Youth Coaching Appointments - Season 2021

Sherwood Football Club are delighted to announce the head coaches for each confirmed youth age group for Season 2021. Once teams in each squad are better established, more coaches will be appointed for the additional teams in each of the age groups. Further to this, we are also hoping to confirm an u15 Girls team and once we have achieved sufficient numbers, a coach will be appointed for this team.

Stephen Hedge has been appointed the head coach of the u16 squad. 'Hedgey' has a long association with the Magpies, having commenced as a club junior in the 1970's before progressing to Senior Football in the 1980's where he played Senior Football for Sherwood in the QAFL. In 1988, he moved to Darwin and continued his footy with the Darwin Buffaloes in the NTFL where he was a member of the 1988/89 Premiership Team.

Returning to Brisbane in 2006, he once again continued his footy with the 'Low Rollers' who then became the Sherwood Old Boys and now the Woodsmen playing up until 2008 where he finally completed a 30+ year playing career and became involved in coaching.

Assisting him will be Sherwood Life Member and former Captain, Michael Blackmore. 'Mousey' as he is known to most, played junior and senior football at Sherwood between 1980 and 2012, with some brief stints with Wests and Yeronga, including captaining the Magpies in 2002 and 2003. He played very good footy for the club well into his 40's. He was known for his fierce attack on the footy and loved to take a hanger. He is an experienced and accomplished coach and is a fantastic addition to the u16 coaching group.

Luke Mahoney has been appointed Head Coach of the u14 Squad. Luke was an accomplished player at Sherwood as a junior, and was also an elite track & field athlete in middle distance events. He then went on to play Senior Football at Wests and University and since his playing days finished has been involved with coaching at Sherwood, most recently as the head coach of u11s in 2020. Luke is passionate about developing junior footballers, with a focus on fitness, skill development and team camaraderie and is excited to take the reigns of a talented age group at Sherwood.

Assisting Luke will be Billy Bridge who is a multiple Division 1 Premiership player in the very strong WRFL in Victoria. Before commencing his junior footy coaching career, Billy spent 8 years as a representative basketball coach, he then coached 2 seasons of junior footy at Wyndhamvale FC prior to relocating to Queensland where he coached the Ipswich Cats u12 team. Billy believes that coaching young players is about making them better footballers, but also about instilling skills they can take beyond the football field in the future.

Also assisting will be Richard Harrison. Richard played approximately 200 amateur games in the Southern Football League in Adelaide, as well as 45 Senior Games for South Adelaide in the SANFL. He is passionate about coaching junior football and coached for 4 seasons in Adelaide for Reynella FC as well as a season with Sherwood u12s in 2019.

Paul McPhee will the head coach of the u13 girls. Paul played his junior football in country Victoria at the Horsham Tigers and Dimboola in the Wimmera League and then subsequently at Monivae College, Hamilton. Paul moved to Queensland in 1989 and played 17s, 19s and Senior football at Caloundra, and also represented the Sunshine Coast before hanging up his boots in 1994 to pursue his working life.

Paul arrived at Sherwood in the 2017 season when his son began to play football. Two seasons later his daughter also signed up to play in the Sherwood U11 Girls team. In his time at the club, Paul has volunteered for numerous roles including team manager, assistant coach and coach of the U8 & U9s.

Paul has a passion for teaching the fundamentals of football to young developing players and understands that the game is still growing in Queensland and does all he can to help promote our great game. He is looking forward to taking the reins and help lead the girls to a fun and successful season.

Assisting Paul will be Chris La Burniy. Chris played most of his junior football at Coorparoo where he also graduated to the senior ranks. Chris was also an elite basketballer and as a result, footy then took a backseat. After returning from several years living in the UK, he was recruited to Sherwood by a fellow parent in his daughters prep class in 2012 to play for the Woodsmen where he accumulated close to 100 games and was part of an undefeated Premiership team in 2014. Chris has coached the u8s for the past 2 seasons as well as assisting with the u11 girls and is exceptional at dealing with young athletes and passing on his knowledge and experience.

