MCARTHY HOMES QAFL MATCH REVIEW - HARWOOD BOOTS 7 GOALS AS PIES STAY IN FINALS RACE

A fit and firing Ryan Harwood booted 7 goals as the Western Magpies kept their finals hopes alive with an emphatic 74 point victory over Wilston Grange before a healthy crowd at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer  Saturday week ago in Round 16 QAFL action. 

After a slow start when the Gorillas made a contest in the first quarter and a half, the Pies clicked into gear midway through the second quarter to boot 14 goals to the visitors 1 goal from the 16 minute of the second quarter to go on to a percentage boosting 19-7- 121 to 7-5-47 victory.

With Palm Beach-Currumbin kicking a last second goal to defeat Mt Gravatt by 1 point, the door is still ajar for the Magpies to make the finals. 

Harwood and CHF Brodie Lumber got the Pies going with 3 goals each before halftime  then Harwood added four goals in the final quarter, one a superb check-side goal from near the scoreboard which was every bit a good as any Eddie Betts special!!  

Wilston Grange came out firing in the opening stanza  with the first 2 goals then Pies got going with the next 4 goals followed by a goal early in the second quarter to lead by 3 goals. The Gorillas hit back with the next 4 goals to take the lead but this stirred the Magpies into action who replied with 4 goals of their own to have a 21 point buffer at half time. 

The Magpies stamped their authority on the game after half time and with percentage to play a key part in finals aspirations the Pies opened up play and with the best forward movement for the year were able to outscore the gorillas by 10 goals to 1 goal in the second half. 

The Magpies dominance began with a superb display in the ruck by Gerard Moore who won the ruck contest then marked all-around the ground. Moore's footy smarts will be crucial in the next 2 matches. Riley Easton was, well, Riley Easton, with a typical bustling display, winning the ball from the centre as well as laying plenty of tackles, one late in the third quarter caused an eyebrow laceration which needed a few sutures after the match. The Magpies were not happy with how his cut occurred and there was a fair bit of niggle in the final quarter as a result of this.  

Claye Beams showed his obvious class with a polished display, starting at half back then rolling through the middle and also spending time up forward.

His foot and hand skills were a delight to watch. 

David Lewis led from the front with great generalship across half back with numerous intercept marks and Brenton Saunders also continued his great form , starting in defence but also pushing forward at times. He also had the head swathed after also copping an eyebrow laceration early in the match. 

Will Fletcher in midfield was up and about early before fading slightly and Lumber provided a strong leading target once again. Liam Dwyer was his usual busy self up forward and Jordan Bonney had a solid game and enjoyed his first Senior goal, a long kick from 50 metres in the last quarter.  

The Pies can rest some sore bodies this week with the bye before resuming in another virtual  elimination final when they host Mt Gravatt at McCarthy homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.  

Western Magpies

4.1-25 | 9.5-59 | 14.5-89 | 19.7-121

DEFEATED

Wilston Grange

2.2-14 | 6.2-38 | 7.4-46 | 7.5-47

 WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: R. Harwood 7, B. Lumber 3, C. Beams 2, H. Kerr 2, L. Dwyer, W. Fletcher, J. Bonney, M. Lonergan, J. Goodall
Best Players: G. Moore, D. Lewis, R. Harwood, R. Easton, C. Beams, B. Saunders

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES FACE TOUGH CONTEST AGAINST RESURGENT GORILLAS

The Western Magpies have the second of  their four elimination finals when they face a resurgent Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in QAFL Round 16 action on Saturday.

The Pies have to just keep on winning and see what happens elsewhere. With a bye coming up the Magpies will leave nothing in the tank this week. Coach Brydan Morgan has laid down the challenge to his team to play hard, smart football and if the Pies sneak into the five they will be on a roll and anything is possible. 

The Gorillas caused an upset last week over Labrador and with the inclusion of several NEAFL players are a different proposition to the side that had some big losses mid-season. 

The Pies will be wary  of an ambush and should be fired up to avenge their early season loss on Good Friday --the Pies were ordinary that day, and while there was a host of injury and unavailability, the effort was not QAFL standard.

The Pies have been strengthened by the return of big man Aaron Highlands, who is versatile and can play back or forward and in the ruck, while Dan Edwards, arguably the Pies most consistent player this season,  comes back in onto a wing. 

Out goes Billy Johnson to Redlands and Zane Lovell to the Reserves

A fit and firing Ryan Harwood is crucial for the pies as he leads by example and he is vital for the Pies in the midfield but is also a dangerous forward when rested.

Brodie Lumber just needs to get his goal kicking radar tuned in and he will kick a handful and the Pies need him to continue his spectacular marking form.

Skipper David Lewis has shrugged off a niggling ankle to be back to his best across half back last week and with Jack Goodall was a key player in last weeks victory.

Gerard Moore continues to get better each week in ruck and with Gareth Crawford just loving his footy at the moment and Riley Easton and Will Fletcher both hard nuts the Pies should get enough centre clearances to give Lumber, Highlands and Liam Dwyer plenty of opportunities up forward.

The Pies have struggled to kick big scores but on paper the Pies have a potent forward line so this Saturday may just be the day it all clicks.

With the Pies having more at stake than the Gorillas they should have enough firepower to win and stay in the finals race for at least another fortnight. 

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies v Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, July 27th at 2.00 pm

B: Lachie Dennis  David Lewis  Brenton Saunders

HF: Riley Greene, Jack Goodall,  Claye Beams

C: Macauley Lonergan  Luca Winton  Dan Edwards 

HF: Will Fletcher Liam Dwyer  Harrison Kerr

F:  Kale Reed Brodie Lumber  Aaron Highlands  

Rucks:  Gerard Moore

             Ryan Harwood

Rover:   Riley Easton

I/C: Luke Mitchell, Ethan Sivijs, Jordan Bonney,  Gareth Crawford, 

In: Aaron Highlands, Dan Edwards 

Out: Billy Johnson (Redlands ), Zane Lovell (omitted)

Carter Capner Law - Reserves Preview

RESERVES LOOK TO MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

The Western Magpies Reserves will be hoping for two in a row when they host the 8th placed Wilston Grange on Saturday. Like their Senior counterparts on Good Friday, the Reserves were understrength  but were still disappointing in losing to a struggling Grange outfit. 

There are another large number of "ins" and "outs" with key inclusions being Joel Workman, Rhett Lloyd, Hamish Campbell, Monty Vine and Cam Ferguson, while the cavalry from last week who came to the rescue return to whence they came--Judson, Verma, and Merritt to the Woodmen and Thorpe, Ryan and Prest to the Colts while the two permit players return to their home clubs.

Last week we saw vintage Val Pope with 5 goals and Brady Allen looks dangerous as he gains match fitness. Rhett Lloyd is a class player and gives the Pies a lift in midfield  and Hamish Campbell has also been one of the Pies success stories this year. 

Gabe McKinnon continues to defy father time and has relished his ruck duties while Sam Hartog has returned to the form he showed last year when he played Senior football. 

While only pride is at stake in this match for both sides, the Magpies will be keen to notch another win and as everyone knows, a win gives a much nicer feeling than a loss.

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies Reserves v Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, July 27th at 11.30 am 

 B: Aiden D'Roza  Harry Marshall  Gabe McKinnon 

HB:  Zac Collison Jesse Hampel  Sam Hartog

C:   Deng Arok  Rhett Lloyd Hamish Campbell  

HF:  Val Pope   Brady Allen Joel Workman

F:  Chris Jenkins  Jack Austin  Zane Lovell

Rucks:  Monty Vine

             Jayden Gallagher 

Rover:   Ben Jaenke-Cain 

I/C: Finn Collison, Isaac Bongaarts, Sean McEvoy, Cam Ferguson

CFMG Capital - Colts Preview

FINALS LIKE TEST FOR COLTS

The Western Magpies Colts face an early test of their finals credentials when the Pies host the second placed Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday morning.

The Pies have been bolstered with the return of key playmakers in centreman Noah Resuggan, key tall Jack Briskey, small forward Sam Mehari and centre half back Whitlam Bishop.

On the debit side they lose twin speedsters Jonty MacDougall and Ritti Batilimoyo.

The Pies are close to full strength though its hard to judge, as the squad has tremendous depth creating countless selection headaches for the brains trust.

Players in good form include ruck rover Cade Scott, ruckman Lachlan Davies and defender Lawson Campbell.

This match will provide a challenge for the young Pies and will give them a good indication of where they sit in the finals equation. A win gives them the confidence that they are in the premiership mix and will likely secure third on the ladder and the double chance while a loss will only be a temporary setback but makes it a bit more tricky to finish in the top three.

The Colts are in strong form and continue to build nicely as they regain a more consistent list of available players and build momentum with less frequent mass changes to the side.

Magpies vs Wilston Grange - 930am, Sat 27 July @ McCarthy Homes Oval

*final selected 22 not available at time of writing

Gut Feelings XIII - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care Chelmer

• Great backs against the wall win against Sandgate on the weekend in front of a big home crowd, and with other results going the Magpies way - finals are still in the mix

• However, its all academic if the Pies don’t win over Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval today.

• Well done to Jordan Bonney on his senior debut on Saturday, Jordan has been a consistent performer in the Reserves all year after reinventing himself as a midfielder. His 2018 season was wrecked by injury and after a promising junior career as a key position player, he shed 13kg this pre-season and has only missed one training session all year to underline his dedication and commitment.

