Harvey Norman Oxley - QAFL Colts Qualifying Final Preview

COLTS IN FORM FOR QUALIFYING FINAL

The Western Magpies Colts will fly the flag for the Pies in the finals when they meet Wilston Grange  in the QAFL Qualifying Final at Surfers Paradise on Saturday. The Magpies have been in good recent form but uinfortunately will be missing two very good players in QLD U18s on-baller Darcy Prest, who is ill, and tall forward Jack Briskey with injury.

All other players are up and running and have displayed good form in the past 2 matches, playing their best football for some time in the big win last week over the Surfers Sharks. The Magpies, who finished third, face a tough opponent in the second placed Wilston Grange who beat the Magpies in two tight and hard fought contests this season. Finals football is different and the pressure may be more on the Gorillas than the Pies and the Pies are more than capable of reversing the home and away results on Saturday.  

Leading the way in recent matches has been centreman and premiership captain Noah Resuggan who will know what finals football is all about and he also has premiership teammates in Whitlam Bishop, Cam Ferguson, Jacob Aurisch, Sean Ryan  and Sam Mehari (BOG in 2018 GF) to lead the way for the pies. Bishop at CHB has had a good month and he and Lawson Campbell at fullback have led a tight and miserly back half with Aurisch, Tom Evans and Jack Spry all playing well in recent weeks.

Lachlan Davies in ruck has got better as the season progressed and with the return of Cade Scott and Sean Ryan to the on-ball brigade mid-year the Pies midfield has a strong look about it.

Rory Edwards on a wing has also been consistent all year and is expected to be a key player for the Pies.

Up Forward the strong marking Jackson Paynter and Cam Ferguson have been excellent in the marking duels, with Paynter at CHF a good lead and he does possess a leap while Ferguson uses his big body to advantage. Cooper Crowell is another solid player who knows where the goals are and with Charlie Thorpe across half forward the Pies have a few other options going forward.

Flitting around at the feet of the big forward targets are Sam Mehari, Jonty MacDougall and Abu Kante and Kante  booted 4 goals last week and will be confident of a few more in this match.

Coach Dallas Gallagher has his side playing good positive football at the right time of the year and the Pies might be better suited to the big Surfers ground than Wilston Grange, who have a big team  but may lack the pace of the Pies.

The winner gets a crack at Palm Beach- Currumbin in the Second Semi Final next week while the loser gets a second chance against the winner of the Broadbeach-Morningside clash, also to be played on Saturday.

QAFL Qualifying Final: Western Magpies Colts v Wilston Grange at Surfers Paradise on Saturday, August 24th  at 09.15 am  (Note earlier starting time)

Team unavailable

Coopers Friday Night Footy Review - Woodies go down fighting

The Woodies battled Friday night Bruce Highway traffic as they trekked up to Maroochydore to take on last years Premiers in the 2nd Semi Final.

Both sides were slow out of the blocks early, with the Roos kicking the first goal while the Magpies seemingly matched it late in the quarter when Chris Davis kicked a goal to level the scores, only for a field umpire 20m away to declare it touched off the boot! (strange, considering there was no player in front or even close to to the boot of Chris when he kicked it!)

It was frantic footy, with skill levels down in slightly slippery conditions but Maroochydore took their chances in the 2nd stanza to get out to a 29 point lead with some slick play and 2 incredibly fortuitous 50m penalties from rules that don’t appear in any rule book in the history of the game, but the Pies fought yet remained goalless at half time, down by 29 points and up against it.

The Woodies had few winners at this point, with Judson tireless at the contest but fumbly at stoppages, Evans well held forward and Hockley’s radar was off on the few opportunities presented. Green and Prior were on top in defence and were keeping the Woodies slim hopes alive but the Roos dominated the 3rd quarter and spent 90% of the time camped in their forward 50 as the Woodies continually took bad options coming from defence and skill levels were down.

At 3/4 time, the Woodies trailed by 40 points and had yet to register a goal and looked like they would suffer an embarrassing end to their 2019 campaign that had faltered early, but promised so much late. So it was to be again, as the Woodies had faltered in the first 3 quarters then spring into life in the last.

Changes were swung with Hockley moved into the Ruck where Thomson had battled hard, but had been largely ineffective. Evans was moved from CHF into the midfield to get extra size around the ball, while Judson was changing on the ball with Mihalopolous.

Despite the average age of the midfield moving to mid 30’s, suddenly they were pro-active around the ball and got on top at stoppages. A long kick deep from Lachlan Woods was marked strongly by Thomson and the Woodies were finally on the board with their first goal, but still trailed by 34 points. The Woodies again won the next centre clearance and the ball fell to the wing where Curtis was able to break free and hit Thomson on the chest who then kicked truly from a tight angle and there was a glimmer of hope for the Woodies, but only ever so slight. The Woodies however were up and about and sensed the momentum shift and ran in waves forward, several repeat entries lead to Hockley marking strongly 30 out in front, but the shot sailed wide - however the Woodies were now creating scoring opportunities and the Roos were panicking.

Judson won a contested ball, again pumped it forward where Thomson again marked strongly to kick a 3rd and the margin was now less than 25 points with 10 minutes to play. Hockley and Evans by now were dominating on the ball with Hockley on top in the ruck and the ball was moved forward where Verma was able to kick a screamer from inside a congested stoppage as he was tackled and the comeback was officially on!

Unfortunately our friend from earlier in the game wanted to inject themselves in the play and a free kick was plucked from nowhere at the next centre bounce and the Roos were able to kick a quick goal against the run of play from their only forward entry on the quarter, now making the comeback a tall task as the clock ticked away!

The Woodies again won the next clearance and a long kick in from Evans hit the pack where a flying Verma crumbed the back of the pack at full pace to run into an open goal to kick another one for the Woodies to make the margin just 14 points! The mids again did their job to win the next centre bounce and the Woodies squandered several golden opportunities, including a poster from just 5 m out in the goalsquare when kicking off the ground instead of simply gathering the footy!

Curtis managed to push forward and goal again to reduce the margin and it was officially panic stations for the home side, but it was to no avail as the clock ticked down the Woodies were gallant losers by 8 points after threatening a miracle comeback.

That ended the season for the Woodies, though many were said to suggest they were so tired and sore they would likely have been unable to go another week anyway!

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Deja Vu as Pies falter at last finals hurdle

It was a case of deja vu as the Western Magpies faltered  at the last hurdle for the second year in a row, going down to Surfers Paradise in the final round of QAFL home and away football, as was the case in 2018. 

The Magpies went down by 5 goals but this does not tell the tale of a hard fought contest with the Pies 2 goals down going into time on in the final quarter before the Demons scored 3 late goals to flatter the final scoreline. The Pies went down 13.11-89 to 9.5-59. 

The Magpies played with the sad news of the sudden passing of Stephen Mitchell late last week, a premiership player for Sherwood and the father of Drew and Luke Mitchell.

Coach Brydan Morgan gave an inspirational speech to the playing group before the match and the Pies looked to be up for the match with a lively first quarter. The Magpies took an 11 point lead into quarter time but it could have been better with 2 easy misses and a couple of squandered chances and if taken could have given the Pies a match winning lead. 

Surfers Paradise started to get their running game going in the second quarter and also took control in the middle of the ground to boot 4 goals to the Pies 2 to go in at half time 10 points up.

The third quarter and the majority of the last quarter was an arm wrestle as the Pies refused to surrender. At one stage the Demons were 4 goals up early in the last quarter but the Magpies kicked 2 quick goals to close the gap but in pushing forward were caught on the rebound as Surfers booted late goals to seal the contest. 

It was a disappointing end to the season for the Pies who at their best were able to match every other team in the competition. A slow start with several narrow early season losses when the Pies were below full strength proved costly in the final analysis.