Damian Haber is the head coach of the u12 squad. Damian arrived at Sherwood in season 2020 assisting in the u11s after previously coaching at Moggill Mustangs in 2018 and 2019. He has over 20 years experience as a player and coach, playing all his junior football a Southport Sharks. He also played Senior Football at Southport before relocating to Melbourne where he attended Melbourne Uni and also continued playing Senior Football. He completed his senior footy career in his late 20's in order to focus on a thriving professional career where he worked as a lawyer and in property finance before establishing his own student accommodation business.

Following over 20 years of playing and coaching Aussie Rules, together with his professional experience in working with various teams, Damian has a key focus on developing and encouraging his players to strive to be their best individually and establishing a strong sense of team.

Assisting Damian will be Scott Boothey who brings over 250 games of playing experience across 4 states, as well a wealth of coaching experience with 3 years as a Senior Assistant in the WAAFL and assisting in Sherwood juniors for the last 5 seasons where he has been a valuable asset in the development of junior players at Sherwood.

Also assisting will be Andrew Thomson. "Thommo" is the current President of Sherwood Football Club and a Life Member, having played close to 200 games since 2007 and having coached various teams from Auskick to u12s in recent seasons. He has been involved in sport all his life, growing up in country Victoria where he was a Victorian representative in Aussie Rules, Cricket and Hockey before relocating to Queensland as a teenager and regrettably had a temporary (10 years..) code switch to Rugby Union! He has extensive junior coaching experience across multiple sports from a young age, having coached BBC Cricket & Rugby teams whilst at University, as well as junior representative teams in both sports from 2004-2007.

Senior Womens QFAW - Coaching Appointments

Sherwood Football Club are pleased to confirm the appointment of the Senior Women Coaching Team for Season 2021.

Senior Coach - Mitchell Merritt

Assistant Coach - Cam Bulley

Assistant Coach - Kieran Canning

Development Coach - Luke Mitchell

Team Manager & Player Welfare - Lahnie Cooper

Mitchell Merritt

Mitch is a Forest Lake & Sherwood Junior having played at the Magpies since 2004. Injuries forced a break from the game from 2008-2011 before catching the football bug again while studying at Griffith University, joining the University aligned team, Griffith Moorooka Roosters and going onto play 102 games from 2011 to 2017, alongside being an active member of the committee in the capacity of Football Manager and Vice-President 2016-2017.

Mitch then decided to return to Sherwood in 2018 when he was elected to the board and has been instrumental in the strategic planning for the club, including the return of Senor Womens football after a 5 year hiatus, where in 2020 he took the reigns as Senior Coach, taking the team all the way to the Preliminary Final and more importantly, fostering a wonderful team culture and learning environment. Mitch still enjoys having a kick on a Friday night with the Woodsmen and we are delighted to have Mitch return as the Senior Coach for Season 2021.

Cameron Bulley

Also returning from the 2020 season is local footy legend Cam Bulley. Cam was an assistant coach in 2020 and brings with him an illustrious playing career in the local area. Cam played 175 games for Wests Juniors, and was a Queensland Representative in u15s, u16s (Captain) and u17s Teal Cup. He trained with the Brisbane Bears in the 1988 pre-season and played Senior QAFL footy for Western Districts from 1987 to 1997 where he was a Best & Fairest Winner, Queensland Representative player and Captained the 1996 QAFL Premiership. After Western Districts folded, he spent two seasons with the Northern Eagles and also had a stint in the SANFL in 1992 with Woodville West Torrens.

Alongside his obviously strong playing and leadership credentials, Cam has coached over 100 games at Wests Juniors including a Division 1 u14 Premiership in 2016. We are delighted to have Cam on board again as part of our Senior Womens program in 2021.

