, D. Edwards, W. Fletcher, R. Greene, D. Lawrence, J. Goodall

Goals: J. Goodall 2, L. Dennis, L. Dwyer, M. Lonergan, J. Austin, D. Edwards, K. Reed, B. Jaenke-Cain, D. Mitchell

Carter Capner Law - Reserves Round 5 Match Review

RESERVES WIN SCRAPPY AFFAIR

The Western Magpies Reserves won by 69 points over Sandgate last Saturday in what was a scrappy affair.

On face value that is a handsome victory and for 2 quarters the Pies played like a top three team.  They were out of the blocks early to establish control, with a 5 goal to one quarter led by full forward Jesse Hampel and half forward Joel Workman.

The Pies then decided it was all a bit easy and dropped in concentration so the second and third quarters were a fumble fest of dropped ball, poor disposal and general skill errors.

The Pies regained some semblance of good team football in the last quarter to ram home their 16.14-110 to 6.5-41 victory which takes them to third on the ladder.

Jesse Hampel kicked another 5 goals in an impressive display and received good support from the always busy Joel Workman across half forward. Hampel has 13 goals for the season in just 3 outings and is second on the QAFL Reserves goalkicking list

One of the few players to have clean ball handling skills all game was rover Chris Jenkins while Chris Hunt on ball and up forward also put in another good game. Wingers Mitchell O’Dea and Charlie Thorpe were prolific ball winners and drove the Pies forward on numerous occasions. Matt Mazerolle also continues to be a tough matchup, and is really clunking his marks across half forward this year.

The Pies have played better for four quarters but 4 points is 4 points and the win takes them to third on the QAFL ladder.

They will need a four quarter performance after the bye when they take on the undefeated Palm Beach-Currumbin this weekend

 Magpies  5.4-34 | 9.6-60 | 11.6-72 | 16.14-110

Hawks    1.0-6  |  4.0-24 | 6.4-40 | 6.5-41

Best: J. Hampel, C. Jenkins, C. Hunt, M. O'Dea, C. Thorpe, J. Workman

Goals: J. Hampel 5, J. Workman 3, P. Kilroy 2, D. Misso 2, R. Johnson, C. Thorpe, M. Mazerolle

One 2 One Plumbing - Round 5 Colts Match Review

COLTS RETURN TO WINNERS LIST

The Western Magpies Colts returned to the winners list with a solid victory over Sandgate on Saturday morning.

The Pies, coming off two lack lustre performances, were off to a brisk start to get on top early and were never challenged in their 12.5-77 to 1.6-12 victory. Despite the result, Sandgate are a strong side and the result shows the Magpies were switched on for the game after a couple of down weeks.

Welcoming small forward Cooper Crowell, on baller Darcy Prest, half forward Jonty MacDougall and half back Lawson Campbell to the team lifted the Pies and all were good players in the victory.

Crowell booted another 4 goals and was joined by full forward Cam Ferguson, also with 4 goals. Tyler Bobin played his best game for the Pies in his first season in black and white and had good support from consistent CHB Whitlam Bishop and also winger Brodie Gardiner. Crowell has 11 goals this year to be second on the QAFL Colts goalkicking list.

The Magpies sit in third place on the ladder and like their Senior and Reserves counterparts will regather themselves after this week’s bye to take on the undefeated Palm Beach-Currumbin in a fortnight in a rematch of the 2018 Grand Final.  

Magpies  3.1-19 | 4.3-27 |  8.4-52  | 12.5-77

Hawks  0.0-0 | 1.1-7 | 1.3-9 |  1.6-12  

Best: D. Prest, T. Bobin, C. Ferguson, W. Bishop, L. Campbell, B. Gardner

Goals: C. Crowell 4, C. Ferguson 4, L. Davies 2, R. Edwards, J. MacDougall

Place Preview - QAFL Round 5 - Magpie lineup boosted with key inclusions

The Western Magpies have been boosted for their Round 5 QAFL clash with Sandgate by the return of key position players Jack Goodall , Brody Lumber and Doug Lawrence.

However, as is becoming the story there must be some injury debits and not just omissions, with the Pies losing skipper David Lewis with a broken hand and Logan Murray has been suspended for 1 match but would have missed through injury regardless. Monty Vine drops back to the Reserves.