That said Surfers are deservedly second on the ladder as their ball use after quarter time was superior to the Pies and they had good leg speed which they used well, causing the Pies headaches with their outside run. 

Val Pope turned back the clock with a display that reminded everyone how good he is with 4 classy goals and his 2008 and 2012 premiership teammate Gerard Moore rucked tirelessly all match and got his hands on the ball but the Pies were still beaten at the stoppages by a slick Demons on-ball brigade

Dan Edwards provided a spark for the Magpies from a wing and Riley Greene was again tireless across half back. Both these youngsters have had superb debut seasons and both will be right in the mix for the QAFL's Rising Star Award to be announced in a few weeks.

Luca Winton had another strong game at fullback, keeping tight tabs on another high profile full forward and he will again be amongst the favourites for the Magpies Best and Fairest Award, the Bill Peirce Medal. 

Brenton Saunders in defence mopped up brilliantly until injured early in the last quarter  and he has had an impressive second half of the season. Will Fletcher was strong on a wing and also when rolling through the midfield and won plenty of the contested ball and Aaron Highlands played a strong defensive game at centre half back.

The Magpies will now look on at the finals again known they could have been in the mix if even one or two of their 4 and  6 point losses early in the season had been reversed, with 3 less wins and a % 45 worse, the reality is they went backwards in results but again missed the final by 1 win for the 3rd consecutive season. Early season momentum has been hard to come by and a Round 1 home game would be a pleasant change after 6 consecutive seasons starting the year away from home, not to mention free access to our own listed players when fit!

Western Magpies 4.2 - 26 | 5.4 - 34 | 8.4 - 52 | 9.5 - 59

lost to

Surfers Paradise 2.3 - 15 | 6.8 - 44 | 9.11 - 65 | 13.11 - 89

Best: Pope, Edwards, Saunders, Greene, Fletcher, Highlands

Goals: Pope 4, Edwards, Winton, Beams, Lewis, Lumber

CFMG Capital - Reserves Round 19 Match Review

The Western Magpies Reserves ended a largely forgettable season in disappointing fashion when they were easily defeated by top team Surfers Paradise in the final match of the year.

The Pies had 5 late withdrawals from the selected side on Saturday morning and only fielded 20 players and finished with 16 players in the last 15 minutes of the match with Monty Vine, Mitchell O'Dea, Jayden Gallagher and Rory Johnson all injured throughout the game.

This outcome was part and parcel of a disjointed season as injuries piled up, unavailability intervened and NEAFL clubs regularly plucked players at the last minute, leaving the club short across multiple grades.

The Magpies were defeated 18.7-115 to 5.6 36. 

The Demons had more to play for, wanting to take top spot on the ladder and a week off in the first week of the finals and they looked cleaner and slicker than the Pies. 

Rory Johnson was busy on the ball and across half forward until injured and Jayden Gallagher was robust and provided a forward target and finished with 3 goals until he too was injured during the last quarter.

Zac Collison returned to his early season form with intercept marks a highlight and Brady Allen also worked overtime in defence. Sam Hartog had another good game on a wing and Zane Lovell ran himself ragged  on the ball and Peter Kilroy gave 100% as usual from half back.

Surfers 5.1 - 31 | 8.3 - 51 | 13.5 - 83 | 18.7 - 115

defeated

Magpies 2.2 - 14 | 2.4 - 16 | 4.5 - 29 | 5.6 - 36

Best: Johnson, Z.Collison, Gallagher, Allen, Hartog, Lovell

Goals: Gallagher 3, Mazerolle, Workman 1

Anytime Fitness - Colts Match Review

COLTS FLY THE FLAG AND SECURE DOUBLE CHANCE

The Western Magpies Colts flew the flag for the club as they secured third place and the double chance with an emphatic 68 point victory over the Surfers Sharks last Saturday. The Pies won 15.8-98 to 4.6-30.

The win means the Pies will begin their Premiership defence when they play Wilston Grange in the Qualifying Final at Surfers Paradise next Saturday.   

The match shaped as a danger game but the Colts came out firing from the first bounce and had the game in their keeping at quarter time when they led by 31 points. The Pies were workmanlike all match and extended their lead at each change. 

The Magpies are only missing Jack Briskey from their best side and are building nicely going into the finals. 

Sean Ryan continues his fine form on ball and has been in the best players in every game since his return from injury 6 weeks ago while Darcy Prest adds class to the on ball brigade with clean ball handling and good decision making. 

Cade Scott was strong at the contest in midfield and had another good game and Whitlam Bishop led a very sold back six from CHB. Speedster Abu Kante was busy up forward with 4 goals and tall forward Lachlan Davies finished with 3 goals.

The Magpies fell to Wilston Grange twice the season but next Saturday the Pies will field arguably their best team for the year and will be quietly confident of upsetting the Gorillas. 

Magpies 5.2 - 32 | 7.3 - 45 | 11.4 - 70 | 15.8 - 98

defeated

Surfers 0.1 - 1 | 1.3 - 9 | 3.4 - 22 | 4.6 - 30

Best: Ryan, Prest, Scott, Kante, Bishop, Ferguson

Goals: Kante 4, Davies 3, Ryan 2, Smith 2, Prest 2, Paynter 2

Vale Stephen Mitchell - Life Member

The Sherwood Football Club family all have heavy hearts as they grapple with the news of the sudden passing of club stalwart Stephen Mitchell late last week

All at the club and the wider Brisbane AFL community send their condolences and heart felt prayers and thoughts to his sons Drew and Luke and to Karen and the extended Mitchell family. Drew and Luke have been top line players for the Magpies in recent seasons, with Drew a club captain for 2 years and a Bill Peirce Medallist  and Karen is from Sherwood football royalty, with her father Ray Lang and mother Flo Lang both Life Members of the club.  

Steve was larger than life and a fixture at the Magpies for almost 50  years since he started as a snowy haired 10 year old junior before graduating through the ranks to Senior football, where he was a hard and tough half back flanker then a strong and uncompromising fullback. 

He was described by both Kevin Kluver and Des Lashman as a hard, no nonsense footballer and the ultimate team man who possessed a beautiful long 50 metre kick. His kicking was so good he won a QAFL Goalkicking competition. 

He played in 8 junior premierships for Sherwood before having 2 seasons with Western Districts at Under 17 level then returned to the Magpies to play in three SQAFA Senior Premierships--1980 under Lindsay Jacob and in 1981 and 1982. under Warren Selvage.

He also coached a number of junior Sherwood teams in the 1980s and 1990s  and was Reserves coach in the inaugural season of the  Western Magpies in 1999 then coached in  2000, 2001 and 2007, coaching the Reserves to a Premiership in 2007 over Noosa. 

Steve was a junior, youth and Reserves coach for many of the current Magpies Senior squad.

A fixture at the club for many years were the "Three-wise men"--Steve, Des Lashman and Kevin Kluver prognosticating and ruminating on the state of the game and scheming to work out how to make the Magpies better. 

Steve was always thinking about the game and how to make it better and one example was that he came up with an idea that has a lot of merit-- --if a player pulls the ball to his chest and takes the tackle and then fails to dispose of the ball properly then he should be penalised-- he yet may be immortalised when the AFL adopts the "Mitchell Rule"!! 

For several seasons he wrote a column in the club's website called "The Magpie" and gave interesting and amusing anecdotes and a bit of a left field analysis of Western Magpies matches. 

Steve was also behind the scenes with his good mate and Premiership team-mate Craig St John in organising the club's new honour boards a couple of years ago and was also the Football Director in 2013.

Steve’s large frame but also larger than life presence will be sadly missed at the club and his contribution to Sherwood and the Western Magpies has been greater than his list of achievements noted above. It was through the legacy of Steve Mitchell and others before him as well as a number of his contemporaries that the great success and the traditions of the Magpies has been built and preserved. 