Kieran Canning

Kieran returns to Sherwood where he played most of his junior and youth football, prior to playing and coaching over the hill at the Kenmore Bears. Kieran is set to be a fantastic asset to the QFAW program this year and is keen to contribute on many fronts particularly in the area of skill and game sense development. Kieran has two young daughters - a big reason for him wanting to contribute specifically to the women's space as a coach to ensure that his girls to see that women's footy is important and a viable option for them.

Lahnie Cooper

Lahnie Cooper is a familiar face at Sherwood, with her effervescent personality and contagious love of the game making her a key member of 2020 playing squad.  

While Lahnie has not retired from playing, injuries have taken their toll so when deciding how best to contribute in 2021, it quickly became apparent that there were multiple ways that she could add value beyond just playing. Lahnie will be a go-to person for player welfare, especially with younger playing group as well as helping to make our game day run smoothly as team manager. 

Lahnie was born with a Sherrin in her hand playing with Sunshine Heights Football Club and a burning dream to play for the Collingwood Magpies, Lahnie played junior football with the boys all the way through until like so many women, she was told that there was no team available continue playing in so had to give the game away. At the time, being given the news that her ability to play the game that she loved so much had to be taken away was a very bitter pill to swallow, however thankfully she never lost her interest in the game staying connected through her support of the Magpies. While her playing focus has been with soccer mostly with Palm Beach and Southport and other sports Lahnie has always been a football tragic so when women’s football made a resurgence and AFLW was announced, Lahnie was quick to get involved. Making her debut for Sherwood in 2020 was symbolic of how far the game has come. Fast forward to 2021, women’s football is booming and Lahnie is playing an important role in helping the game continue to flourish and the Magpies are delighted to have her on board for 2021.

Luke Mitchell

Luke Mitchell is a current senior men's footballer at Sherwood where has played 92 Senior QAFL Games. Luke is also a club junior and second generation Magpie, with his father Steve a multiple Premiership winner in the 70’s and life member of the club. Luke now follows in the footsteps of both Steve and older brother Drew, by giving back to the club as a coach, with Steve having coached many junior teams, the Reserves and Drew now coming into his second season as the QAFL Colts coach. He is keen to share his knowledge of the game as much as possible and will be a great help to anyone keen to put in some extra work to take their game to the next level.

Club Announcement - Assistant Coach QAFL

The Sherwood Football Club are delighted to welcome (back) Brett ‘Noodles’ McEvoy as Assistant Coach for the QAFL Seniors.

Brett is a highly experienced player and coach, playing all his junior football with Sherwood before graduating to the Senior side in the late 90’s.  He then moved to Moranbah for work reasons where he played a further 3 years of Senior footy, including two best & fairest medals for the Moranbah Bulldogs.

Brett then returned to Sherwood where he won the 2010 QAFL Reserves League Best & Fairest before ‘retiring’ to the Woodsmen where he achieved the elusive Premiership in 2014.

He began his coaching journey in 2009 as the Met North u12 coach and then Assistant to the QLD u12 side. He was then appointed head coach of the QLD u12 side in 2016 and has held numerous other development and youth representative coaching roles including Brisbane North u16s for 3 seasons.  In addition to his efforts in youth coaching, he was then appointed midfield coach for the Brisbane Lions Academy and was the runner for the Brisbane Lions NEAFL team. He also coached the Sherwood QAFL Colts in 2017 alongside Reid Dobson, taking them to the Grand Final.

Brett is a familiar face at Sherwood through his playing days, and importantly – he is a very familiar face to both our current and future playing group, having coached many of our senior squad in the Lions Academy and junior representative sides.  He is also an excellent conduit alongside Football Director Darren Resuggan into the Sherwood youth program where many of his current and former charges are eying a Senior debut in coming years.

It’s hugely exciting to have ‘Noodles’ back down at the club for season 2021 and beyond.

Club Announcement - Senior Football Director

The Sherwood Football Club are delighted to welcome Darren Resuggan to the club in the role of Senior Football Director.