The Pies were brave last week in another narrow loss so will be keen to return to the winner's list at Taigum on Saturday.

The Hawks are winless to date but are still a dangerous proposition for the Pies, especially on the wide open spaces of the Hawks home ground. 

Goodall and Lumber were sorely missed last round and their inclusion may well have turned the tables. With Aaron Highlands in top form the Pies key position stocks look decidedly dangerous and Claye Beams, Riley Easton and Lachine Dennis will add to the danger at ground level.  

Lawrence bolsters the defence and with Luca Winton and Jayden Gallagher both in fine form last week the Pies defence is solid. They will miss the leadership of Lewis but the inclusion of Lawrence will help compensate.

Liam Dwyer has provided a good contest in the ruck in his three games and Will Fletcher will only get better as midfielder with each outing. Gareth Crawford showed there is still some gas in the tank as he turned back the clock last week and he is clearly enjoying himself back in senior footy and leading the way with his outstanding form the last 2 weeks.

Teenagers in Macauley Lonergan, Riley Greene and Ethan Sivijs have been a revelation in the past two matches and will revel in the open spaces at Taigum.

The Pies will be keen to pocket the four points to get their season back on track before next week's bye. 



Anytime Fitness Rocklea - QAFL Reserves Match Preview

MAGPIES LOOKING TO BUILD MOMENTUM

The Western Magpies Reserves will be looking to build some momentum this week, having played consistent footy since their poor Round 1 showing, but have been unable to string two wins together.

The Pies have made 5 changes to the side this week with the major out  being big ruckman Gerard Moore who is suffering soreness after a traffic accident during the week. Sam Hartog also goes out and he was a dejected figure last week with a recurrence of a torn quad which will keep him out for an extended period of time. Youngsters Jonty McDougall and Lawson Campbell both go back to bolster the Colts and Finn Collison is injured.  McDougall and Campbell most certainly didn’t look out of place at this level and acquitted themselves exceptionally well.

On the plus side the ins are Monty Vine in a straight replacement for Moore, Luke Mitchell, Dom Misso, Chris Jenkins and Gabe McKinnon. Mitchell comes back for his first game in 2019 after missing with injury from the pre-season and winger/half forward Dom Misso has returned to football after some time off trying his hand at boxing. He played 7 senior games as an 18 year old in 2017 and will be a welcome boost to the Pies depth as he finds his feet again.

The Pies mix of experience and youth was on full display last week and Chris Hunt, Peter Kilroy and Joel Workman led the experienced brigade and were well supported by the youth of Hamish Campbell, Aidan D'Roza, Rory Johnson and Charlie Thorpe to name a few.  

Jesse Hampel is getting back to his best and provides a tall forward target and will be looking to add to his 5 goal tally of last week and Matt Mazarolle has proved a consistent marking target in recent weeks. .

The Pies will need to be switched on as Sandgate will smell an upset and coach Kiran Verma will stress the need for a good start on Saturday.

QAFL Round 5: Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday, May 4th at 11.30 am

B:  Aidan D'Roza Harrison Radcliffe Zac Collison  

HB:  Peter Kilroy Hamish Campbell, Luke Mitchell

C: Charlie Thorpe Jordan Bonney Mitchell O'Dea 

HF:  Joel Workman Matthew Mazarolle Chris Jenkins

F:  Gabe McKinnon Jesse Hampel  Cade Scott 

Ruck:  Monty Vine

           Chris Hunt

Rover: Rory Johnson

Int: Isaac Bongaarts,  Sean McEvoy, Coleman Cornford, Dominic Misso

Kaplan - Round 5 QAFL Colts Preview

COLTS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

After getting a rude shock last Saturday, the Western Magpies Colts will be looking to bounce back hard in their clash with Sandgate on Saturday.

No doubt the Pies will be on-song from the first bounce and coach Dallas Gallagher will have stressed the importance of a strong showing this week

The Colts welcome back Jonty MacDougall and Lawson Campbell who both performed exceptionally well in the Reserves and Cooper Crowell to the forward line where he booted 4 goals against Wilston Grange. Darcy Prest also returns from academy duties and can play anywhere on the ground, but will likely boost the midfield brigade.