Vale Steve Mitchell.

Place Preview - Magpies playing early elimination final again in 2019

The Western Magpies face another virtual elimination final when they travel to the Gold Coast to do battle with the second placed Surfers Paradise in the final home and away QAFL round on Saturday.

The Pies have been playing on the edge for the last  three rounds and have scraped into fifth place but must still win on Saturday then watch the scoreline in the Mt Gravatt-Labrador match to calculate the percentages.

The Magpies and Demons are arguably the form teams of the competition and with the home team playing for a home Qualifying Final and the Pies for a finals appearance  this is a high stakes contest-- just like a finals game in fact!! 

The Magpies have made 3 forced changes at selection with Samson Ryan, Bruce Reville and Caleb Franks called into the Redlands team. In comes Macauley Lonergan, Lachie Dennis and Ben Jaenke-Cain. Lonergan was the Pies best in the Reserves last week and Jaenke-Cain has been consistent for many weeks in the Reserves and has kept his chin up and deserves his recall-- you know what you are going to get from the former Bill Peirce Medallist. 

The Pies forward line, dysfunctional at times in the early part of the season, has found its mojo and with more direct ball coming into the forward half it allows the class of Ryan Harwood, Claye Beams and Brodie Lumber to contest one-out and they will all win more of those than they lose. 

In Gerard Moore the Pies have a class ruckman who will more than provide a contest and the Pies a fair share of the ball and with Riley Easton, Will Fletcher and Gareth Crawford all in good form the Pies willget plenty of contested ball to get the ball moving forward. 

The back six remain unchanged and have been superb in recent weeks, led by skipper David Lewis and fullback Luca Winton, who has had another great season. Riley Greene, this week's QAFL Rising Star nominee, and another youngster in Ethan Sivijs have both been superb all season with their consistency exceptional for two teenagers holding down positions in the back 6.

Aaron Highlands and Jack Goodall have both been consistent players and have played the roles coach Brydan Morgan asks them to and also give Morgan flexibility as both can play forward, back or in the ruck/midfield.

Well, the equation is simple--win and hope the other result goes their way, lose and its curtains for the season. The Magpies will be keen to reverse last year's final round result when they lost to the Demons and missed finals in somewhat of an upset. This will be played with finals like intensity and with the Magpies playing their best football of the year will be quietly confident of victory. 

QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise  on Saturday, August 17th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke Mitchell Luca Winton  Brenton Saunders

HF: Riley Greene, Jack Goodall,  David Lewis

C:  Will Fletcher Ryan Harwood  Dan Edwards 

HF: Claye Beams Liam Dwyer  Val Pope

F:  Kale Reed Brodie Lumber  Aaron Highlands  

Rucks:  Gerard Moore

             Gareth Crawford

Rover:   Riley Easton

I/C:   Ethan Sivijs, Lachie Dennis, Macauley Lonergan, Ben Jaenke-Cain

Kaplan - Reserves Round 19 Match Preview

RESERVES KEEN TO FINISH ON A HIGH

The Western Magpies Reserves will be keen to finish the season on a high when they talk on the first placed Surfers Paradise in QAFL Round 19 action at Surfers Paradise on Saturday. 

The Pies lose three good players to the Seniors in Ben Jaenke-Cain, Macaulaey Lonergan and Lachie Dennis while Harrison Kerr and Hamish Campbell are both out injured. This gives the opportunity for Mitchell O'Dea and Harrison Radcliffe and both were good players early in the season before missing through injury. Matt Mazerolle comes in after a trip overseas and he will add marking power to the forward line while Finn Collison also adds marking power up forward. Brady Allen also missed last week with a niggle and this week he has been selected at full forward while Zac Collison returns to boost the half back line after also missing with a niggle last week. 

Coach Kiran Verma will be hoping his team can lift for the final game in what has largely been a disappointing season for the Reserves. 

However, in their defence they have been chopped and changed all season with 8-10 changes from week to week in some games and a further 6 changes for this match.

Sam Hartog has been excellent on a wing in recent matches and Jayden Gallagher, Rory Johnson and Joel Workman have also enjoyed good form recently. 

With a forward line comprising Allen, Jack Austin, Jesse Hampel and Jordan Bonney the pies have plenty of options--they just need to get the ball down there as quick and as often as possible. 

The Magpies will be up for the challenge and several players on the fringe of Senior selection will be keen to play well to stay in the selection mix should the Seniors play finals. 

QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies Reserves v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise on Saturday, August 17th at 11.30 am 

 B:   Aiden D'Roza  Sean McEvoy Chris Jenkins 

HB:   Zac Collison Harry Marshall  Peter Kilroy

C:   Sam Hartog Jayden Gallagher Zane Lovell

HF:  Finn Collison Jesse Hampel Deng Arok

F:   Jack Austin  Brady Allen Jordan Bonney 

Rucks:  Monty Vine

             Joel Workman 

Rover:   Rory Johnson 

I/C:   Isaac Bongaarts, Matt Mazarolle, Mitchell O'Dea, Harrison Radcliffe

CFMG Capital - Colts Round 19 Preview

COLTS MUST WIN TO SECURE DOUBLE CHANCE

The Western Magpies Colts face a danger game against Surfers Sharks on Saturday morning as the Pies need to win to have any chance of a third place finish.

The Sharks have improved since the last time they met so the Pies will need to be on guard.

The Pies will welcome back Queensland under 17 player Darcy Prest but will still miss the injured Jack Briskey.

The backline has been in good form recently with Whitlam Bishop, Lawson Campbell and Tom Evans all solid contributors while Lachlan Davies in ruck has also lifted his workmate in recent weeks.

Noah Resuggan, Sean Ryan, Darcy Prest, Cade Scott,  Jonty Macdougall and Jacob Aurisch are a strong midfield with a combination of pace and strength.

Jackson Paynter, Cam Ferguson and Cooper Crowell are the forward targets and Sam Mehari provides the speed at ground level.

Ferguson was exceptional last week in his return to the side, while Paynter has had an outstanding season and looks a future QAFL player of promise, likely as soon as next season.

The Pies should win and if Broadbeach are defeated by PBC then the Pies will take third place and the double chance. A loss drops the Pies to fifth but they will still play finals. 

QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies Colts v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise on Saturday, August 17th at 9.30 am

 Unfortunately no side has been named at this point, which is a continual frustration for all involved.

Coopers Friday Night Footy Preview - Woodsmen take on Roos in Semi Final

After their quality win vs Morningside in last weeks semi final, the Woodies have named an unchanged side for the first time in club history as they prepare to take on their 2018 Grand Final opponents, Maroochydore in another knock-out final.

In a remarkable turn of events, at this stage there are no casualties from last weeks team due to work, injury, family commitments, coaching etc so an unnamed side has been named! Not a bad effort for a side that used a total of 79 players through the one side during the home & away rounds!

Having said all that, if you’re named an emergency for the Woodies, you strap the ankles and bring the boots!

Recognising the difficulty in getting up the Bruce Highway on a Friday evening, especially in the week of the ‘Ekka Flu’ - the game has been scheduled for an 8pm start, but the Woodies have been ready for this one for quite some time.

Last week there were a couple of players in Hockley and Prior who rose from their sick beds to play superb games, this week its a clean bill of health and the Woodies will have 22 fit and ready to go in enemy territory.

The engine room of Judson, Woods, DeNys, Curtis and Morrison created a potent ball winning midfield who are hard at the footy and apply plenty of tackling pressure to go with their ball winning ability. There is speed on the wings via Verma, Fuentes and potentially Banim and Davis who may push up there, while the usual miserly defence will again be functioning well without changes to the side.

Green has been in and out all year due to work commitments, but with this being his 3rd game on the trot he will be in prime form and form a quality defensive wall across half back with the likes of Young, Davis, Bilko and La Burniy, while the ever reliable Prior and Hopkins will mop up in the last line of defence.