Darren has been heavily involved in Australian Football all his life, including working for the AFL for the past 20 years in various roles, mostly related to talent ID and development.  For the past 8 years Darren has been employed by AFL Queensland running the South Brisbane Talent Program prior to that he also had involvement as a Colts, Reserves and Senior Coach in NSW.

Darren also spent time in WA where he was the Subiaco Lions country talent manager in the WAFL, helping build a triple premiership (consecutive) winning WAFL list.  He also worked as an assistant coach to future Collingwood Assistant and St Kilda Senior Coach Scott Watters and worked alongside Chris Waterman and Jarrod Schofield on game day.

He is a Brisbane local, having played state footy for Queensland and played Senior Footy at the Mayne Tigers and will be a valuable addition to the Sherwood Football Club.

We welcome Darren officially to the Sherwood Footy Club and should you wish to make contact you can get him on footballdirector@westernmagpies.com.au or 0438 850 993

2021 Season - Team Manager & First Aid Officer Nominations

All interested parties in being a Team Manager or First Aid Officer for Season 2021 are invited to register their interest via the forms below.

TEAM MANAGER Role Description

FIRST AID OFFICER Role Description

Junior & Youth Coaching - Expressions of Interest 2021 Season

All current and prospective coaches are invited to submit an expression of interest for Season 2021 via the button below.

Please ensure you have read the Junior Coaching Guidelines and you are prepared to agree to this policy and sign accordingly in addition to the AFLQ Code of Conduct

Please also see the Junior Coaching Selection Policy to understand the process.

Club Announcement - Senior Coach Appointment

The Sherwood Football Club Board of Directors are delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Fletcher as Senior Coach for the 2021 QAFL Season and beyond.

The independent coaching recruitment and selection panel ran a strong process, and there were several outstanding applicants.

Adrian brings with him 30+ years of vast football experience both as player and coach throughout Australia at both the elite level, but also importantly in several talent ID and development programs in multiple states.

After a decorated playing career in the VFL/AFL including 231 games across 4 clubs including an AFL Club Best & Fairest and holding the captaincy of Fremantle Dockers for 2 seasons, he made the move into coaching at Collingwood as a Development Coach in 2002-2003.

Adrian then moved to Geelong Cats Football Club for 2 seasons, responsible for opposition analysis and player development before then returning to Collingwood for 3 seasons as the line coach for the Collingwood midfield.

During this time, Collingwood and Geelong contested multiple Grand Finals and Preliminary Finals at AFL level, with Fletcher as a key member of the coaching and player development structure.

In 2008, Adrian then moved to the Brisbane Lions where he was involved for 6 seasons in various coaching roles including (but not limited to) Line Coach (Midfield and Forwards), Strategy Coach (Midfield and Forwards), Opposition Analysis, Training Coordinator and Stand in Senior Coach,

Upon leaving the elite AFL coaching environment, Adrian then moved into a role with AFL Queensland and the AFL as High Performance Coach looking after QLD U16s and u18 Allies as Coach and overseeing the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns Academy Programs. During this time, 26 players coached and developed in programs designed and run by Adrian were drafted to AFL clubs, with 22 of them now having made a Senior AFL debut.

The coaching selection panel identified Adrian’s key skills as identification, recruitment, development and retention of players through a learning and decision making environment as a key factor in his appointment as Senior Coach at Sherwood. His ability to demand a culture of work ethic to achieve excellence, with all players judged on performance related actions and given individual feedback to make them the best player they can be within a team environment will be key to the development of Sherwood’s young playing list.

Given the Sherwood Senior QAFL Squad profile includes 75% of players aged 17-21, the extensive experience at both AFL level, but also overseeing talent development programs specifically for this demographic of player is a key driver in the appointment of Adrian Fletcher as the new Senior Coach for Sherwood Football Club.

We welcome Adrian to the Magpies and look forward to kickstarting the 2021 pre-season under his guidance.