The backline looks solid with Tom Evans moving back there and Campbell to the back flank next to Whitlam Bishop.

Noah Resuggan leads a solid midfield who will want to get on top early after getting shown up last week by a strong Broadbeach side.

Up forward MacDougall and Sam Mehari are capable of creating mayhem with their pace and agility and big Cam Ferguson will be the main target.

The Pies will be keen to put the last fortnight behind them and return to the winners list but must be fully prepared to foil any ambush the Hawks may have planned for them.

With academy duties coming to a close this week, there could be an influx of more Magpies back into the mix and the boys will want to put their best foot forward to retain their spots.

QAFL Round 5: Western Magpies Colts v Sandgate at Sandgate Saturday, May 4th at 9.30 am

B:  Tyler Bobin  Tom Evans Jack Spry

HB: Ritti Batilimoyo Whitlam Bishop  Lawson Campbell

C:  Ethan Mooney   Noah Resuggan  Brodie Gardner

HF:  Rory Edwards Jackson  Paynter  Jonty MacDopugall

F:  Sam Mehari Cam Ferguson  Cooper Crowell

Rucks:  Lachlan Davies

             Jacob Aurisch

Rover: Darcy Prest

Int:  Morgan Smith,  Oscar Murphy  ,   Xavier Jeffrey,  Claydes Doyle

Emerg: Anthony Caprioli,  Kelly Siemer, Calsey Robinson,  Abu Kante

Gut Feelings V - Weekly colection fo random musings from deep inside the nest

• The Magpies Senior team showed a lot of resilience against Broadbeach to firstly bounce back after the disappointment of the previous week and with a number of key players missing and then when looking down the barrel in the third quarter were able to hang in there and then nearly wrestle back the 4 points. The Magpies list has been pulled from pillar to post in the first 4 weeks of the season and on Saturday the Pies were missing automatic selections in Ryan Harwood, Luke Mitchell, Brody Lumber, Jack Goodall and Tom Baulch. While a number of other strong senior candidates are also injured.

• The depth of the Pies was tested but in recent weeks coach Brydan Morgan has unearthed several ripping youngsters in Riley Greene, Ethan Sivijs, Dan Edwards, Zane Lovell, Jayden Gallagher and Macauley Lonergan. We all forget that Harry Marshall is also just 22 and he did not let his coach down on his recall

• Lachie Dennis is also only 20 and also looked right at home back in Seniors  after a very late start to the year and Aaron Highlands is also only 22 but plays like a veteran. Jack Austin is still only 18 and still learning his craft.

• Having fielded teams with an average age under 23 for the past 3 rounds, even including the veteran Gareth Crawford, the upside for the Pies is massive and exciting times are ahead.

• The Pies looked down and out at the 10 minute mark of the third quarter against Broadbeach when trailing by 4 goals  and to some observers it looked like Broady could run away with it. To the Pies credit they found something extra and led by the resurgent Gareth Crawford, who has bounced back to medal winning form, and youngsters in Dan Edwards and Macauley Lonergan the Pies refused to lie down and in an exciting last quarter almost won the game. It was still another disappointing narrow loss for the Pies and composure at key moments certainly let them down

• Morgan's personal resilience will be tested in coming weeks with further news that skipper David Lewis will miss 5-6 weeks with a broken hand, while there are also other niggles and the news that Gerard Moore will miss this week due to a traffic accident at work! Cn’t take a trick the Pies!

  At least Lumber and Goodall will be back for this week's clash with Sandgate.

• Morgan spoke after the game of the toll it takes to be a Senior coach, regardless of what level you coach at. Morgan was proud of his players but was gutted after the loss and said a loss like last Saturday's just flattens him for a few days but he has to pick himself up to review the game  so feedback can be provided to the players and then switches quickly to the next game and start planning for that. 

• While the QAFL  is essentially an amateur competition the time and effort put in by the coaching staff is time consuming and is at the professional level and is almost a second full time job for Morgan. 