Up front is where the real danger may lie with potent twin talls in Hockley and Evans creating aerial options and the experienced Mihalopoulous an option both in the air and at ground level. The irishman will be his usual electric self, while resting mids love to get forward for a goal.

Friday marks the 10 year anniversary to the day when the Woodies famously defeated Jimboomba in the 2009 Grand Final after the skipper Sean Toohey celebrated the early arrival of twins on the morning of the match. There are 3 surviving members of that side taking the field in Green, Thomson and Verma and they will be looking to mark the occasion with another quality win away from home.

Go Woodies!

Gut Feelings - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care

• The Seniors are back in the finals hunt but it is going to be a nerve racking Saturday afternoon with several possibilities come 5 pm.  The Magpies, Mt Gravatt and Labrador all sit on 24 points with percentage separating them . The Magpies hold down 5th place on the ladder on 96.84%,  1.1% ahead of Mt Gravatt on 95.74% but quite a long way ahead of Labrador on 82.55%. Simply put, the Pies must win over the second placed Surfers Paradise, as a loss is curtains for another year. If the Magpies win  and then if Mt Gravatt defeat Labrador then it will come down to percentage who takes 5th place. A Pies win and a Labrador win will see the Pies stay in 5th as Labrador’s percentage gap will be too great to bridge. Calculators will be at the ready and the possibility of thumb RSI is well and truly on the cards.  

• Coach Brydan Morgan has all his players fit and firing with the only players missing with injury being Drew Mitchell and Logan Murray. The pieces have fallen in place with the Pies able to play a more direct style of football, especially as the forward line looks dangerous with plenty of options in attack. Brodie Lumber is clunking them and now kicking straight, Ryan Harwood and Claye Beams are both fit and firing and enjoying booting a few goals and dual Bill Peirce Medallist Val Pope was starting to look like his dangerous self. The midfield now matches any opposition with Gerard Moore being a revelation in ruck and Samson Ryan the up and comer. 

• Though sadly the Pies look likely to lose Caleb Franks, Samson Ryan and Bruce Reville to Redland this week, sure we can cop Caleb Franks as a Redlands listed player - but the other 2 boys are on the Magpies Primary list and have been pulled from pillar to post this year playing for 6 different teams. Are they really looking after the development of young players with this sort of treatment?

• The Surfers Paradise match is a case of déjà vu as last year the winner of the last round match would make the five. Unfortunately for the Pies they were running on empty after playing a succession of virtual elimination finals in the second half of the season which took its toll and they went down. At the moment the Pies and Demons are the form teams of the competition and the home team will be playing for second place on the ladder and a home final so this match is a finals match one week early. However, unlike last year, the Pies are up and firing and all players look fit and despite the odd niggle are coming good at the right time of the season.

• Riley Easton turned back the clock to a different era with a mullet a la Bailey Smith from the Western Bulldogs and Riles as usual was in amongst it despite the new look.

• Mt Gravatt star Mick Hamill fractured the fibula in his leg in the second quarter on Saturday and it may spell the end of Mick's career.

• Mick is as close to family for the Magpies as there can be for an opposition player as he was a junior star for Sherwood and played with his cousin Pat Garner before joining his brother Will at the Vultures. He has been a true warrior for Mt Gravatt and despite his thin frame he is as tough as they come and is highly regarded in the QAFL. All at the Magpies wish Mick all the best in his recovery.  

• Gut Feelings playing days go back a bit and it was only at the end of his career that there was some inspirational music in the rooms before the match.  "Eye of the Tiger" comes to mind but on Saturday in the Pies' rooms before the match there was funky/hip hop music--not sure which-- that had the visiting Grey Magpies raise their eyebrows!

• Whatever it was it did the trick as the Pies came out firing from the first bounce to take early control of the match.

• Mitch Merritt had an omen of some sorts on Saturday when he had a magpie do his number and the droppings landed on Mitch. Now I am not sure how much of an omen it actually was--maybe if the droppings had hit a Mt Gravatt supporter it may have been an omen but whichever way you look at it the footballing Pies were all over their opponents on the field!! And Mitch took it all in his stride also running water for the senior team.

• With Barts on his Europe trip and now preparing to watch the Aussies at Lords, up stepped supporters Peter Carter and Lindsay Hampson to work the BBQ with Heathy helping out as usual.

• Peter is also a club sponsor with his law firm Carter Capner Lawyers and Lindsay was a past player at the club. They were very chuffed with their sales record, claiming to have outdone Barts and enjoyed themselves so much indicated they may get on the BBQ tools next season. 

• The Grey Magpies highlighted the career of Jim Evans on Saturday as he presented the awards for Saturday's matches. Jim won premierships as a junior and in Seniors for Sherwood and is still in good nick as he wore his Under 17 Sherwood premiership guernsey when he made the presentations to Dan Edwards in Seniors, Sam Hartog in Reserves and Whitlam Bishop in the Colts. 

• The BG Award went to skipper David Lewis who was inspirational across half back and as always displayed "Courage and Commitment".

• a reminder to check out "Magpie Chatter" No 5,  the Grey Magpies newsletter which has been posted on the Sherwood and Western Magpies Old Boys Facebook page. 

• The Woodsmen had a solid victory in Friday night's Elimination Final at McCarthy Homes Oval on Friday night over Morningside. A look at the best players list of Andrew Thomson, Jason Evans, Matt Hockley, Chris Judson , Tim Green and Kiran Verma would indicate an average age of well over 35 so not a bad effort from the mature players in the side!! You can’t buy experience!! Matt Hockley once again had the goal kicking boots on with 6 goals. 

• The Woodies travel up to Maroochydore on Friday night for an 8pm start to their First Semi Final.

•  Friday night saw a big crowd in attendance for the Woodies match which was preceded by the under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s and the under 11 girls and boys matches. and it was also a "Pies For Pies" night and it was great to see so many families enjoying the footy on a Friday night.  

•  Club President Andrew Thomson just made it for the game after the wild weather in NSW caused the cancellation of a large number of flights and Thommo had to drive from Newcastle to Sydney to get on a re-scheduled flight before a dash from the airport got him to Chelmer just in time to coach the u11s to a solid win over arch rivals Yeronga before strapping on the boots (and plenty of tape) to take on Morningside. He says he got plenty of advice from the sidelines from his young charges, with his own words ringing in his ears regularly!

•  The Reserves pushed the more fancied Mt Gravatt and had their chances to win but fell 6 points short. This was a 95 point turnaround as the Pies were defeated by 101 points in Round 1. The highlight was the late inclusion into the side of Sean McEvoy for his 200th Senior club game for the Magpies. Smack played  a handy game in defence  and he features in another story celebrating his milestone elsewhere in this forum. In typical fashion Smack also ran the water for the Seniors in another demonstration of the clubman that he is. 

• The Magpies Colts had their work cut out for them in the first half against Mt Gravatt but powered away after half time. The Colts have a big game against Surfers Sharks on Saturday morning. The Pies are in 4th position on equal points but with a large gap in percentage behind the 3rd placed Broadbeach. The Magpies must win and then hope Broadbeach go down to the 2nd placed PBC.  Surfers pose a threat to the Pies as they have been playing good football in the second half of the season.

• Good to see Alex Dickfos enjoying the footy on Saturday and catching up with his mates at the Magpies, including ex-captain Lachlan Woods, who had  handy game in the Woodies victory on Friday night. Dicko played in the Wandsworth Demons premiership in London AFL last year but came home before this year's finals. He indicated he will be back at Chelmer next year in an early boost for the Pies’ 2020 prospects. 