Bill Peirce Medal - SEnior Best & Fairest Preview

TIGHT CONTEST PREDICTED IN BILL PEIRCE MEDAL COUNT

A tight contest is expected for the 2020 Bill Peirce Medal count to be held on Friday, October 23rd. In the Covid-19 shortened QAFL season, Sherwood had a number of fine players who will be in contention to win the prestigious medal.

Among the favourites will be our last two winners in reigning champion Luca Winton who was a runaway winner in 2019 after a runner up finish in 2018 and Ryan Harwood, the 2018 winner. Both had excellent seasons and should feature strongly. Strong midfielder Will Fletcher is also expected to poll well, and stayed injury free allowing him to maintain his form and did not play a bad game. Fletcher now has a fully mature body which enabled him to win plenty of hard contested football and he  provided plenty of run through the midfield.

Lanky ruckman Samson Ryan was tireless in ruck and his ruck work and strong marking around ground  puts him in the mix, he certainly had some standout games where he should poll well and put him in contention in a short season. Key defender/utility Aaron Highland and another youngster in Ethan Sivijs will also be in the mix, after consistent seasons. Both played good solid and consistent football in the 8 match shortened home and away season and should poll a few votes.

Key forward Liam Dawson also had an excellent year to be runner up in the QAFL goalkicking table with 31 goals, averaging over 3 goals per game and another half-back in Errin Wasley-Black was also a consistent player providing leadership in the back half and acting as a rebounding defender. Riley Easton and Caleb Franks should also poll well after doing a mountain of work in the clinches, with Easton regularly tackling himself to a standstill.

RESERVES JB MEDAL VERY OPEN CONTEST

The Reserves JB (John Burkill) Medal is an open contest with a number of players in contention.

With only 8 matches played it is expected to be a tight contest, especially with several players also making some senior appearances

Players in contention include skipper and 2019 winner Ben Jaenke-Cain who had another season where he was a prolific ball winner in the centre of the ground and ruckman Trystan Juffs-King was a workhorse all season and shouldered most of the ruck work and was also a good player around the ground.

Others in the mix include young half-back Sam Hartog who played well as an intercepting and rebounding  defender who often kept the Pies in matches  for longer than otherwise would be the case and  mid fielder Sam St John also had a good season but missing several games while playing in the Seniors and one with injury might cost him a real chance at the top honour. The same could also be said of Zach Collison who is a consistently good player, made his senior debut during the year before injury struck late.

COLTS MAURIE McNAMEE MEDAL

The Colts Maurie McNamee medal will be a tough contest in a strong field of consistent performers. John Baker was a late started, but was consistently good player to be rewarded with a senior debut late in the year. Tall forward Connor Culley started well, but then played some Reserves football and succumbed to injury making it hard to poll in such a shortened season. Also around the ball, ruckman Ethan Harris was a pillar of strength and the epitome of consistency, while Mitch Lake was also strong around the contest. Sean Ryan after an injury riddled 2019 returned to the sort of form we all know he is capable of, breaking lines, hitting targets and being a prolific ball-winner should hold him in good stead to poll well.

Also in the mix should be Lawson Campbell who was a top 3 finisher in 2019, Lamont Kalolo who was a consistent performer and Xavier Knight and Will Cruice are also expected to feature strongly.

Deidre Jakavicius Medal - Senior Womens Best & Fairest Preview

Deidre Jakavicius Medal – Preview

With the first DJ Medal up for grabs since 2015, the count is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair with such an even spread of talent across the QFAW Senior Womens team in 2020.

In anticipation of tonights count, let’s take a closer look at some of the main contenders;

Jaimee Newton-Smith (VC) – #3

Jaimee Newton-Smith spent significant minutes as a defender which isn’t the typical spot to collect votes, however she is expected to poll strongly given her exceptional rebound from half-back while also being versatile and playing pivotal roles across the midfield and forward-line. In her first season of senior football, Newton-Smith has established herself as one of the most effective tacklers in the league, frequently utilising her athleticism to mow down opponents and win back the ball for the team.