• Jordan is enjoying his footy, was a popular debutant among the playing group and played a sold first up game after being bundle of nerves. Presented his first senior jumper by club legend and renowned hard man, Jimmy Rozynski, that same jumper was subject to the mandatory gatorade shower in post match celebrations

• The Seniors had the big crowd which was swelled by the Past Players and Officials who attended the David Parkin luncheon on tenderhooks for most of the match before the Pies were able to get on top late in the match. Not good for the ticker of the Old Boys  and the coaching staff  but coach Brydan Morgan made some positional changes at three quarter time which opened up the scoring for the Pies, with Ryan Harwood, who had been ill, shifted forward to boot 2 goals which put the Pies in front for the first time in the match at the 20 minute mark of the last quarter. . Billy Johnson kicked tow vital goals from a wing with his trusty left foot and the magpies pocketed the valuable 4 points to keep their season alive.

• The Reserves had a strong victory after a slow start and with a large number of players unavailable due to other commitments, injury and illness it was up to the likes of coach Kiran Verma, the evergreen Chris Judson, a senior premiership player, club Director Mitchell Merritt, permit players in Jacob Zingelmann from Beenleigh and john Harding from Jindalee and all were among the better players. A few of the club’s legends in Val Pope and Gabe McKinnon also showed their younger teammates and the opposition they still have it in spades by also being named in the best players.

• A few youngsters also stepped up after playing in the Colts game in Charlie Thorpe, Sean Ryan and Darcy Prest and all acquitted themselves well in the 13 goal victory. The Pies will be looking for the return of a number of players this week so the selectors may have some headaches fitting them all in so what a difference a week makes

• The Colts are slowly but surely building toward September action and as they get close to a full list to choose from  will be in the serious premiership mix. Their aim is to finish third on the ladder and secure the double chance. They will get a good idea where they sit in the premiership rce when they take n the second placed Wilston grange on Saturday in what shapes as a finals like match with plenty riding on it for the pies. A win almost secures third place and a loss makes it a bit tougher but with matches to come against the 7th placed Mt Gravatt  and 8th placed Surfers Sharks they should still get the double chance but will rely on Broadbeach losing at least one of its remaining matches to either Morningside or PBC.

• The Woodies put up a brave fight last Friday night when they went down in a low scoring affair against 2nd placed Jimboomba. In freezing conditions, they started with just 16 players before emergency players began to arrive late in the first quarter!

• In a must win match the Woodies traveled to Morningside in a battle for a home final last night and despite losing 5 players to ankles and hamstrings during the game, managed to sneak home for a 10 point win. The match played in farcical circumstances with bumped in lights blinding the players, making the game very unsafe. Guess not all rules apply to everyone!

• The Magpies host ladies day today with over 100 pre-sold tickets it promises to be a fantastic event. Local community partners and sponsors have jumped on board the event with catering from Goodness Gracious Cafe, Superior Fruit and Wendy’s Kitchen and a host of other donations.

• The day features live music, special drinks and food packages, a keynote presentation from Donna Thistlewaite (Australian Story) , MC Brent Staker and so much more.

• Congratulaions to Shane Bridley, Terry O’Shea and Greg Adams for organising a wonderful Sportsmans Luncheon with David Parkin last Saturday attended by almost 100 Past Players, Officials and Supporters.

  Shane Bridley has done a lot of work to re-energise the past players which is now universally known as the “Grey magpies”.

  Shane went to the trouble to note all the following guests and Gut feeling has re-produced his welcome speech below  

• HONOUR BOARD OF ATTENDEES:

  . Guest Speaker: Former VFL/AFL Legend – David Parkin

  . State Member for Seat of Miller/Minister for Transport: Hon Mark Bailey(MP)

  . Club President:  Andrew Thomson

  . Club Directors: Martin Sinfield, Niall Powell

  . Club Sponsors: Heath Grosvenor (Coopers), Peter May (Place Real Estate), Bryce

                                Hatton (Any Time Fitness), Nick O’Sullivan (McCarthy Homes).

  . Life Members ( 12 Present )– Bill Peirce, Kevin Kluver, Michael McEvoy, Chris    

                                                      Arnold, Matt Vowles, Tim McEvoy, Warren Selvage,

                                                    Chris Dennis, Paul Grentell, Bruce O’Neill, Adolfs Lacis, David Bartlett.

  . Past Club Presidents: (4)

    Matthew Vowles, Michael McEvoy, Kevin Kluver, Adolfs Lacis

  . Local Businessmen / Parents of Players/ Supporters

  . Apologies:  Peter Sherwood (Club Patron), Des Lashman, Rob Lawson, Rocco Stewart, Dr Greg Thompson (all Life members)  

  . The Travellers: David Parkin(Melbourne), Rod Selvage (Sydney), David

     Atkinson (Darwin), Merv Schloss (Perth), others from Gold & Sunshine Coasts, particularly Len Whitney who collected David  from Noosa to bring him down.

  . The Ladies: (2) - Jan Hogan (wife of Dennis), and Barbara Beerling (wife of Vic)

  . 1957  First Junior Teams – U12’s(3) – Kevin Kluver, Wasyl Malar, Merv Schloss

                                                  -  U14’s (1) - John Lynch(1st Junior Premiership in 1958)

  . 1968 First Senior Team (Metropolitan Division):  (1)

    Bob Blank(Won George Hall Best & Fairest Medal), Vic Beerling.

  . 1970 First Senior Premiership Team (SQAFA Division): (9)

  Bob Blank, Merv Schloss, Ken Kassulke, Dennis Hogan, Kevin Kluver, Vic Beerling,

   Wasyl Malar, Gary Glazebrook, Ray Pinnington.

  . Premiership Players:

    1973 – (8) Dennis Hogan(C), Ken Kassulke, Warren Selvage, Glenn Crompton, Vic  

                 Beerling, Wasyl Malar, Gary Glazebrook, Shane Bridley.

    1975 – (9) Dennis Hogan( C ), Ken Kassulke, Warren Selvage, Vic Beerling, Gary

                 Glazebrook, Rod Selvage, Bruce O’Neill, Don Beerling, Greg Adams.

  1976  – (7) Dennis Hogan, Warren Selvage, Rod Selvage, Bruce O’Neill, Glenn 

                 Crompton, Don Beerling, David Greer.

  1976 (1st Reserve Grade Premiership) – (2) Terry O’Shea, Lee Rush.

  1977 -  (5) Bruce O’Neill, Glenn Crompton, David Greer, Warren Selvage, Rod

                     Selvage.

  1978 – (6) Warren Selvage, Glen McDonald, Craig St John, Greg Butler,

                      Bill Peirce, Paul Hope.

  1979 – (10) Mark Gersekowski, Paul Gersekowski, David Greer, Bill Peirce, Greg

                       Adams, Bruce O’Neill, Warren Selvage, Glen McDonald, Craig St John,

                       Greg Butler.

  1981 -  (6) Bill Peirce, Steve Mitchell, Chris Arnold, John Cawcutt, Ian Anderson,

                     Warren Selvage, Glen McDonald.

  1982 – (10) Craig Anderson, Craig St John, Steve Mitchell, Bill Peirce, Chris Arnold,  

                       Bruce O’Neill, Ian Anderson, John Cawcutt, David Atkinson, Glen

                       McDonald, Warren Selvage.

  2006 /2007(G/F)/2008 – (6) Tim McEvoy, Jimmy Rozynski, Sean Mewing, Tom

                                                     Roberts, Will Ivinson, Scott Matthews, Brett McEvoy.

  2012(Last Premiership) – (4) Tim McEvoy, Jimmy Rozynski, Ed McDonnell, Lachlan

                                                       Woods.

    Whether you were a champion player or like most of us ‘”Just a Local Boy trying to get a kick of the footy” stand tall boys and be proud of your contributions to this club, because the Club is proud of you all.

  THE GREY MAGPIES-Welcome address by Shane Bridley

  Fellow past player Terry O’Shea and myself met with President Andrew Thomson last November and discussed the possibility/desire to establish a Past Players & Supporters Association, with a range of Goals, including – Player Welfare / Mentoring / Club Projects & Fundraising / Social Involvement through Football / Improving Communication between past & present players & supporters / and Re-connecting the Past with the Present.

  Andrew and the Board were very supportive of our endeavours, and by the start of the season we were up and running as The Grey Magpies.

  Communication - Spreadsheets have been established with players/supporters names, however we have more blank spaces than details. Eventually all those contact details will come together on the Club’s Data Base for ease of communication.

  The Magpie Chatter seems to be reaching players/supporters near and far, and provides a bit of an update of what is going on around the club, and we hope to keep that going next year.

  If you would like to receive The Chatter, make sure you are registered as a Grey Magpies Supporter.

  Finance - Home Game Day Raffles have been commenced with a tidy little profit each day going in to The Grey Magpies Bank Account, and all funds will eventually come back to the Club to fund agreed to projects.

  A big thank you to Michael McEvoy who has arranged for a meat tray to be donated for each raffle, and to Paul Grentell who has arranged some wine to also be raffled.