• Congratulations to 17 year old Riley Greene who was this week’s QAFL Rising Star nomination. Riley has had an outstanding season to date and is a key member of the Pies backline. He is fearless in his attack on the ball and contest, puts his body on the line every match and for a 17 year old his footy smarts are well developed. He shows maturity on and off the field and is just a genuinely good bloke. He can hold a conversation with young and old alike and respects everyone in the footy club and understands the rich history of the club.He has not played a bad game this season and this week’s award is for consistency across the 13 matches he has played to date. In Gut Feelings opinion he has to be right in the mix along with Dan Edwards to take the overall QAFL Rising Star Award  such has been his consistency.

• “RG” will be a key part of the Magpies impressive defensive six as they take on Surfers Paradise on Saturday and should the Pies make the finals he will be a player to watch as this year he has stepped up on the big occasions when asked.

• RG joins Dan Edwards and Jack Austin as Magpie Rising Star nominees for 2019, and Ethan Sivijs can’t be far from a nomination after an incredibly consistent season down back for the Pies. One of these boys could follow in the footsteps of Riley Easton who was the 2018 Rising Star winner, remarkably so given it was his 4th year of Senior footy!

• Only a few rounds to go in junior footy and youth footy finals have now commenced, the U12s were unlucky to be knocked out and the absence of 3 x state players off in Perth certainly doesn’t help, but congrats again to the 3 J’s, Jacob Edwards, Jack Harrison and Jack Slater who were part of a QLD side who ran 4th, defeated SA and got closer than anyone to the Victorian side. The carnival was mostly played in tough conditions, but the boys did QLD proud under the guidance of club legend Noodles McEvoy who is the U12 state coach.

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Magpies firing on all cylinders to move into 5th

The Western Magpies inflicted a 10 goal defeat on old rivals Mt Gravatt and in doing so replaced the vultures in fifth place on the QAFL ladder going into the final round.

Playing at home at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in front of a healthy crowd,  the Magpies played some of their best football for the season and were on song from the first bounce as they went on to a 19.7-121 to 9.7-61 victory which lifted the Pies' percentage above Mt Gravatt.  Much to the pleasure of regular viewers, the Pies accuracy in front of goal was finally rewarding some of their work up the ground!

Brodie Lumber was on fire early in the match (no pun intended) with his regular strong marks leading to three first quarter goals which got the Pies away to a four goal lead at quarter time. The match was played in blustery conditions which the Magpies had first use but they handled the conditions quite well throughout the match.  

Claye Beams was used across half forward and he finished with 6 goals, at one stage in the second and third quarters booting 5 goals in a row for the Pies. His partner in crime in Ryan Harwood kicked 4 goals and Val Pope snared 2 goals as well to give the Pies a functioning and potent forwardline with Lumber and Dwyer offering the tall options, Beams, Harwood and Pope some finishing class and ability at both ground level and in the air, while Reed gets busy at ground level.

Gerard Moore and Samson Ryan  in ruck blunted the very strong Vultures ruck  duo and this enabled the Pies midfield to win the ball and drive the Pies forward. Harwood. Riley Easton, Caleb Franks and 350 game player Gareth Crawford all got the Pies going in the midfield battles. 

On the wings Dan Edwards and Bruce Reville provided plenty of spark to drive the Pies goalward, with their speed burning the opposition on several occasions.

The defence was superb, with skipper David Lewis marshalling his troops brilliantly from half back taking plenty of intercept marks in the 2nd quarter when the Vultures challenged with the wind at their back,  Luca Winton shut down the dangerous full forward,  Aaron Highlands was strong at CHB and Riley Greene,Ethan Sivijs, Luke Mitchell and Brenton Saunders mopped up and they were a very solid back six. 

Greene and Sivijs must both be long overdue for a QAFL Rising Star nomination, though as defenders perhaps don’t get the recognition of young forwards and mids throughout the competition despite both regularly playing outstanding games on experienced opponents.

The Pies season is still alive but they must defeat the other form side of the competition in the second placed Surfers Paradise who inflicted Palm Beach-Currumbin's first defeat of the year and also with an emphatic 10 goal victory. Surfers Paradise will be tough as they will be playing for a home Qualifying Final so this match is another finals like game with a huge amount riding on the outcome. 

The Pies will also be keeping a close eye on the Mt Gravatt-Labrador match because percentage could decide who makes the five even if the Pies are victorious. With 0.10% separating the Magpies and Mt Gravatt the calculators will be given a workout. A loss for the Magpies means curtains for the year and the winner of the Vultures-Tigers match will make the five, while a win provides to guarantees but should hopefully be enough to secure a well deserved finals spot after an interrupted season.

Western Magpies 5.2 - 32 | 9.4 - 58 | 14.6 - 90 | 19.7 - 121

defeated

Mt Gravatt Vultures 1.2 - 8 | 5.3 - 33 | 6.5 - 41 | 9.7 - 61

Best: Beams, Lumber, Lewis, Winton, Harwood, Edwards

Goals: Beams 6, Lumber, Harwood 4, Pope, Reed 2, Dwyer 1

Coopers Friday Night Footy Review - Elimination Final vs Morningside

The Woodsmen took on Morningside in the QFA Elimination Final on Friday night in front of a big home crowd on ‘Pie Night’ at the club. The theme continued as it certainly was the Pies night as they ran out 5 goal winners after a tough first half, before the experienced Woodies players took over to put the game to bed.

Getting off his sick bed for the match, regular CHF Matt Hockley was moved closer to goal to reduce his workload after a flu-ridden week and he produced the goods with a 6 goal haul, thanks to some quality finishing and regular supply from a dominant midfield.

The Woodies were strong early winning the first clearance and pushing forward, and while they spent a majority of the first quarter camped in their attacking 50 were only able to kick 2.3 for the quarter after some wayward kicking and some poor options going forward.

The 2nd quarter was more finely balanced with Morningside putting some good passages together, but a feature of the game was the ease with which the Woodies were able to rebound out of the defence and not spend petrol tickets with long period of defensive footy in their own half, while in contrast regularly locked the ball forward for repeat offensive opportunities.

Irish Sammy Banim was his usual lively self and set up an important second quarter goal for Captain/Coach Chris Mihalopoulous with a scinitilating peace of brilliance on the flank finishing with a deft left foot pass straight into Mika’s bread basket. Meanwhile the expected dominance through the midfield was coming to fruition with the Woodies batting particularly deep through the middle with the prolific Curtis and Judson, and the bullocking Woods and DeNys. Meanwhile, Morrison provided a touch of class despite being a little rusty coming back from an ankle injury.

This midfield depth allows the Woodies to play the likes of Chris Davis across half-back where his work rate, tackling and vocal direction are key, while Brent Hocking and Chris Mihaloplous are able to spend all their time forward without blowing up with midfield stints.

Also down back, Tim Green was controlling the air and while the Woodies were slightly undersized for height - the likes of Hopkins, Bilko, Prior and La Burniy dominated at ground level and Young was able to take plenty of intercept marks.

Kiran Verma played arguably his best game of the year showing some vintage speed, while Jake Fuentes was an important link man on the opposite wing.

With a 1 goal lead at half time, the Woodies were able to largely control the game in the 2nd half kicking 6 goals straight to take a 7 goal lead into time on before some junk time goals from the Panthers brought the final margin back to 5 goals.

Jason Evans was particularly strong in the 2nd half with some bustling play and the Panthers were noticeably beginning to 2nd guess themselves in contests as the experienced Magpies were strong and uncompromising over the footy. Judson was incredibly prolific and took huge advantage of Thomson’s ruck dominance around the ground as the midfield functioned beautifully. The addition of boundary throw-ins instead of ball ups for the finals certainly assists the older style ruckmen who prefer a wrestle to a jumping contest!

The reward for the victory is a Friday night game against Maroochydore in Maroochydore, and some of the Woodies are rumoured to have left already to beat the traffic!