• Speaking of youngsters, the Pies had Colts players in Jonty MacDougall, Cade Scott, Lawson Campbell, Coleman Cornford and Charlie Thorpe and another crop of youngsters in Hamish Campbell, Rory Johnson, Jordan Bonney, Aiden D'Roza, , Mitchell O'Dea, Harrison Radcliffe  snd Finn Collison all playing in Reserves and they were all good players in the win over last season's Premiers. Worth noting that McDougall, L.Campbell, Scott and Cornford are just 16 years old!

• D'Roza was singled out by his coach Kiran Verma for keeping tabs on last year's Reserves leading goal kicker.

• The other pleasing aspect of the win was the return to form of Jesse Hampel with 5 goals and the continued fine play of Zac Collison, who must be close to a Senior debut. He is the Reserves best player this season quite comfortably

• Another fine player was Chris Hunt, who at 28 yo is classed as a veteran. Hunt was the Pies best player in last week's Reserves victory and his experience was vital when the match got tight. He is not as fit as he should be after a late start to the season but still has clean ball handling skills and good decision making and with more fitness will be pushing for a Senior recall to add the 99 Senior matches he has played for the Pies.

• Hunt commenced with the Pies in 2009 and played 6 senior games that year and was part of Des Lashman’s Colts team that went down in the grand final by a point to a hot favourite Morningside.  His presence in the Reserves gives the youngsters around him confidence and his leadership is highly valued at the Nest.

• This weekend is Umpires Appreciation round and this contributor has been known to offer unsolicited advice to the men in green on a Saturday afternoon. In fact Gut Feelings is old enough to remember giving advice to the men in white with black socks and white boots--there was only one of them in this days --  and then he recalls doing the same to the men in orange and yellow as well. 

• Jocularity aside, there cannot be a game without umpires and as anyone will tell you it is a difficult job. The AFLQ have released several stories highlighting the difficulty the umpires have  with a lot of "grey" areas in the interpretation of the rules. being highlighted. The beauty of our game is that there are "grey" areas and most players and supported know the nuances of the game and generally understand the subtleties of the rules of the game. 

• Last week was QAFL Anzac Round and the Magpies had a service before the Senior game on Saturday at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer.

• The Western Magpies have been without team managers thus far but club stalwarts Kevin Kluver and David Bartlett have put their hands up to assist in this area, and also with the return of Lachie Dennis in recent weeks, long time volunteer Chris Dennis is also back on deck to assist.

• Barts has been looking after the hamburger stall at home games and he was assisted by Rob and Mary Hartley  on the weekend and the home match previously by Libby Caprioli, mother of Colts player Anthony, and Natalie Cornford, mother of Coleman,  which was much appreciated by Barts.

• Kevin manned the scoreboard for the three matches on Saturday which is a long day. Club stalwart Phil Kelemen, who is  battling chronic kidney disease yet still does managers role when he can, cannot be expected to do all the jobs he has done for the past 15 or so years so it is time for a few others in the club to step up and put their hands up to do some of the jobs that are required to keep  four senior teams on the field, not to mention the numerous junior teams at Sherwood as well.

• The Woodsmen suffered their first loss on Friday night going down to the Sam Long coached Yeronga outfit. It was a close enounter, and this is Yeronga’s senior side taking on the Magpie 3rds which shows the depth at the Magpies

• Long as a former Magpie coach and Woodsmen player had plenty of intel on the team, even still being a member of the private Facebook group - but it likely didn’t do him much good when the woodies again made 10 changes to the previous weeks team and will be looking to welcome back to the side the likes of Judson, DeNys, Green, Banim and many more in coming weeks. An embarrassment of riches!

• Also pleasing to see down at the Woodies game was Senior Captain, David Lewis giving up his time to assist where possible.

• Eagle eyed Club President and Woodies stalwart Andrew Thomson also spotted ex teammate and past Magpie Micky Sheen sitting under a tree enjoying the warmup, and before poor old Micky knew what had hit him he had a fluro vest and some flags to look after goal umpiring duties!

• It’s an eclectic bunch down at the Woodies with 2 life members in the side, 3 current committee members, former senior captains, former reserves captains, a couple of AFLQ employees, a current reserves coach, some rugby converts, a paramedic and plenty of coppers!

One2One Plumbing - Colts Match Review

Undermanned Colts Well Beaten

An undermanned Western Magpies Colts were well beaten by Broadbeach on Saturday when they went down by 12 goals in their worst defeat for many years.