  Bob and Debbie Lawson add some chocolates and a neat little pack, and they sell quite easily. Terry O’Shea drives from the Gold Coast and back each home game just to sell tickets and enjoy the banter. Next season we hope to have a roster system where players from other eras will join in to ease the load. (Gut Feelings note—Shane Bridley drives from the Sunshine Coast so he and Terry can meet in the middle!!)

  Socially we hope to be able to attract past players/supporters from all eras to come along and meet/mix, and thanks go out to Paul Grentell and Tim McEvoy who have already provided assistance in that area.

  Player Welfare – The opportunity to meet and socialize with others who we had so much in common with as players is an important part of  dealing with health issues as we get older, and functions like today we hope will assist in that area.

  Future – Next season we hope to have an official Grey Magpies Committee set up, and perhaps offer Membership Packages, if the idea is well supported.

  Finally – When Billionaire Steve Jobs from Apple fame was on his death bed, he wrote that “ Whatever stage of your life you are at now, with time we will all face the day when the curtain comes down. Material things can be replaced but Life cannot.

  Treasure love for your family and friends. Treat yourself well and cherish your friends.

  “When you have mates, buddies and old friends, who you chat with, laugh with, and tell stories about north, south, east or west, that is true happiness.”

  Today is a classic example of an occasion for all of us present, to take advantage of such an opportunity, tell some old lies about football days, meet and mix with others from different eras, bearing in mind wat it was that brought us together – Football.

• David Parkin had the audience eating out of his hand with a fantastic monologue, then through a Q&A with Kev Kluver and Anthony McDonal plus a roving mic he regailed the crowd with some fantastic insight into the modern game and how it operates.

• The room also heard from Senior Coach Brydan Morgan and had a Presidents Address from Andrew Thomson where the club ethos from top to bottom was spelt out, Parkin noted it was the best local footy event he’d attended for many years and had never heard what a local footy club should be so well articulated.

• In other news, the McCarthy Homes Oval surface is looking fantastic given the time of year and extensive use. A nice even coverage of grass! Big thanks to Kenmore Senior Football club who through a JV arrangement brokered between the clubs have allowed the u11,u12, u14 and u16 squads to train over their to reduce the wear and tear on the oval.

Carter Capner - Colts Match Review

COLTS WIN WELL--PUSHING FOR DOUBLE CHANCE

The Western Magpies Colts shrugged off a dogged Sandgate to win a danger game and continue the Pies push toward the double chance. 

With several key players missing, the Colts matched the visitors early intensity then blanketed the Hawks after quarter time to dominate the last three quarters.

The Pies kept Sandgate to 2 behinds after quarter time to win comfortably by 69 points, 12-11-83 to 2-2-14. 

Cade Scott provided plenty of drive from the middle of the ground and shows the benefit of several early season Firsts matches. Sean Ryan was again busy around the packs and is providing spark for the Pies after his return several weeks ago from injury. Jackson Paynter continues his good from at the key centre half forward position and he has been a shining light for the Colts so far this season with his constency and quality, a senior player of the future in the making. Jacob Aurisch slotted back into the team after missing with an ankle injury and his strength around the contest was a highlight. Lawson Campbell and Tom Evans dominated across half back to blanket the Sandgate forwards and restrict the visitors scoring opportunities. Campbell is another who has been a consistent player all season. 

The Pies host second placed Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday in what should be a quality contest between 2 good sides.

Magpies 12.11 - 83

defeated

Sandgate 2.2 - 14

Best: Scott, Ryan, Paynter, Aurisch, Campbell, Evans

Goals: Mooney, McDougall 2, Kohler, Aurisch, Kante, Davis, Smith, Ferguson, Scott, Crowell 1

CFMG Capital - Reserves Match Review

The Western Magpies enjoyed an emphatic win over Sandgate on the weekend with an incredibly colourful side featuring young and old and everything in-between.

Due to extensive injury and unavailability, the Reserves included coach Kiran Verma, regular Woodsmen player and former senior Premiership player Chris Judson (who rose from his sick bed), Club Director Mitchell Merritt (backing up from the night before), 2 permit players in Jacob Zingelmann from Beenleigh and John Harding from Jindalee as well as 3 Colts lads in Charlie Thorpe, Sean Ryan and Darcy Prest backing up from the prior game.

It was an especially special day for Merritt who made his long awaited debut for the Magpies on a Saturday after starting the the club close to 20 years ago as a junior!

Harding acquitted himself extremely well in the step up from Division 3 Senior Football, while young Zingelmann also found plenty of the footy.

However, it was the older brigade that shone brightly on the day with Ben Jaenke-Cain dominating through the middle with former Senior premiership teammate Judson, while Gabe McKinnon in the ruck was tireless and Val Pope turned back the clock up forward with a bag of 5 goals.

The Pies were slow started, not hitting the lead until midway through the 2nd quarter but ran away with the victory in the 2nd half piling on 13 goals to 3.

Former senior players finding their way back after injury and absence in Brady Allen and Sam Hartog were also good performers.

Magpies 17.13 - 115

defeated

Sandgate 6.6 - 42

Best: Jaenke-Cain, Judson, Pope, Hartog, Allen, McKinnon

Goals: Pope 5, Verma Collison, Jaenke-Cain 2, Austin, Jenkins, Gallagher, Marshall, Hampel, Arok 1

McCarthy Homes QAFL Match Review - Magpies stay in finals race with grinding win

It was a big day at McCarthy Homes Oval as an eclectic mix of Sherwood Old Boys enjoyed the Grey Magpies Lunch with special guest David Parkin. With players from the first Sherwood team in 1956, the first Sherwood Premiership teams, the first Senior sides and the first Senior Premiership sides - it was a wonderful turnout!

However, they exited the function room midway through the first quarter to find the fast starting Sandgate already 3 goals up, which became 5 goals early i the 2nd quarter. The Magpies weren’t panicking, but were not clean with the ball and were once again innaccurate in front of goal, kicking 6 straight behinds before Billy Johnson registered the Pies first goal nearly 20 minutes into the 2nd quarter and then just minutes later added a 2nd goal to really get the Pies started.

The Pies were being well served by their big men, with Brody Lumber again marking everything and Liam Dwyer showing strong hands to be a quality target. With Gerard Moore getting his hands on the footy in the ruck, it was also another vintage display from the ageless Gareth Crawford who was a dominant presence around the stoppages.

The 3rd quarter was a little more even, though it felt like the Pies were getting on top in general play but couldn’t finish their work. Lumber in particular looked like he had found his radar with a goal late in the 2nd quarter, but likely finished with 6 or 7 behinds in what was still a best on ground performance. An ill Ryan Harwood was spending plenty of time back and forward, but shwoed his class with a clean finish before spectacular left foot stunner from Gareth Crawford after busting through several tackles put the Pies within just 3 points midway through the 3rd quarter.

To Sandgates credit, their better players continued to hunt the footy and create chances and the final break saw Sandgate with a 12 point lead.

The final quarter was an arm wrestle early and it looked like the Pies may not get off the chain, before Kale Reed opened the scoring at the 10 minute mark to reduce the margin to less than a kick. A rare forward entry to Sandgate and the Pies again were victims of an incredibly dubious free kick right in front of goal to the opposition to again find themselves 2 kicks from an important victory.

Kale Reed again found himself in open space to close the margin, before Harwood showed his class with 2 goals in 3 minutes from a contested mark deep and a snap around the body from the pocket. The icing on the cake came late with a 40m set shot from an angle from Claye Beams and the Pies were home with a 5 goal last quarter securing a hard fought 11 point win.

Captain David Lewis arguably had his best game of the year after struggling with injury for much of the season with a polished display down back, while riley Easton was his usual rugged self winning contested ball and laying countless tackles.

Youngster Jordan Bonney made a well deserved Senior debut and acquitted himself well after being presented with his senior jumper by club legend Jimmy Rozynski in the rooms prior to the game. It was a testament to young Bonney who has re-invented himself in 2019 to make his way to Senior football. After playing a majority of his underage footy as a highly skilful but aggressive and hard key position player then an injury interrupted 2018, Jordan had a huge pre-season losing 13kg before Round 1 to play in the centre for the Reserves week in week out before debuting as a mid-foward in the senior side.

Attention now turns to the return game vs Grange on Ladies Day at McCarthy Homes Oval next week.is what should be a quality encounter.

Western Magpies 0.4 - 4 | 3.9 - 27 | 6.13 - 49 | 11.14 80

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 3.1 - 19 | 5.4 - 34 | 9.7 - 63 | 10.9 - 69

Best: Lumber, Lewis, Crawford, Easton, Dwyer, Johnson

Goals: Harwood 3, Reed, Johnson 2, Crawford, Beams, Lumber, Kerr 1

Gut Feelings XII - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care Chelmer

• the Colts take top billing this week after an emphatic victory over Morningside on Saturday.

• Getting back to full strength, the Colts hit their straps and dominated the first quarter with 7 goals to put the match beyond doubt by quarter time. The Pies went on to win against their finals rivals by 68 points, which was a complete reversal for the Pies in their first clash 7 weeks ago when Morningside won by 64 points, a 132 point turn-around. 

• Coach Dallas Gallagher has welcomed the return of class players over the past few weeks either from injury, Qld State duties or Senior/Reserves duties  in Sean Ryan, Cade Scott, Noah Resuggan, Cam Ferguson, Jack Briskey, Darcy Prest and also had a walk-in player in Byron Kohler. With the continued improvement in Lachlan Davies, Lawson Campbell and Cooper Crowell, the Pies are playing with confidence and are well in the hunt for a flag as they expect more players to return in coming weeks.