Woodies 2.3 - 15 | 4.3 - 27 | 7.6 - 48 | 10.9 - 69

defeated

Morningside 1.1 - 7 | 3.3 - 21 | 3.6 - 24 | 5.7 - 37

Best: Thomson, Evans, Hockley, Judson, Green, Verma (average age 35!)

Goals: Hockley 6, Evans, Hocking, Mihalopoulos, Judson 1

Sci Fleet - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST

The Western Magpies Reserves were defeated by Mt Gravatt in a tight contest, going down by 6 points, 8.16-64 to 8.10-58. 

The Magpies fought back from a 4 goal half time deficit to close the gap to 2 points early in the last quarter and looked to be about to overrun the Vultures but the visitors regrouped and held on for the win.

For the Magpies, it was a vast improvement after they had lost the round 1 clash by 101 points.

The pleasing aspect for the Pies was the effort of several players who were unlucky to be left out of the Senior side with Macauley Lonergan getting plenty of the football in the midfield and across half forward, Jordan Bonney in the centre (also booted 2 goals) and Jayden Gallagher used his strength to win plenty of ther contested football in midfield. Ben Jaenke-Cain reminded selectors of his abilities with another prolific game, Joel Workman showed what he is capable of after an interrupted season and Sam Hartog was excellent at halfback and then on a wing. 

Harrison Kerr also played well at half forward to finish with 3 goals. 

A highlight of the match was Sean McEvoy playing his 200th club game for the Magpies in a career which commenced with Auskick in 1994 through juniors to Colts and then into senior ranks in 2007. He was a late call-up to the side when Brady Allen was a late withdrawal and he was solid in defence for the Pies. 

The Pies have a big challenge when they play the ladder leaders Surfers Paradise and although out of finals contention will be keen to finish the season on a high note with a big scalp. 

Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 3.3 - 21 | 7.7 - 49 | 8.10 -58

defeated by

Mt Gravatt 2.2 -14 | 6.9 - 45 | 7.13 - 55 | 8.16 - 64

Best: Lonergan, Jaenke-Cain, Bonney, Hartog, Workman, Gallagher

Goals: Kerr 3, Bonney 2, Johnson, Jaenke-Cain, Jenkins 1

Harvey Norman Oxley - Colts Match Review

COLTS CHALLENGED BEFORE TAKING THE POINTS

The Western Magpies Colts weathered a first half challenge from a determined Mt Gravatt before taking control in the second half to run out 32 point victors, 9-8-62 to 4-6-30.

Mt Gravatt, second last on the ladder came to play and had the pies on the back foot  for the first half. The Magpies lifted after half time and kept the Vultures goalless in the 2nd half and restricted them to just 3 behinds in windy conditions.

The defence was superb with CHB Whitlam Bishop, half back flanker / wignman Lawson Campbell and full back Tom Evans holding Mt Gravatt at bay.

Cade Scott was strong on ball and Jackson Paynter provided a high forward target at CHF. Lachlan Davies in ruck just gets better each game and Cam Ferguson sent a strong message with a quality game up front putting 4 goals on the board.

The Magpies will be looking for a sold win over the Surfers Sharks to secure a top 3 position but they will need to on guard as the Sharks will be a dangerous proposition at home in their last game of the season.

Magpies 3.1 - 19 | 4.5 - 29 | 6.5 - 41 | 9.8 - 62

defeated

Mt Gravatt 2.2 - 14 | 4.3 - 27 | 4.6 - 30 | 4.6 - 30

Best: Bishop, Campbell, Paynter, Scott, Davies, Evans

Goals: Ferguson 4, Crowell, Davies, Mehari, Thorpe, Paynter 1

McCarthy Homes Milestone - 'SMACK' Brings up 200!

If you are looking for the definition of loyalty then look no further that Sean "Smack" McEvoy, who played his 200th Senior club match for the Western Magpies on Saturday.

Sean has been a constant at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer since he started Auskick as a little tacker in 1994 then began in Under 8s in 1996 and went through the ranks in junior football to the Colts then Reserves and Seniors. 

He played his 183th Reserves game on Saturday to add to his 16 Senior games and a lone outing for the Woodsmen earlier this year. 

Sean has Black and White flowing through his veins as a member of the McEvoy family. Dad Michael was club President for many years and is a Life Member, Mum Julie was club Treasurer for 6 years, brother Tim played over 200 Senior games and is also a Life Member and brother Brett also played for many seasons at the Pies. And there is brother-in-law Reid Dobson who also played over 200 Senior games and is another Life member of the club.  

Sean played most of his football in number 8 but he says he wore number 5 in the 2007 Reserves premiership, which is one of the highlights of his career. This year he was a late starter so lost his coveted number 8 but as per usual there were no complaints from him and he wore whatever jumper was available—number 17 on Saturday.

He graduated from Sherwood juniors in 2005 to the Colts team, which is still regarded as one of the best teams to don the Black and White.   Sean reckons it could have taken on any Under 18 side in the country and been competitive. 

Coached by the legendary Alan Hagley,  the Pies defeated Southport in the Grand Final at the Gabba with a side that contained the likes of the Scott brothers, Luke and Andrew, Mick Hamill, Val Pope, Rohan Bail, Ben Heffernan-Roper, Adam Peel and Dean Nipperess to name a few. He regards that as the best team he has played in. Sean missed the premiership as he was recovering from a fractured tibia but says it was comfortably the best team he played in. 

The other highlight was the 2007 Reserves premiership when the Pies defeated Surfers Paradise at Zillmere.  The disappointments were the Reserves Grand Final losses in 2008 to Aspley after leading by 6 goals and then the loss to Sandgate at Maroochydore  in very windy conditions in 2011. 

He played mainly in defence and had the occasional run in the ruck and in many matches was giving away height and weight but he always managed to win many of the contests. He has never won any best and fairest awards but was always a consistent performer and won a couple of best player in the finals awards which says a lot as he played well at the business end of the season. 

Going back to the beginning, his first mentor was Kevin Kluver in Auskick then had Graham Shaw from Under 8s through to under 12s where he captained the side for one season. His father Michael also coached him for a couple of seasons before Graham Shaw again and Steve Mitchell coached in Under 14s and Under 16s.

In Colts he had Alan Hagley and then Craig "Sounda" Barden  and he credits all his coaches for the skills he learnt and also for continuing to teach as well as further develop his love for the game. In Reserves he had some excellent coaches in Peter McClennan, Des Lashman and Craig Allen.

Other than his fractured leg, he says he has been lucky with injuries, only missing with a back injury several years ago. He also says, tongue in cheek, that his night shift work as an electrician at Australia Post was a blessing in disguise and has probably extended his career as he has missed training so has not worn himself out too early!! 

Some of the better players he has played with include Val Pope, the Scott brothers, Mick Hamill, big Gerard Moore and was always amazed at what Matt "Clock" Thompson was able to do. 

Sean has spent 26 years at the club and has probably donned the black and white of Sherwood and Western Magpies for about 350 matches in total. He is forever thankful for a supportive family and that now includes wife Jasmine who has supported him in playing footy and the club can look forward to another dynasty of McEvoys with his 2 boys, Ted 3 years and Hugh, 6 weeks, probably not having much choice in their preferred footy code or club!!  

So to loyalty you can also add dependability and putting club before self. Sean has had his ups and downs selection wise but you never hear him complain and in recent seasons he has always been ready to fill the gaps in the Reserves when and where required. 

All at the Western Magpies and extended Sherwood family congratulate Sean "Smack" McEvoy on reaching the 200 match milestone, a great achievement for any footballer. 

ANYTIME FITNESS COLTS PREVIEW - DOUBLE CHANCE THE AIM FOR THE COLTS

The Western Magpies Colts will be keen to return to the winners list on Saturday morning when they host the eighth placed Mt Gravatt in the second last round of the home and away season.