The Pies were outplayed from the first bounce to go down 16.11-107 to 4.11-35.

With a squad of 35 and the Senior side decimated by injury and unavailability, it was a great opportunity to give some deserving Colts players another taste of Reserves footy and also provide an opportunity to the balance of the Colts squad.

Granted the Pies were also understrength with a number of key players on Brisbane Lions Academy duties, a better showing was expected - particularly as the named team still contained 7 of the 2018 Premeirship side.

However, the loss of so many quality players proved too big a hurdle for a red hot Broadbeach outfit with the Pies seemingly disorganised from the start. With not all of the named 22 arriving, and named emergencies not turning up, they played down a couple of players which magnified in the on field performance.

This week will be a chance to get back to the winners list, but a strong Sandgate outfit will be a tough nut to crack and the young Magpies must be prepared to put in the work.

Western Magpies      0.1-1  |  1.1-7  | 4.6- 30 | 4.11-35

Broadbeach              5.1-3 |  10.5-65  | 14.7-91  | 16.11-107

Carter Capner Law - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES DOWN LAST YEAR'S PREMIERS

The Western Magpies Reserves, with a mixture of experience and youth, won an important match against last year's Reserves Premiers Broadbeach in a high class contest at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies established an early 2 goal break and were able to hold onto the lead throughout but in another heart stopping period almost coughed up a 3 goal three quarter time lead before finishing strongly to boot the final 4 goals of the match to seal a vital 27 point win, 13.5-83 to  8.8-56.

The inclusion of the experienced Gerard Moore to the ruck and Peter Kilroy to the half back line  and the footy smarts of Chris Hunt and Joel Workman guided the Pies youngsters to a hard fought but well deserved victory. Jesse Hampel started to demonstrate why he is rated highly with a classy display after a number of years  away from the game then an early season injury slowed his progress and he finished with 5 goals as he adjusted his radar from previous weeks.

The Pies included several Colts players who were deserving of their opportunity and speedster Jonty MacDougall lit up the Magpie faithful with some scintillating football, while Lawson Campbell didn’t look out of place in his Reserves debut and Cade Scott was again a strong performer, despite being a bottom aged Colt.

Gerard Moore in his first game for the year after one training session since returning from his wedding/honeymoon didn’t skip a beat and his ability to give his team first use and provide a great outlet option in the air did not go unnoticed by the Pies faithful. With some match fitness under his belt, Moore could be a huge presence in the back end of the year for the club.

Zac Collison played another fine game in defence and he has been the Pies most consistent performer at Reserves level to date and must be knocking on the door for Senior selection. Hamish Campbell, another youngster, was moved down back after a few games up forward and he took some telling marks and was also a fine player. On baller Rory Johnson was again busy and won plenty of ball in midfield to drive the Pies goalward. While Chris Hunt showed quality footballers can play anywhere as he gave the Pies huge drive playing in the midfield.

The Magpies are now 2-2 with a chance to go into the black when they play Sandgate next Saturday at the Hawks nest at Taigum.

Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 6.3 - 39 | 9.5 - 59 | 13.5 - 83

defeated

Cats 2.3 - 15 | 3.4 - 22 | 6.4 - 40 | 8.8 - 56

Best: Hunt, H.Campbell, MacDougall, Moore, Z.Collison, Johnson

Goals: Hampel 5, Workman, McDougall 2, Kilroy, McEvoy, F.Collison, Mazerolle

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Pies pipped in another tight contest

The Western Magpies have lost another close match by less than a kick when  they were defeated by last season's runner-up Broadbeach by 4 points at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday. Played in perfect conditions, the Pies, missing several key players,  looked down and out at the 10 minute mark of the third quarter but dug deep to stay in the match and then fought back to almost snatch victory in a nail-biting last quarter with the vocal crowd on the edge of their seats. It was a huge improvement on the previous week, but the Pies will soon need to learn to win the close ones.

The Magpies started brightly enough and were keen to put the poor performance last week behind them and with Aaron Highlands a target up forward skipped 3 goals ahead but Broadbeach snared two late goals to close the gap at quarter time.  Highlands had 3 on the board by quarter time and looked up and about after missing the previous week.