• The Colts play the 3 bottom placed teams in their last 4 matches and if they can also defeat second placed Wilston Grange then they should secure third place and the double chance. 

• The Woodsmen had a great victory on Friday night at McCarthy Homes Oval over the ladder leaders Park Ridge. The Pies had just 16 players less than an hour before the game before scraping 19 together and trailed early before getting their noses in front at halftime but then trailed by 16 points at three quarter time. But a match winning last quarter surge when the Woodies booted four goals to one resulted in an upset 4 point victory.

• You could be forgiven for thinking the wind favoured one end, with nearly all of the scoring at the city end - but this was merely cooincidence in a tough encounter.

• The win was all the more meritorious coming up against a genuine senior side who dropped down to Friday night football this season after winning the Division 2 Premiership only last year. Sam Curtis was outstanding for the Pies being released into his more natural midfield role with the presence of hardnuts Judson, Woods and De Nys.

• Chris La Burniy was lured from retirement for the game and put in a solid display, while Matty Prior had a beast of a game in defence. Another one of the older brigade, Club President Andrew Thomson put in a tireless effort in the ruck, playing unchanged against much bigger and younger opponents!

• The Seniors are still a mathematical chance of playing finals but will have ti win their last 4 matches and rely on other results going their way. The top four teams are already final bound so it is between Mt Gravatt, Labrador and the Pies for fifth place on the ladder. Basically the Pies need Mt Gravatt to win one of their remaining 5 matches (against Labrador) and Labrador to win 2 matches from their 4 games  then all three will finish on 28  points and it will come down to percentage to decide fifth place. One loss for the Pies and it is curtains. The Pies will be looking for big wins over Sandgate and Wilston Grange to boost their percentage. 

• Looking at the Reserves they are basically out of finals contention as the teams above them should all secure enough wins to stay clear of the Pies even it the Pies won all four remaining matches

• The club has big day planned this Saturday when the Pies host Sandgate at McCarthy Home Oval at Chelmer. The club's Sportsman's Luncheon with AFL coaching legend David parkin will be held from 11.30am   to 2.30 pm.

  Parkin was a Hawthorn Premiership captain in 1971 and played 211 matches for the Hawks, winning the club B & F in 1965,  and 5 matches for Victoria from 1961-74.  He had 1 season at Subiaco in 1975. 

  His coaching career was Hawthorn (1977-80), Carlton (1981-85), Fitzroy (1986-88) and back to Carlton (1991-2000) for a total of 518 matches coached for 4 premierships.

• Parkin had his Grand Final eve premiership predicter with 10  criteria and off-hand I think he only got one wrong over about 20 years.

• The Sportsman's Luncheon has been organised by the Grey Magpies Old Boys with Shane Bridley at the helm. Shane has been doing a magnificent job resurrecting the Old Boys Association with support from Terry O'Shea and Greg Adams and re-connecting many past players and officials from a number of different eras

• for those interested the club still has a number of 50th Anniversary Commemorative Guernseys for sale at a price of $100 If you are interested in purchasing a guernsey on Saturday please see club President Andrew Thomson at the Sportsmans function. Note that over 1000 names appear on the guernsey with every Senior, Reserves, Thirds and Woodsmen player to play a game from 1968 to 2018 listed on the guernsey.   

• Last week Gut Feelings mentioned that Maroochydore will be added to the QAFL next year and it is now rumoured that Noosa may also be promoted to the QAFL for next season.

• The beautiful Magpies playing surface is looking in a bit of disrepair after a busy season, with the volunteer curators said to be tearing their hair out watching youth and senior teams continually warm up in high traffic and worn areas while the Oxley Road wing remains pristine. You would think the youngsters are allergic to the far wing it sees so little action!

• The hierarchy have been able to negotiate access next door on the old Western Districts Oval to reduce traffic in coming weeks, with the u11s and u12s training there - the 14’s and 16’s haven’t yet got the message!

• It was great to see big Gerard Moore having a run in the Senior side on the weekend after 6 years between drinks, and the big fella has lost none of his ruck craft. Coming up against the best ruck division in the competition, he more than held his own taking some strong marks and regularly winning the hitouts, particularly around the ground where his strength and nous proved invaluable.

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Pies fail to execute in disappointing loss

The Western Magpies are officially on life support with their finals hopes hanging by a thread after a disappointing loss to Morningside on Saturday.

In blustery conditions the match never reached great heights but the home side were more precise in their foot skills than the Pies. The Magpies started brightly booting 2 goals against the wind but then were only able to kick 3 more goals in three and a half quarters of football. The match was a scrappy affair but the Pies butchered the footy in tricky conditions and their decision making when looking to move the ball was a mystery to onlookers.

For the second time this season the Magpies were lucky Morningside were inaccurate in front of goal and the 21 point margin flattered the Pies. Morningside won 7.13-55 to 5.4 34, yet deep in the 2nd quarter it felt as through the Pies were controlling play before 3 late goals changed the momentum, 1 from a silly Pies error and 2 from horrendous decision making that didn’t come from the players.

However, once the home team got their noses in front they strangled the Pies out of the contest, but many a Pie forward entries found uncontested Panther players which continually cruelled the Pies chances. The Pies were guilty of overusing the ball in the windy conditions and despite regular instruction to kick the ball long and direct, for some reason still tried to finesse which often resulted in a turnover. 

Dan Edwards continued his fine season with another prolific display on a wing, Luca Winton, David Lewis and Jack Goodall worked hard in defence with Goodall again also playing on ball and up forward. Gerard Moore slotted back in senior football with aplomb with a strong display in ruck and Riley Easton was again busy on the ball with a typical bustling display, while Samson Ryan proved a handful up forward and could have been so much more dangerous if the Pies simply gave him a chance with their forward entries.

Mathematically the Magpies can make the five if they win their last 4 matches and rely on Mt Gravatt losing 4 of their 5 remaining matches, which is a possibility as the Vultures have a tough run home and the Pies clash with the Vultures could be crucial in the final wrap up.  Labrador are the other team in the chase for 5th place and they also play 3 of the top 4 teams in their final 4 matches. So the Pies are still a chance but everything has to fall their way in the final 5 rounds, with their own destiny out of their hands.

Morningside 1.6 - 12 | 4.7 - 31 | 6.12 - 48 | 7.13 - 45

defeated

Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 3.2 - 20 | 5.2 - 32 | 5.4 - 34

Best: Edwards, Winton, Goodall, Moore, Lewis, Easton

Arabon Financial - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES SUFFER DISAPPOINTING LOSS

The Western Magpies Reserves went from chocolates to boiled lollies in a week when they went down to Morningside by 74 points.

The Pies left last week's form in the change rooms as they looked like they thought it was all going to happen again by just running on the ground but they were blown away in the first quarter. The Panthers had the aid of a strong blustery wind in the first quarter but the Pies did not apply pressure and were 43 points down at quarter time. and had failed to hit the scoreboard.

To their credit they did even up the contest after quarter time and although the scoreboard showed a big loss the Pies  matched the Panthers after quarter time and had 60 % of the football in their forward half  but just could not kick goals, with 3.10 as the final tally telling the tale of the lack of accuracy.

Macauley Lonergan on the ball put in a strong display to put his hand top for an immediate senior recall, veteran Ben Jaenke-Cain worked hard in the middle of the ground and Harry Marshall was solid in the last line of defence. Liam Dwyer and Jack Austin were tireless in ruck and Val Pope also looked to be getting back to some strong form despite carrying a cold into the match. 

The Magpies are three games out of the five and are out of finals contention but can still enjoy the rest of the year starting with a win on Saturday against Sandgate at McCarthy homes Oval at Chelmer.  

Panthers 16.6 - 102 defeated Magpies 3.10 - 28

Best: Lonergan, Jaenke-Cain, Marshall, Dwyer, Austin, Pope

Goals: Lonergan, Hampel, F.Collison

Anytime Fitness - Colts Match Review

COLTS BACK TO PREMIERSHIP WINNING FORM

The Western Magpies Colts have re-discovered their premiership winning form with a powerful victory over Morningside in a complete reversal of the result from their earlier season clash.

The Pies were out of the blocks with the aid of the wind and booted 7 unanswered goals to establish a match winning lead by quarter time. The Pies had an emphatic 14.6-90 to 3.4-22 victory. 

Queensland Under 17 player Darcy Prest again impressed in the midfield, Jackson Paynter was the prime forward target at CHF and he booted three goals, speedster Sean Ryan has relished his return after missing with injury and he adds spark to the Pies around the packs, Lawson Campbell controlled play at half back, Cade Scott provided some power in the midfield contests and Lachlan Davies rucked well then was dangerous up forward with three goals.

Sean Ryan has returned to the side off the back of an injury and performed extremely well in his first few outings, while a number of other Colts have performed well after being blooded in Senior and Reserves Football, while there are still plenty of players set for a return to the side.

The Pies are in fourth place on the ladder with 2 other clubs on 24 points, one  game behind third placed Broadbeach. So the stakes in the final 4 rounds are quite high, with a double chance in the offing but also could miss out altogether. The Pies play 3 of the bottom sides in their final 4 matches so should be able to secure a finals berth but third place is the prize they are after. 