The Pies are currently in 5th place on the ladder but play lower sides in Mt Gravatt and Surfers Sharks and wins in both matches puts them on track for a 3rd place finish and the double chance.  Currently they trail 3rd placed Broadbeach and 4th placed Morningside by 4 points and with Broadbeach having the bye this round and then playing the top placed Palm Beach-Currumbin in the final round  the pies could go a game ahead while Morningside play second placed Wilston Grange tomorrow and if they lose then the Pies better percentage will see them ahead of the Panthers.

That all rests on the young Magpies winning their final two matches.

Coach Dallas Gallagher has his side playing good football at the business end of the season and despite a loss to Wilston Grange last week, there was plenty to like about the Pies. They matched the Gorillas for large parts of the match and did not get reward for effort.

They regain speedsters Jonty Macdougall and Ritti Batilimoyo and big forward Cam Ferguson, who they missed last week. They will miss the hardness of Darcy Prest in the midfield as he represents Queensland under 17s against Vic Metro at Ikon park on the weekend and tall forward jack Briskey, who is out with an injury. The Pies have a strong midfield led by Noah Resuggan, Cade Scott and Sean Ryan and Lachlan Davies in ruck has been in good form. The defence has been solid all year with Whitlam Bishop, and lawson Campbell being consistent defenders all year and  up forward ferguson and Jackson Paynter are the big forward targets.

The Pies must win this match if they want to secure the double chance and at home have the incentive to pocket the four points.

 QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies Colts v Mt Gravatt  at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, August 10th at 09.30 am 

B:  Lawson Campbell Jacob Aurisch  Tom Evans

HB: Charlie Thorpe  Whitlam Bishop  Jack Spry                                           

C:   Rory Edwards Noah Resuggan  Brodie Gardner

HF:   Sam Mehari Jackson  Paynter  Ritti Batilimoyo

F:   Jonty MacDougall  Cam Ferguson   Cooper Crowell

Rucks:  Lachlan Davies

            Cade Scott             

Rover:  Sean Ryan   

Int:   Abu Kante,  Morgan Smith, Tyler Bobin, Kelly Siemer

Emerg: Byron Kohler, Kai Tierney

In: Jonty MacDougall, Tyler Bobin, Ritti Batilimoyo, Cam Ferguson

Out: Darcy Prest (Qld Under 17), Jack Briskey (injured), Lachlan Pearson, Ethan Mooney

Coopers - Friday Night Footy Preview

In a huge night down at McCarthy Homes Oval tonight, where  Pie Night will be in full swing, there will be 4 junior games across the back and front ovals – the headline act will be the Woodsmen hosting Morningside in a QFA Elimination Final.

It was a tough start to the year for the Woodies, with injuries and unavailability rampant in addition to extensive injury to the senior squad resulting in many players who expected to play Woodies ending up playing plenty of QAFL Reserves footy instead.

However, a late season surge where the Woodsmen managed to go from fighting for a finals berth to hosting the elimination final has seen them enter the finals having won 6 of their last 7 including defeating Morningside just 2 weeks ago on their home deck.

Even in the back half of the year, it hasn’t been smooth sailing with the win over Morningside costing the Woodies key players in Matt Garland (hamstring), Reid Dobson (calf) and Nick Kelly (ankle). However, despite this they have managed to name an extremely strong 26 with depth across the park making it a formidable side.

Key ins are the electric Irishman, Sammy Banim who can create a goal from nothing and the evergreen Chris La Burniy to provide defensive cover.  The midfield looks particularly strong lead by former senior Premiership players in Chris Judson and Lachlan Woods as well as the consistent performers Sammy Curtis, Sam DeNys nd Dom Morrison.  The ruck division is again likely to be a solo effort from Andrew Thomson, though Jason Evans has shown plenty of grunt in his stints on the ball at ground level and is more than capable of giving a quality ruck chop out if required.

Down back there is a mix of experience and youth, with club stalwarts Matty Prior and Tim Green marshalling the troops along with Chris Davis giving them plenty of run across half back with Josh Young and classy left footer Matt Bilko.

On the wings, the coaching architects of the 2018 Colts Premiership will be roaming each side in Kiran Verma and Jake Fuentes and they will be looking to show they can do more than move magnets!

The veteran fowardline contains plenty of smarts, with the injection of speed from the electric Irishman.  Holding down key posts are the sharp shooter Matt Hockley and the strong marking left footer, Jason Evans.  In the pockets and on the flanks will be a mixture of resting mids and club legend Chris Mihalopoulous is a dangerous proposition for opposition players to match up on.

Making up the bench are the evergreen 40 year old in Chris La Burniy, the versatile Mitch Merritt along with midfield/wing rotations in Dom Morrison and Will Gillespie.

The Woodies play an incredibly physical style of game and will again rely on their intensity around the ball, tackling hard, hitting packs hard and putting their bodies on the line. This often comes at the expense of a bit of speed and fitness, but is the trademark of the Woodies outfit!

However, this hardness and enver say die attitude has been nicely complimented in 2019 by the addition of a bit of youthful speed and the class of a select few.

It should be a cracking contest, with the Pies having plenty of scoring power in this week and a deep running midfield to compliment the always stingy defence.

Get down for a look, enjoy a Pie on the club Pie night and cheer on the boys.

U11 matches start from 6pm, with the Woodies commencing at 745pm

GUT FEELINGS - BROUGHT TO YOU BY REGIS AGED CARE CHELMER

• It was a reunion of sorts for the Western Magpies  in Vienna last weekend where a number of Magpies personalities were attending the wedding of a schoolmate.

• The highlight of the weekend ( after the wedding festivities, of course) was a footy game involving the  Vienna Galahs. Our very own legend David “Barts” Bartlett was the umpire for the fixture - it was like the good old days when there was only one umpire and he never left the centre square!!  Ex- Pies  Pablo Calderola, Paul Zilmann and Curtis McNamara attended along with current player Peter “Killa” Kilroy.

• Curtis McNamara  reportedly  rode from Belgium to Vienna over 3-4 days to be at the wedding— may be the fittest big Curtis has been for sometime!!

• To get in the swing a fortnight ago Barts modelled the very distinctive Galahs guernsey which is - you guessed it— grey, white and pink!!

• Barts is doing a European trip which will include a day at Lords for the second an Ashes Test. A good time to be an Aussie in London, I reckon!!

•  Gut Feelings mentioned the spread of AFL overseas in an early season story and the Vienna Galahs are testament to that.

• There is a new set of twins in the club with Luca Winton shaving the head a fortnight ago and, lo and behold, he looks like the skipper, David Lewis. A bit of man love there!! Several spectators got them confused and it is no wonder as they both had plenty of the footy against the Gorillas.

• The Grey Magpies Awards for the Wilston  Grange game went to Riley Easton for Firsts, Brady Allen for Reserves and Lachlan Davies for the Colts. Easton was also awarded the prestigious BG Award for “Courage and Commitment”, which he displays every match in spades!!

• Allen is now showing what he is capable of with a couple of good games in the Reserves, playing mainly in defence, after a late start to the season. Davies is a tall key position player finding his way in the ruck and has continued to grow in the role as the season has progressed.

• The Ladies' Day a fortnight ago was a huge success and a big thanks to Shelby Beams for doing a great job in organising the event. Over 100 beautiful ladies attended all looking absolutely gorgeous and they enjoyed the entertainment with MC Brett Staker looking dapper as always and keeping the day moving.

• It was also great to see a big contingent remain at the club well into the night to celebrate the Pies’ big win. And the Ladies’ Award went to a tall, dark and handsome young man--who else could it be but Aaron Highlands!!