In an arm wrestle in the second quarter Broadbeach started to win the clinches and with some good outside run were 11 points up at half time, as the Pies repeatedly failed to make use of their forward entries by getting the ball to ground.

The Pies needed the first goals after half time but it was the Cats who opened the scoring  with two early goals (both from horrendous decisions from the umpires in another sense of deja vu from the corresponding game last year) and with the Pies now 4 goals down, the game was slipping away. At this point the Pies looked ti be in trouble but they all dug deep and fought back to kick a couple of vital goals to stay in the contest.

Trailing by 22 points at the last change the Pies mounted a fightback and with Gareth Crawford winning some hard ball in the midfield and Dan Edwards and Macauley Lonergan productive on the wings the Pies closed to within 4 points before a late Cats goal got them 10 points clear. Another Pies goal closed the gap and in a tense last 4 minutes the winning goal eluded the Pies. The Magpies had several chances going forward but they lost some composure and the opportunities evaporated, with one in particular a likely 12 point turnaround.

Still, it was a much improved effort from the Magpies and the pleasing aspect is that  all the young players in the side were fine contributors in the match. Dan Edwards was a shining light on a wing and gave away height and weight to his opponent but proved up to the task with a fine display and good ball use. Teenage half backs Ethan Sivijs and Riley Greene were strong and their attack on the football was a highlight and 19 year old Macauley Lonergan played another energetic game to be in the best players, using his agility and pace to advantage. 

At the other end of the age spectrum, Gareth Crawford reminded all of his ability to win the tough inside football and also why he won a major league B & F medal in country Victoria as well as a Bill Peirce Medal in 2017 with a typical non stop display with plenty of second and third efforts, with his zip and speed around the packs a real feature.

Luca Winton was superb at fullback on ex-Magpie/Sherwood Junior and QAFL Leading Goalkicker in 2018 Matt Fowler and kept the spearhead and Broadbeach Captain to 3 goals but won many contests to be a fine player. Fowler commented it was one of the hardest days he has had at the office for a while. Harry Marshall was worthy of his recall as he  did good job on ex Collingwood player Jason Cloke and in one effort stopped a certain goal with great attack on the ball player that at the time kept the Pies in the game.  

Aaron Highlands competed strongly at CHF and finished with 3 goals and Jayden Gallagher as a rebounding defender had his best game for the Pies to date. Gallagher could be best described as a "raking left-footer" which he uses to good effect. 

Coach Brydan Morgan was happy with his side's effort and workrate but he was spent after the natch as he said these sort of matches take a lot out of a coach and there have been too many of these matches for the Pies in the past year and a half!

Next week the Pies have a chance to return to the winners list when they travel to Sandgate and will welcome back key talls in Brody Lumber and Jack Goodall and have several other players who could return from NEAFL duties as well as several Reserves players who may come under consideration after some strong form.

Magpies 4.1 - 25 | 5.3 - 33 | 7.4 - 46 | 11.6 - 72

lost to

Cats 3.3 - 21 | 6.8 - 44 | 9.14 - 68 | 10.16 - 76

Best: Crawford, Edwards, Lonergan, Highlands, Winton, Gallagher

Goals: Highlands 3, Austin, Lewis 2, Fletcher, Mitchell, Beams, Murray

Welfare Partnership Announcement - Alistair Mitchell - Discovering the Best You

During March, the Sherwood Football Club were excited to appoint Alistair Mitchell from Discovering the Best You as the Club Welfare Manager, looking after player/coach/volunteer well-being, mental health, performance coaching and program facilitation.

Alistair is on call for all our players 24/7 to chat about any issues, struggles or anxieties they might be experiencing and will attend the club each month to visit training and speak with players and coaches in addition to attending the club 3 times during the year to facilitate very specific programs and presentations.

On Thursday May 9 @ 615pm in the clubhouse - Alistair will give his first presentation to talk all things mental health and well being. Managing your emotions, spotting the signs that you or one of your teammates, coaches or friends are struggling

This program and presentation is open to all coaches, volunteers, staff and all players from U14 squad through to Senior Football. Players from the U14 and U16 squads are encouraged strongly to attend, but please ensure at least one parent attends alongside you.