Magpies 7.3- 45 | 9.5 - 59 | 12.5 - 77 | 14.6 - 90

defeated

Panthers 0.0 - 0 | 2.1 - 13 | 2.2 - 14 | 3.4 -22

Best: Prest, Paynter, Ryan, Campbell, Scott, Davies

Goals: Paynter, Davies 3, Smith, Crowell 2, Kohler, Kante, Ferguson, Ryan

PLACE PREVIEW - ELIMINATION FINALS START EARLY FOR PIES

The Western Magpies start 5 weeks of elimination finals when they travel to Hawthorne to play the equal second Morningside in QAFL Round 14 action on Saturday.

There are 5 home and away rounds left this year and the Pies essentially have to win all of them to make the finals.

The Pies have been in most contests this season for only 3 wins but in the 8 losses just could not find a way to win the tight contests much like 2018, however one match in which they were well beaten was 6 weeks ago against Morningside. 

The Pies will be out to show that that loss was an aberration and only have to look back to 2018 when Morningside came to Sherwood for a clean sweep of victories early in the season, only for the Magpies to travel to Jack Esplen Oval and return the favour including a 100+ point demolition in the Senior game.

The Pies have three changes to the side, one forced with Claye Beams at a wedding and Jack Austin and Macauley Lonergan both go to the Reserves to regain their early season form. David Lewis has overcome an ankle with a lot of hard work to take his place in the side.

In comes key on baller Ryan Harwood after missing a match with a thigh niggle and also in is Gerard Moore for his first Senior match in six years after compelling Reserves form--he has not played a bad game this season. Moore, a previous club captain and dual Premiership player will be no stranger to the increased intensity of Senior football and will more than hold his own in the ruck battles. Also in is rugged on-baller Gareth Crawford and he was missed in the engine room after being unavailable last week. 

The Pies Intensity at the contest was good last week but it was the class of the Lions that wore them down. Morningside are a physically strong team and the Pies will need to bring their traditional "hard at it persona" to match the home team.

Moore and Samson Ryan will need to match the twin towers of Morningside to give the Pies a hope of winning the contested ball. Harwood and Crawford back in boost the Pies midfield 

Moving the ball quickly will be essentialy ot give the Pies forwards a chance one out, especially the in-form Brodie Lumber who has been marking everything in recent weeks!

Down back the Pies have generally been miserly and will need to be again to keep the Panthers forwards in check. Youngsters Riley Greene and Ethan Sivijs have grown into the role and have been leading lights this year and Luca Winton has been a model of consistency. Lewis proving his fitness is a bonus for the Pies and Brenton Saunders has been in good form across half back this year.

The Magpies are still exuding good vibes and will be out to upset the Panthers and keep their flickering finals hopes alive. 

QAFL Round 14: Western Magpies v Morningside at Morningside on Saturday, July 13th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke Mitchell  Luca Winton Brenton Saunders

HF: Riley Greene, Jack Goodall,  Ethan Sivijs

C: William Johnson  Will Fletcher Rhett Lloyd

HF: Harrison Kerr  Brody Lumber  Dan Edwards

F: Zane Lovell  Samson Ryan  Kale Reed

Rucks: Aaron Highlands

             Ryan Harwood

Rover:   Riley Easton

I/C: David Lewis Gerard Moore, Gareth Crawford, Lachie Dennis

In: Ryan Harwood, Gareth Crawford, Gerard Moore

Out: Claye Beams (wedding), Jack Austin, Macauley Lonergan  (both Reserves)

One2One Plumbing - Reserves Round 14 Preview

RESERVES CONFIDENCE UP FOR MORNINGSIDE CLASH

The Western Magpies Reserves will go into Saturdays match with the third placed Morningside at Hawthorne with renewed confidence after a strong win over ladder leaders Palm Beach-Currumbin last week.

As is often the case with Reserves, there are again a large number of changes to the side with 6 changes which on the surface leaves the side with similar strength to last week.

The team will be bolstered with the inclusion of senior players Jack Austin andMacauley Lonergan and the return of Jayden Gallagher, the consistent Chris Hunt and Zac Collison and the lion-hearted Gabe McKinnon.   

Out go Gerard Moore to well deserved Senior duties, Matt Thomson back to Redlands, Joel Workman unavailable, and the injured Rory Johnson, Ky Anderson and Mitch O'Dea. 

The Magpies payed simple more direct football last week and  they also lifted their pressure and they will need to bring a similar intensity this week if they are to cause another upset against a more fancied opponent.

The Pies have some key forward power with Austin joining Liam Dwyer  and Val Pope also lurking and Lonergan keen to sneak a few goals. Brady Allen has been moved to half forward and he will be eager to kick a few goals to show his versatility.

Down back Collison and Hunt boost the defence and  in midfield Gallagher will add some grunt to join Ben Jaenke-Cain, who was the Pies best player last week. 

If the Pies bring the same intensity and enthusiasm as they showed last week then they are more than capable of taking another scalp. 

QAFL Round 14: Western Magpies Reserves v Morningside at Morningside  on Saturday, July 13th at 11.30 am 

B: Sam Hartog  Harry Marshall  Peter Kilroy

HB:  Zac Collison Jesse Hampel  Chris Hunt

C:  Hamish Campbell  Jordan Bonney Macauley Lonergan 

HF: Matthew Mazarolle Liam Dwyer   Brady Allen 

F:  Chris Jenkins  Jack Austin  Val Pope

Rucks:  Monty Vine

             Jayden Gallagher 

Rover:   Ben Jaenke-Cain 

I/C: Finn Collison, Deng Arok, Aiden D'Roza,  Gabe McKinnon 

Gut Feelings XI - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care

• This week the Reserves get top billing for a superb win over the ladder leading Palm Beach-Currumbin. After a slow start conceding 4 goals  the Pies fought there way back into the game and trailed by 9 points at half time before dominating the second half.

• Due to the wet conditions the Magpies played pretty basic but effective football which harked back to a simpler time with minimal handball, long kicking forward to a contest and were able to create pressure on the Lions defenders. The pressure applied around the contest was about 200% compared to some of the Pies recent matches. Coach Kiran Verma and the selectors pulled a master stroke by moving key forward Jesse Hampel to CHB where he blanketed the Lions key forward and the inclusions of Redlands listed Matt Thomson and Liam Dwyer also lifted the Pies. The reserves now go into their match with Morningside with renewed confidence and with a stronger side will be keen to atone for a poor effort against the panthers earlier in the season. 

• Gut Feelings only has admiration for the Redlands listed boys who came back to QAFL Reserves football but both put in 100% effort . Matt Thomson is a 200 game player and lauded club captain at Redlands yet he came back to the Pies after illness and had to play reserves but he just got on with the job with three goals and applied plenty of pressure up forward. His reading of then play and clean skills were a delight to watch. Liam Dwyer has played more for the Pies than Redlands in recent seasons but had just came back from 2 matches in the NEAFL to find he was in Reserves due to match up considerations. He played up forward and just gave everything as usual and ran around like a new kid in his first game, also capping his day with 3 goals . He commented afterwards it was one of the most enjoyable games he had played in for a long time. 

• While on the Reserves, Isaac Bongaarts was named on the bench on Thursday night but had to drop out to make way for Matt Thomson. Isaac then played for the Woodsmen on Friday night and then buttered up on Saturday to do the running for both the Reserves and Seniors. Many players may sulk in this situation but Isaac showed great team commitment and he is commended for being a true team player. 

• The Seniors were in it until late in the second quarter when the Lions booted three quick goals to take a handy 4 goals lead into half time. The Pies miised inspirational skipper David Lewis after he hurt an ankle late in the first quarter. Davy was controlling play across half back when he was hurt and his reading of the play cut off many Lions attacks. The lions showed why they are undefeated with clean skills and were prepared to run to overlap and create the loose man and I suppose you can do that when you are playing with confidence and also believe the odd mistake will not be too costly. Good sides believe they can win from anywhere and the Lions showed they have another gear when challenged.

• Inside players like Ryan Harwood and Gareth Crawford were certainly notable outs given the boggy conditions against a quality PBC on-ball brigade.

• Young guns Riley Greene and Ethan Sivijs continue to impress with each outing and both show enormous poise  under pressure, especially as both patrol across half back. Both are also impressive young men who show respect for everyone involved in the club and are willing to listen and learn.

• Both have developed clean skills, attack the ball and contest fearlessly and generally make the right disposal decisions. Both have got to be in contention for a Rising Star nomination and Greene in particular must be in the running for the overall QAFL Rising Star Award given his consistency this season—he just needs a nomination, that’s all!

•  It was great having a chat to past players Leigh Barnes, Dean Pettis,  Billy Peirce and Matt Vowles on Saturday. They chatted about their time at the club in the 1980s and 1990s and they mentioned the tough times the club had in those days off the filed to make ends meet.  There mentioned snooker nights to raise money with a lot of people in attendance and interestingly it was Bill Peirce who would often win the snooker tournament. Rumour has it that Bill, by his own admission was not a great snooker player, would often win as he was a teetotaller!! Bill was also very popular as he would be the designated driver after many a Sherwood function. 