• Ryan Harwood did an Eddie Betts with his seventh and final goal against against Grange when he booted a brilliant check-side goal from the boundary on the scoreboard flank late in the final quarter. It will certainly be a contender for the AFLQ Goal of the Year. And he celebrated as they all do with arms raised while lying in his back!!

• Speaking if goalkicking feats, Val Pope turned back the clock with 6 goals in the Reserves. Val has several 6 goal hauls in Seniors over the years and he was actually the Pineapple Hotel  Cup leading goal kicker for the competition one season playing as a small forward with 78 goals — not a bad effort!!  He also had an affinity for Mt Gravatt over the years with a few 5 and 6 goal matches against the Vultures over the years!! Hmmm, food for thought next week!! (Late mail—Pope has been re-called to the Seniors for the Mt Gravatt match)

• Also showing the class which gained him 70 odd AFL matches with the Brisbane Lions was Claye Beams, whose game a fortnight ago oozed all class. Beams started in defence, rolled through the midfield then was dangerous when he was post forward later in the game. Several of his passes were bullet like and one or two 20 metre handballs which hit their intended target “left breast, lace out” brought tears to an old timer brought up on Polly Farmer and then Diesel Williams ( look them up) brought tears to the eyes!!

• It is fantastic to have quality people like Claye and Shelby Beams in the club and they have contributed already with Claye in the playing leadership group and Shelby getting involved with the Ladies’ function.

• Gerard Moore showed he is up there with the best ruckmen in the QAFL with another great display in ruck against the Gorillas. The “Big G” knows how to position his body, reads the play well and is strong overhead but also clean below his knees, which is “gold” for a big man. Enough said— “G” got a headline in the QAFL review from Round 16 so better not get him too excited!!

• Ex-General Manager of the Western Magpies in 2009-11 Anthony McDonald was the guest interviewer of David Parkin at the Sportsmans’ Luncheon recently and did a great job from all reports.

• Macca was also Reserves coach for a season and he has a special place in his heart for the Magpies. He has had a part-time role as an assistant coach with Brisbane North Under 16s in the past few years but has devoted time in recent years to building his corporate coaching business, which is now very successful. I hear he may be looking to get back into a Senior coaching position next season and with a wealth of coaching experience and man management skills will be a valuable acquisition for any club which manages to snare him.

• The Magpies’ Darcy Prest has been named in the Queensland Under 17 team to play Vic Metro this Sunday at Ikon Park (Princes Park) in Melbourne so all at Magpie land wish the talented youngster all the best. Prest will be a key player for the Colts in the upcoming finals’ series.

• Three Sherwood Under 12 players are currently representing Queensland in the Australian Under 12 Carnival in Perth. Jack Slater, Jack Harrison and Jacob Edwards were selected for the team which is coached by the Magpies legendary Brett “Noodles” McEvoy. The future at Chelmer is  looking assured.

• Kevin Kluver, as we know, is a great clubman and is willing to put his hand up to do most jobs if it helps the Magpies. However, Kevin was required to man the scoreboard for all three matches at the Pies home match against Wilston Grange a fortnight ago and that is asking a bit much of him. The pies are no different to most footy clubs in that it is run by volunteers and thjere is a shortage of those at the club at the moment. The likes of David Bartlett, Phil Kelemen, Bryan Millar have put their hands up year in and year out and the club is looking for anyone else who might want to be involved. The aim is to have enough volunteers to share the load so  no one person has too much to do, as was the case for Kevin two weeks ago.

• Great story on Deng Arok last week on this Facebook  page which is well worth a look. The story originally appeared on ABC News and on the AFLQ website. Deng was the recipient of the  Alex Jesaulenko Coaching Internship scholarship which goes to a community coach from a diverse background . Deng, from a South Sudanese background, was born in a Kenyan refugee camp when his family fled a vicious civil war and then moved to Toowoomba when granted refugee status. The scholarship gives Deng the opportunity to spend time at the Brisbane Lions and the report stated that Deng has impressed at the Brisbane Lions. He had the fantastic experience of sitting on the sidelines with coaching staff when Pies played Western Bulldogs last Sunday. The lions said he is a willing learner and always has a smile on his face, which we have noted at the Magpies as well!! Deng is a ripping young man with a ready smile, always greeting everyone and willing to help out where he can. He is currently coaching the Sherwood under 16s and for a young man not much older than his charges he is doing a great job. And he is also playing for the Pies Reserves team as well.

• Well done, Deng.    

• The Grey Magpies have produced a great Magpie Chatter newsletter No 5  with plenty of stories and photos on the David Parkin luncheon and the Ladies’ Day as well as bio-pics on past players Greg Adams, Dennis Hogan and Bruce O’Neill. For a great read have a look at the Sherwood and Western Magpies Old Boys Facebook page. The newsletter is produced by Grey Magpies convenor Shane Bridley who is doing a great job with Greg Adams and Terry O’Shea in resurrecting the Old Boys Association and reconnecting past players with the club

350 SENIOR MATCHES FOR CRAWF

Western Magpies hard as nails midfielder Gareth Crawford played his 350th Senior match when he took the field for the Western Magpies in their QAFL clash with Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

The balding Crawford is your footballer's footballer, socks down and always at the coal face in the midfield tussles, loving the contest and using his footy smarts to win the footy  time and again for the Pies. 

Some players are Ferraris, some are V8s, but Crawf is your tractor who just keeps going all match, never looking flash but always on the go and when the going gets tough he will get going!!  

He played just his 54th match for the Magpies on Saturday and says he is loving his footy at the Magpies. The popular Crawford says it is obviously  a proud club with a lot of good people and great players and has made lots of close mates in the process. How could you not like him with with his lopsided smile and waddling running style!! 

It was good mate Ricky Dudley, who joined the Pies in 2015,  who lured him to the Magpies when he moved north in 2016 looking for new employment opportunities. They had player together at Eaglehawk in Bendigo where Crawford played in a premiership in 2008.

He grew up in Hamilton in Victoria's western district where he made his senior debut and then played in close to 150 senior games for the Hamilton Magpies, including a premiership in 2004. 

He was highly regarded in the western district of Victoria and arrived at the Western Magpies with a big reputation,  having won the Brian Hennessy Medal in 2012 as the Western Border Football League Best & Fairest when representing the Hamilton Magpies.  Crawford is also a 5 time Inter League representative and multiple senior best & fairest winner for Eaglehawk in the Bendigo League and at Hamilton Magpies.

Crawford has brought  leadership skills and experience to the Pies  having served as Captain, Vice-Captain and Senior Assistant Coach at the Hamilton Magpies, Hamilton Kangaroos and Old Collegians. In 2015 before moving north Crawford played for Merrivale Tigers in the Warnambool District League where he was among the Tigers best in their Grand Final lost to Dennington.  Crawford joined Merrivale as part of a desire to have a season with a good mate. 

That was a bit of a theme as he played for 9 clubs in his career with the main reason for moving around was to play with good mates. 

His senior games tally is:

--Hamilton Magpies --142

--Lake Wendouree (Ballarat) --9 

--Palmerston (NTFL) --15

-- Kerang (Mid Murray league)-- 16

--Eaglehawk (Bendigo) -- 51

--Old Collegians (Warrnambool) --19

--Hamilton Kangaroos (amalgamation of Hamilton Magpies and Hamilton Imperials)--27  

--Merrivale (Warrnambool) --17

--Western Magpies -- 54

Total = 350

He says the standard of football at the QAFL is the equal of any he played in Victoria and he stamped himself at the Western Magpies by being the joint winner of the Bill Peirce Medal with Drew Mitchell in 2017. 

He moved north to further his accounting career and has been lucky enough to meet his girlfriend Miranda while in Brisbane and will be around for awhile yet. He thinks the Pies are on roll now and reckons they will win their final match and if they sneak into the five are good enough to go all the way. That would be a very proud exclamation mark for a wonderful football career.

Fingers crossed!!