• Leigh Barnes played for a number of years for Sherwood and West Brisbane  (combined Western Districts and Sherwood) and coached West Brisbane Reserves in 1992.

• As told in this column earlier in the year, Leigh was inducted as a Life Member of the USAFL  after being involved for over 20 years  with the Golden Gate AFL  based in San Francisco.  Leigh said they have 5 clubs  in San Francisco which is g as many other clubs are based in far flung cities and have to travel a fair way to play. In the GGAFL he said they are flexible in numbers per side depending on availability but the aim of the game is to have a game whether it is 9 , 12, 15 or 18 a side  He says about half the players are American and the success of a club is based on the American numbers because Aussies often come and go. He said the Yanks love the camaraderie of the game and tthe fact they can play past high schooling college, which is where most US sports stop. And they have actually found a pie shop in the San Francisco area. 

•  Dean Pettis was club Treasurer in 1990 and also won the 1991 West Brisbane Reserves B & F. He said the club hung on for dear life back then and it was only the hard work and dedication of a diehard group that kept the club going. Social occasions were well attended to raise funds to keep the club afloat. 

• It was also good to see Life Member and past club President Matt Vowles at the footy and he had a good time catching up with fellow past players and reminiscing as above. The four checked the honour boards and came up with several names to fill in the gaps. So if you get a chance check out the honour boards and if you have a name to fill a space let President Andrew Thomson (president@westernmagpies.com.au) know and the club will check it out. The honour boards are updated at the end of every season and the gasps are slowly being filled in. 

• The Grey Magpies Awards this week were presented by Greg Adams , whose profile is below. Winners were Riley Greene in Seniors, Ben Jaenke-Cain in Reserves and Sam Mehari in Colts.

•  The prestigious BG Award this week was awarded to Brenton Saunders, whose recent form has been excellent. Saunders was for most of his career a smart small forward with good goal sense but coach Brydan Morgan has moved him to half back where he re-invented himself to be one of the Pies most consistent players this season. We may yet see him up forward in the latter half of the year.

• Young gun Bruce Reville would have his head in a spin at the moment as 2 weeks ago he was playing for the Magpies at Broadbeach then last week he played for the Brisbane Lions NEAFL against the Giants in Sydney and then weekend has been co-opted into the Redland NEAFL team to play Canberra at Manuka, guess they just make up the rules as they go, never mind his club side! Before that he was in the Queensland Under 18 team so he is building a nice collection of guernseys at the moment but he must surely wonder where he is at times!!  

• Greg Adams presented the “Grey Magpies”  Awards after the matches against PBC last week –below is a short profile of Greg and his involvement with the Magpies (courtesy of Shane Bridley).

“Just a  local kid who loved getting a kick” was how a modest Greg  ADAMS described his playing history with Sherwood Districts Football Club.”

 However Greg was indeed much more than that, and in the historical record of the Sherwood Districts/Western Districts Football Club – “In Black and White”, he was described as ‘pound for pound, probably the hardest , toughest player ever to play for the Club, highly skilled, and a great competitor, with a strength of character that rubbed off on his team mates’.

He was also named in the Top 50 Players for the Club over the First 50 Years.

Greg first played junior football for the Club in 1960, however he had to wait until U17’s in 1969 before he won his first Premiership for the club.

He Captained teams in U11’s, U13’s, U15’s, U17’s at Sherwood Districts, and U19’s at the neighbouring Western Districts Bulldogs club, before playing Senior Football for them at the age of 17 years

During his football career, Greg won 5 Best & Fairest Awards, along with 4 Most Consistent Player Awards, including a Queensland Junior Australian Football League Best & Fairest in 1970. A terrific effort for a player who played the game at its most physical limits.

Greg represented his state – Queensland as a footballer, playing U15 Schoolboys in 1967, then U17’s Schoolboys in 1968/1969 (Vice Captain)/ and 1970 (Captain).

 His Senior football journey took him to the Western Districts Bulldogs Football Club, the Goldfields League in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Wangaratta in Victoria, before returning to play out his career at Sherwood Districts, playing in the 1975 and 1979 Premiership winning Teams, and in between, Captain/Coached the 1977 Reserves Team to a Grand Final.

Despite living away from the area for many years (he lives in Scarborough) , Greg has always maintained his love for and contact with the Sherwood Districts/Western Magpies Football Club, regularly attending home games and Club Functions, and he currently retains that active involvement through The Grey Magpies – the Past Players & Supporters Association of the Club, as well as travelling from afar each Friday to work with a number of other past players, helping to prepare the playing grounds and surrounds for each home game.

Greg Adams – another great footballer and Clubman for the Sherwood Districts/Western Magpies Football Club.

•  Also caught up with Mitchell "Sharky" Stallard after the game on Saturday and had a chat. Sharks has had a good year at Redlands playing in defence and was able to get to the game as the Bombers had an early game at Metricon on Saturday. Sharky is finally injury free  and now playing consistent football which is great to see. he was a [popular player at the Pies and all who know him knew he oozed class and just needed a clear injury free run to demonstrate that. 

•  The Woodsmen have had 2 good victories in the past 2 Friday nights, with a strong win over cellar dweller UQ a fortnight ago with spearhead Matt Hockley snaring 5 goals (and about 9 behinds). Last Friday the Woodies defeated Yeronga-South Brisbane which was a vital victory over a side competing for the finals. The win just the pies 2 games clear in 5th place on the QFA Friday Night League Ladder.

•  The Woodmsen have a huge match on tonight at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer when they host ladder leaders and premiership favourites Park Ridge. It would be great to see a large contingent of Magpie supporters wander down to see what should be a great game of football.

•  Dont forget to get your tickets to the Grey Magpies Sportsman luncheon with David Parkin as quest speaker. This weekend is last chance to secure your  ticket  so check the Western Magpies website or Facebook page for details. Cost is $90 per head for a lunch and drinks package from 11.30-2.30 then sit back and enjoy the Magpies play Sandgate. 

•  The fifth placed Colts have a huge game on Saturday against the fourth  placed Morningside. The Pies traill the Panthers by 4 points and a win will be important step in securing the Pies finals berth. Labrador are equal with the pies but play PBC this week so a win to the Colts will give them some breathing space. 

• The Pies are much stronger than when the sides met earlier in the season with the addition of Cade Scott, Sean Ryan, Noah Resuggan and Cam Ferguson among others, all who missed the first round encounter. 

•  The Magpies have two players in the Queensland under 17  in Darcy Prest and Jack Briskey. Queensland were defeated by NSW/ACT on Monday at Southport but no further details are available. Congratulations on both boys being selected in the Queensland team. 

• The QAFL have this week announced that Maroochydore will be promoted to the QAFL next season, making it a 10 team competition once again. with Noosa also a possible inclusion as soon as next year.

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES CONFIDENCE UP GOING INTO CRUCIAL MATCH

The Western Magpies, confidence restored after a strong win a fortnight ago, will be up for the contest against the fourth placed Broadbeach at Broadbeach in Round 12 QAFL action later today.

The Pies have made three changes  with Kale Reed and Harrison Kerr promoted after short Reserves stints and Aaron Highland returning after picking up a niggle in the interstate game vs SA. They replace the injured Drew Mitchell, Lachie Dennis unavailable and Zane Lovell back to the Reserves. 

The Pies retain exciting youngsters in ruckman Samson Ryan and classy winger Bruce Reville, both key players in the Pies' win a fortnight ago.

Ryan in particular gives the Pies midfield the first opportunity in the centre clearances which makes a huge difference to the Magpies forward entries. Ryan Harwood has 2 matches under his belt now and was back to his best last round with the maximum 10 Syd Guildford votes and Claye Beams is starting to show what Pies fans know he is capable. Will Fletcher is playing consistent football and is developing into a bull at the contest while Tom Baulch provided spark from a wing on his return to the side last round. 

With a return to availability of several key players for the Pies, coach Brydan Morgan has  freed up the game plan with the Pies happy to push the ball forward and if needed be to kick to  a contest in the 25 metre arc as well as playing possession football when the game dictates.

With Jack Austin developing with each game and Brody Lumber getting back to form the Pies have a couple of key targets to either mark the ball or force it to ground.  Lumber in particular has been taking plenty of strong marks, but will need to bring his kicking boots back to have a greater impact. Posessing a beautiful smooth kicking action, he’s stabbed at a few in recent weeks and his accuracy suffered - however, taking strong marks is the hard bit and Lumber is a beautiful set shot when relaxed.

The defence has been miserly all year and with Beams on half back playing a distribution role, Luca Winton having not lowered his colours since Round 1 and skipper David Lewis back to control proceedings across half back the Pies look solid in the back half. Brenton Saunders has-re-invented himself as a back pocket and Riley Greene has been strong for the Pies all year and must surely be close to a Rising Star nomination before too long.

The Pies must win this match if they want to play finals football this year and with a bounce in the step in the past 2 weeks they will be up for the challenge. 

QAFL Round 12: Western Magpies v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on  Saturday, June 29th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke Mitchell  Luca Winton Brenton Saunders

HB: David Lewis (Capt) Riley Greene, Claye Beams

C: Bruce Reville  Ryan Harwood  Tom Baulch

HF: Aaron Highlands Brody Lumber  Dan Edwards

F: Macauley Lonergan Jack Austin  Harrison Kerr

Rucks: Samson Ryan

             Jack Goodall 

Rover: Gareth Crawford

I/C: Ethan Sivijs, Will Fletcher, Riley Easton, Kale Reed

In: Kale Reed, Harrison Kerr, Aaron Highlands

Out: Drew Mitchell (inj) , Zane Lovell (Reserves) , Lachie Dennis (unavailable)

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Round 12 Preview

PIES RESERVES NEED TO BOUNCE BACK

Unlike their Senior counterparts, the Western Magpies Reserves will have been champing at the bit to get back into it and try for some redemption after a disappointing loss a fortnight ago. 

The Magpies had a strong team last round and did not produce, though there were several late changes to the side before they ran out. This Saturday's team is arguably stronger with key inclusions in Joel Workman, Zach Collison, Gabe McKinnon, Monty Vine  and  Ky Anderson. Another new name on the team list is Brady Allen who has returned after an early season sabbatical and he also adds to the Pies firepower and it is good to have him back. Previously a regular senior player he will add depth later in the year.

Anderson is a strong type and has been named in the best players in every match he has played for the Woodsmen and his one Reserves match. 

The Pies have swung Harry Marshall forward and Jesse Hampel moves to CHF and with Workman and Matt Mazarolle on the flanks the Pies half forward line looks strong. 

Gerard Moore leads the ruck alongside Monty Vine and will be looking to build on his quality run of good form, being named best on ground in his most recent 3 appearances. Jayden Gallagher gets a chance in the midfield and his strong body and raking left foot could be crucial for the Pies.

Rhett Lloyd will be better after his first match last game after crossing from Southport. He took time to settle in but will be better for the run  and the experienced Ben Jaenke-Cain adds to the midfield depth and he will want to play well to push his claims for a senior recall. 

Collison comes back to make up a strong half back line with youngster Hamish Campbell and the experienced Chris Hunt. 

Broadbeach are struggling this year after a Grand final appearance last year and the Pies won their earlier encounter comfortably but the ladder has Broadbeach 6th and the Pies 8th, so to keep their finals hopes alive the Pies will need a repeat result of Round 4.

QAFL Round 12: Western Magpies Reserves v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday, June 29th at 11.30 am 

B:  Peter Kilroy Gabe McKinnon Sam Hartog 

HB:  Chris Hunt  Hamish Campbell  Zac Collison

C: Aiden D’Roza Jordan Bonney Ben Jaenke-Cain  

HF:  Joel Workman  Jesse Hampel  Matt Mazarolle 

F:   Zane Lovell Harry Marshall Rhett Lloyd

Rucks:  Gerard Moore 

             Jayden Gallagher

Rover:   Rory Johnson

I/C: Isaac Bongaarts,  Monty Vine, Ky Anderson, Brady Allen 

CFMG Capital - Colts Round 12 Preview

A very strong looking Colts lineup heads down the highway to take on 3rd placed Broadbeach in a game where the Magpies will be looking to show their progress and improvement from earlier in the season when Broadbeach stunned them by 12 goals after a 7 goal to zip opening quarter.

The Magpies are a different looking side to Round 3, with huge inclusions such as Sean Ryan, Cade Scott, Charlie Thorpe, Jack Briskey, Jonty McDougall, Lawson Campbell and Darcy Prest to name a few!

It’s an incredibly strong looking engine room with Briskey, Prest and Ryan on the ball and Resuggan in the centre, with some serious midfield depth to push through the midfield including Cade Scott who has played several seniors games in 2019.

It’s a smaller looking forward line with the hugely impressive Jackson Paynter out and the big 2018 Premiership hero Cameron Ferguson who are both unavailable, but with the explosive pace and spring of Jonty McDougall, the marking power of Lachlan Davies and the experience of Lachlan Pearson who knows where the big sticks are, its a potent forward-line with plenty of avenues to goal.

Down back, the dash of Charlie Thorpe with his running power and penetrating kick will be a huge in for the Pies, while Whitlam Bishop will fill the key post in the goal square. The hard nut Lawson Campbell will no doubt find his way back there at some point, but has been released to a wing to start the game, and will come hard off the line.

Broadbeach shocked the defending Premiers back in Round 4 with an opening quarter that put the game almost completely to bed, so the Pies will need to be switched on from the opening bounce to avoid a repeat. With a raft of quality inclusions, the Pies are primed for the 2nd half of the season and will be looking to start their run here.

QAFL Round 12: Western Magpies Colts v Broadbeach at Broadbeach  on Saturday, June 29th at 9.30 am

 B: Brodie Gardner - Whitlam Bishop - Tyler Bobin

HB: Rory Edwards - Charlie Thorpe - Jacob Aurisch

C: Ritti Batilimoyo - Noah Resuggan (C) - Lawson Campbell

HF: Cade Scott - Lachlan Davies - Jonty McDougall

F: Lachlan Pearson - Cooper Crowell - Abu Kante

Foll: Jack Briskey - Darcy Prest - Sean Ryan

Int: Kelly Seimer - Byron Kohler - Jack Spry - Coleman Cornford

Gut Feelings X - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care Chelmer

• A big congratulations to the Sherwood Football Club for their efforts in raising over a $1000 for Ronald McDonald house in the recent “Pies for Pies” event Friday week ago. The “Pies for Pies” Pie Night and the players “Silly Socks” (worn by players and coaches) combined to raise the funds, so well done to the organisers and participants on a great  initiative—and the pies went down well from all reports!!

• A big 3 weeks coming up for the Magpies starting with this week’s trip to fourth placed Broadbeach to take on the Cats on the big expanses of Merrimac Oval then at home to undefeated Premiership favourites and fierce rival Palm Beach-Currumbin then off to Morningside to take on the second placed Panthers.

• The Pies are now looking a more settled side, have better availability of players and will be looking to push hard in the 2nd half of the year - starting with wins in all 3 matches.

• The Magpies relished the presence of 200cm+ ruckman Samson Ryan which enabled the midfield to be more pro-active in winning the ball out of the centre. The Pies have struggled in the ruck department for a few years and have  developed a lock down style of play in the midfield to try to even up the contest. It is attritional footy and takes its toll. However it was nice for the Pies to have a winning ruck and they did dominate the midfield contest against the Demons as a result

• Ryan, although only 18 years old, showed great maturity and he also advised some very experienced Pies on ballers where he wanted them at the ball ups and boundary throw ins and what role they should play i.e. you block and I will tap the ball to so-and-so.

• The Magpies' selectors now enjoy some depth in the Ruck department, with veteran big man Gerard Moore now established into footy for the year and hitting his straps, big G hasn’t played Senior footy in 5+ years, but has displayed fine form in the ruck in the Reserves in recent weeks. Moore, was Senior Co-Captain in 2013 as a 20 year old but after a stint in the AFL ranks with the Gold Coast Suns, and 2 Senior PRemierships with the Magpies he put footy on the back-burner to concentrate on joining the Police then irregular shifts confined him to the Woodsmen for a couple of seasons before returning to Reserves footy last year where he won the JB Medal for Reserves B & F after winning the Nipperess Medal for the Woodsmen B&F the previous season. He was scheduled for more footy earlier in the year before suffering a back injury in a car accident 6 weeks ago. Moore has been around for a while but is only 27 years old—well, for a couple more weeks anyway!! . He was a key player as a teenage ruckman in the Pies much celebrated upset Premiership victory over PBC in 2008., where he was easily the Pies best in the first half to keep them in striking distance for a famous win, and was also a Premiership player in 2012 playing at Centre Half Forward where his marking prowess was a key.

• Likewise a few big weeks for both the Reserves and Colts. The Reserves can’t afford too many slip ups in coming matches and will hope to kick-start their season with a win  over Broadbeach, a team they did defeat easily earlier in the year.

• Matches against PBC and Morningside won’t be easy but with the right attitude the Reserves have the talent to win all 3.

• The Colts have had a spluttering season so far but hopefully have recharged the batteries and with several older players filtering back to the line-up will be looking for a stronger second half of the season. They started poorly against Broadbeach earlier in the year  which proved the difference so a switched on performance is required this week if they are to turn the tables on the Cats.

• The Woodsmen are at home to UQ this Friday night and with the Red Lions without a win the fifth placed Pies will be favourites for the 4 points to maintain their  place  in the five but they have Yeronga-South Brisbane one game behind them and breathing down their necks. So it shapes as an interesting run towards the finals in coming weeks.

• For a great read then make sure you have a look at the "Magpie Chatter" Newsletter put together by "Grey Magpies" Convenor Shane Bridley.  The newsletter is placed on the Old Boys Facebook page and also sent to Old Boys via email. Two of the of the articles are re-produced below. If you are not on the email mailing list contact Shane Bridley on shanebridley@optusnet.com.au

• For the newer members of the club "Magpie Chatter" was a weekly newsletter produced by the club in the 1960s and 1970s. It seems the name "Grey Magpies" has stuck to become the nickname of the Sherwood and Western Magpies Old Boys Association. Not sure some of the recently retired players are too happy with that but I am afraid it looks like it will stick, certainly not appropriate for some - you need to have hair for it to be grey - (not mentioning anyone Chris Mihalopoulous!)

• Excerpts from this week’s Magpie Chatter  re-produced below.

  Hagley’s Heroes

  . At the home game against Surfers Paradise, we were all pleasantly surprised by the roll up of past players and supporters in attendance, especially the re-union of “Hagley’s Heroes” , a group of over 25 past players/supporters including a mixture of former Premiership winning – 2003 and 2005 Colts(U18’s) players, coached by Allan Hagley and assisted by Wil Ivinson and Mark Wysoszanski, who were all in attendance. Allan, Wil and Mark had played together since U13’s, and then coached various teams together.

  There is a great story on Hags in the ‘In Black and White” club history book, which is a history of the Sherwood Districts/Western Magpies Football Club from 1956 – 2011, and a ‘must read’ for all past players/supporters of the club.

  Hags travelled up from Melbourne for the day, to join a handful of those at the game who also played together in the 2007 Division 3 Premiership side coached by Hags (basically an ‘old boys’ side with a mixture of younger players who couldn’t commit to senior football).

  A number of other players at the re-union travelled from afar to be there, including Rohan Bail from the 2005 Colts Team, who went on to play over 70 Senior Games with Melbourne Football Club in the AFL Competition. Rohan travelled from Melbourne for the day, whilst Shaun Tapp (Vice Captain of the 2005 Colts Team and later a player for Glenelg in the SANFL)  travelled up from Adelaide for the weekend, whilst others travelled from Northern NSW, Middlemount and Dalby/Roma areas of Qld.

  The boys are hoping to make the gathering a bi-annual event, however no need to wait until then boys, put a table or two together for the Grey Magpies Lunch on Saturday, July 20th when the Pies host Sandgate and catch up with other past players from all eras of the Club.

Hagleys Heroes, other old boys from various era (and BM!)

Club Welfare Manager - Alistair Mitchell ran his second formal session with the playing group and coaches last week and discussed setting team values and behaviours that are non-negotiable for everyone involved in the club. 

He stated the values and behaviours have to be the same as the standards that players want to set each week and also must be consistent with the coach's directions for communication, training schedules , selection criteria and match day preparation. 

He spoke about the importance of developing the following values and behaviours to develop a good club culture which will then develop personal, team and club success. 

VALUES:

Mateship, Respect, Work Ethic, Enjoyment

BEHAVIOURS:

Training times and expectations for late arrivals; pre-training routine; change rooms (respect your home); general behaviours on and off the field; dress code for all games; pre-game routine; your own personal routine to match with the team expectations.

MINDSET BEFORE SKILL SET:

The mindset for success shows us how we think and is the new frontier of performance. The difference between the good and the great is the difference between your mindset and your skill set. 

Mindset separates the best from the rest!! The right mindset drives the right habits which drives the right performance

THINK AND ACT LIKE WINNERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

BE THE CLUB EVERY ONE ELSE ENVIES

Gut Feelings IX - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care

• Jack Austin joined a rare group when he earnt his 2nd QAFL rising star nomination in as many seasons for his excellent game vs Surfers Paradise last week..

• JA got the gong in Round 1, 2018 vs Mt Gravatt in a year when he played 7 senior games, already eclipsing that with 8 in 2019.

• Ryan Harwood only took 1 game to get his groove back, when in just his 2nd outing of 2019 after a 12 week injury layoff he landed a perfect 10 votes in the Syd Guildford Trophy after a BOG performance vs Surfers.

• Other Magpies to poll were Riley Easton (6), Luca Winton (4) and Samson Ryan (2)

• Coach Brydan Morgan was elated with the victory as it keeps the Magpies in the finals race and maybe a little shudder is going through opposition camps going into the second half of the season.

• Regarding the match against the then second placed surfers Paradise, Morgan said  "We were playing for our season. It was a massive improvement. In recent matches we only had 5 winners on the day but when had 20 against Surfers and it is about even contributions". Morgan said the Pies now have a foundation to push toward finals football after the bye this weekend. Morgan said it was no coincidence the win came with captain David Lewis and reigning Best & Fairest Ryan Harwood playing together for the first time this season. Lewis bolstered the defence and Harwood was dangerous up forward then when into the midfield for a few short stints.  He said their presence was infectious and helps others grow around them. 

• Luca Winton further enhanced his reputation as one of the QAFL elite defenders with another accomplished performance on Saturday. The ex-Sherwood junior returned to the club at the beginning of last year after playing with some mates at Kedron and he has been a revelation. He arrived hoping to break into the Pies seniors in the pre-season last year with and he has just gone from strength to strength in his season and half at the Pies to be one of the first picked each week at selection. He keeps on getting a few votes each week in the Syd Guildford Award to be arguably the QAFL's most consistent player this season and at a guess will be leading in the Pies Bill Peirce B & F voting at this stage of the season after being runner-up in 2018.

• How's this for one of the Pies' legends-- Peter Kilroy took the opportunity in the previous round's bye weekend to fly to Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa  for a gig with his band  "Hey Geronimo". Reunion is a French Overseas Department and Killer says it was an interesting place to visit--"different" is how he described it.  He and the band had an interesting journey to get to and from there, flying via Dubai with travel times of 33 and 28 hours  with some long stopovers in Dubai. 

• Once again the "Grey Magpies", led by Shane Bridley and Terry O'Shea, arranged best player awards which were presented to the recipients by club legend Warren Selvage. The winners were debutant  Bruce Reville (Seniors), Rory Johnson (Reserves) and  Whitlam Bishop (Colts).

  Warren Selvage also made the guernsey presentation to exciting speedster Bruce Revklle before the match. Reville showed his class with a 20 plus possession game on a wing plus a goal and but his skills under pressure and decision making were first rate. If he does as well as Selvage's 9 premierships (8 in a row and coached 2 of them), 200 plus matches for the Pies and Life Membership as well as an AFLQ Recognition of Service Award he will have a pretty good footy career!

• Great to se plenty of players from the 2000s-- "Noughties"-- return last Saturday to swell the crowd. Colts  coach Alan Hagley (2002-03-04) and his assistant coach Wil Ivinson organised the reunion of Colts players they had coached in that period and they all had a great time as well as cheering on the Magpies. Hagley was a Queensland schoolboy representative then developed a reputation as a coach while still in his late 20s and coached the Magpies Colts to a flag in 2003. He had a knack of developing players and making them better as individual footballers and also as team and many went on to play Senior football for the Pies. It was great to see Hags  after a long absence and he held court with his ex-charges like he was coaching them again!!  Hags also coached the 2007 3rds Premiership side and along with Laurie Nipperess was instrumental in the Magpies having a 3rds for the 15th consecutive season in 2019.

• Rhys Bridge, who had a season with the Pies a few years ago before returning home to Cairns, played on a back flank for North Queensland in their clash with South Queensland which was a curtain raiser to the Suns v Saints AFL match on Sunday. 

• The only negative for last weekend was the Reserves loss. The Pies on paper had a strong team (before losing 2 key players before the game) but they did not come to play and poor skills and decision making resulted in a disappointing loss. The reserves competition at QAFL level is very strong and Gut Feelings knowledge and observations suggest many QAFL Reserves teams would be very competitive in many regional Victorian and southern NSW First grade competitions. Still, the Pies should have done better and now face a hazardous journey to make the finals after slipping a couple of games outside the five. Next weeks match at Broadbeach will decide to they continue in the finals race--against a side they defeated earlier in the year, a Pies win keeps them knocking on the door while a loss will make the equation much more difficult.

• The Woodsmen got out of jail with 2 late goals last Friday night against Mayne and the win sees them entrenched in fifth position but 2 games clear of the sixth placed Yeronga. The Woodies welcomed back the much decorated Chris Judson who in his 3rd game for the year was the pies best player.

• On a small field with a genuine ‘down hill’ end, the Woodies struggled in the first quarter and were scoreless, before making use of the ‘slope’ to bang home 7 straight goals in the 2nd quarter, including 3 to Club President Andrew Thomson to take control of the game.

• Mayne came hard late though and snatched the lead with a minute to play before ‘Juddo’ burst clear around the 50m arc and made no mistake as he ran into goal. A goal after the siren by irishman Sam Banim extended the margin to 10 points.

• In a bye weekend for the QAFL, the Woodies were the only senior side to play in the most recent weekend and it was a Saturday game Vs Marcoochydoore, a tough ask for a Friday night centric side to travel a few hours up the highway!

• They managed to cobble together 16 players, then got some help from local clubs the Jindalee Jags and Ipswich Cats to field a final 22 and put up an excellent account of themselves to go down by just 20 points against the defending premiers.

• Games like this really build spirit and culture, despite the loss. The Magpies/Woodsmen simply refuse to throw in the towel, while several other clubs simply opt to forfeit in similar circumstances.

• The Colts had an important win over the Surfers Sharks ( a combined Surfers Paradise and Southport  team). The Pies were challenged and in a tight see-sawing contest were  headed late in the game in what would have been an upset loss and a severe dent to the Pies finals hopes. As it was the Pies got the four points to sit in fifth  place on the ladder. They face a tough encounter against the third placed Broadbeach who defeated them comfortably earlier in the season but the Pies were slow out of the blocks in that match.  Coach Dallas Gallagher will stress to his team to have a good start against the Cats. 

• It was a classic ‘Pie Night’ at the club a few weeks ago, and with such a huge success the format will likely be repeated before the year is out.

• Details for the David Parkin Luncheon on July 20 have now been widely advertised, with invitations out. Be sure to secure your place as soon as possible!