Selina Prevolsek #10

The sort of player you would love to have on your team but hate to play against, Selina Prevolsek was a major contributor in all of the games that she played. When the going got tough, Prevolsek got to work with her bullish inside work helping the team to secure two consecutive 1-point wins against Jimboomba and Morningside. Prevolsek was dominant across the field with her marking, penetrating kicking and tackling invaluable. Selina was incredibly unfortunate to have her season cut short in Round 5 suffering a broken finger against Beenleigh which kept her in the runners uniform for the remainder of the year.

Samantha Chisholm (C) #14

Captain, Sammy Chisholm had a stellar first season at Sherwood. Chisholm led from the front, missing just the one game with injury it was her trademark run and carry that broke the lines and got the crowd (even the opposition at times) excited. Chisholm’s ability to break a game open meant that opposition coaches would attempt to put a tag on her each week. Despite the significant attention, Chisholm worked exceptionally hard to break these tags and also hit the scoreboard finishing 3rd in the league goal kicking.   

Tina Higginson #32

Tina Higginson was another consistent performer this season following her relocation to Brisbane just prior to the transfer window from Kew Bears. Tina was able to contribute much needed experience and polish around the ground and forged a reputation as a mercurial goal sneak in some clutch moments. Growing in confidence week on week, Tina was one of the best performers in the preliminary final and was a deceptively strong contested mark for her size.  

Samara Mahoney (DVC) #8

Reigning 2 x QFAW league medallist Samara Mahoney is expected to be right into the mix for a maiden DJ Medal given her ultra-consistent season. Mahoney played all 9 matches and hit the scoreboard with 6 goals alternating time between the midfield and then resting as a dangerous small forward. Mahoney is a contested ball weapon with clean skills on both sides and excellent speed. She took her game to another level this year with more composed ball use and also finished off her hard work hitting the scoreboard with regularity. 

Renee King #38

The neutral observer wouldn’t pick it, but this was Renee King’s first year of senior football. The ultimate utility, King came to the club late arriving after round 1 due to her work schedule and then proceeded to set the training track alight before earning her stripes on permit with Moorooka before finally making her debut for Sherwood in a standout Round 4 performance against Jimboomba. After impressing on the half-back flank, King pushed into the midfield and forward line earning a reputation as a no-nonsense player capable of causing damage from anywhere on the field.  

The board has also commissioned the Cherie Morrison Medal for the first time. Cherie was a tireless volunteer and servant of the Sherwood Magpies and her primary focus at all times was the welfare of the players, so it was fitting that the the award is selected by the players to the teammate that best personifies values of selflessness, dedication and courage.

APPLY NOW - QFAW SENIOR WOMENS COACH & ASSISTANTS

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Sherwood Football Club are seeking expressions of interest for Senior Coach & Assistants (Playing or non-playing) to head up the QFAW Senior Football Program for Season 2021 and beyond.

After making the preliminary final in 2020, the incoming coach will retain a playing list that is very committed to developing their level of football while at the same time embracing a fun and supportive off-field culture.

ABOUT YOU 

Highly collaborative and an effective communicator, you understand how to cater to all levels of football experience and background to create a fun and development focused environment.

You play a key role in driving an inclusive club culture where respect, accountability and enjoyment for the game is not compromised. You will bring a proven record of forging and maintaining positive relationships with a multitude of stakeholders in the wider football community.

An emphasis on fostering positive working relationships with youth pathways will be required including; mentorship of Youth Coaches within the football club, fostering whole of club integration between youth and senior players and collaboration with Sherwood Youth Girls Coaches & Managers.

OVERVIEW  

• Coach the QFAW Senior Football Team (match day, training sessions, pre-season). 

• Create a learning environment that develops the player's technical skills, physical attributes and overall football knowledge.

• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders of different backgrounds

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions

• Excellent planning, time management and organisational skills

MANDATORY

• Minimum of Level I or Level II coaching accreditation (or willingness to complete Level II)

• Demonstrated leadership acumen 

• Capability to nurture an inclusive club culture 

• Demonstrated ability to identify and support progression of talent

DESIRABLE

• Previous senior coaching experience advantageous (male or female) 

• Capacity to attract support staff and players that align with club values

APPLY NOW 

An experienced panel has been formed to conduct interviews and assess interested candidates but in the first instance for further information or a confidential discussion please contact; Andrew Thomson (President), 0403 066 382.

To apply please submit your football CV to president@westernmagpies.com.au 

Applications Close: Friday 30th of October, 2020.

JUNIOR & YOUTH PRESENTATIONS - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7

IT’S TIME TO PARTYYYYY!

Schedule of Events, Saturday November 7

1:00pm - 1:20pm - Super Stars

1:20pm - 2:15pm - Under 8’s

2:30pm - 3:00pm - Under 9’s

3:00pm - 3:30pm - Under 10’s

3:30pm - 4:00pm - Club Awards

• Coach of the Year

• Junior Club Person of the Year

• President’s Award

4:15pm - 4:45pm - Under 11 Girls

4:45pm - 5:15pm - Under 11 Mixed

• Tom Laurence Spirit Award

5:30pm - 6:00pm - Under 12s

6:00pm - 6:30pm - Under 14s

6:30pm - 7:00pm - Under 16s

APPLY NOW - QAFL SENIOR COACH

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Sherwood Football Club are now seeking a Senior Coach to head up the QAFL Senior Football Program for Season 2021 and beyond.

After making the preliminary final in 2020, the incoming senior coach will inherit a talented playing list comprised of emerging talent produced largely through the local club junior pathway, complimented by a host of impressive senior footballers with experience at AFL, NEAFL, Vic Metro & Country leagues.

ABOUT YOU 

Highly trusted and collaborative in your approach, you are capable of leveraging your impressive technical knowledge of football and first-class soft skills to empower high standards across the QAFL football program. 

You will play a key role in driving an inclusive club culture where respect, accountability and enjoyment for the game is not compromised. You will bring a proven record of forging and maintaining strong relationships with a multitude of stakeholders in the football community. You will enjoy overcoming challenges with players who are highly motivated to take their football to the next level and achieve premiership success, whilst also providing a strong development program for players who are destined for higher honours. 

An emphasis on fostering positive working relationships with youth pathways will be required including; mentorship of Junior Coaches within the football club, fostering whole of club integration between junior and senior players as well as consistent two-way feedback with the Talent Academies and any pathway clubs pending the final structure of QLD football in 2021. 

OVERVIEW  

• Coach the QAFL Senior Football Team (match day, training sessions, pre-season). 

• Create a learning environment that develops the player's technical skills, physical attributes and overall football knowledge.

• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders of different backgrounds

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions

• Excellent planning, time management and organisational skills

MANDATORY

• Minimum of Level I or Level II coaching accreditation (or willingness to complete Level II)

• Demonstrated leadership acumen 

• Capability to nurture an inclusive club culture 

• Demonstrated ability to identify and support progression of youth talent

DESIRABLE

• Previous senior coaching experience at state-league level or similar

• Demonstrated knowledge of talent development programs

• Capacity to attract support staff and players that align with club values

APPLY NOW 

An experienced panel has been formed to conduct interviews and assess interested candidates but in the first instance for further information or a confidential discussion please contact; Andrew Thomson (President), 0403 066 382.

To apply please submit your football CV to president@westernmagpies.com.au 

Applications Close: Friday 16th of October, 2020.

Sherwood Spring AFL9s is back!

Sherwood Spring AFL9s is back for 2020!

In the months of October and November, Mc Carthy Homes Oval turns into the home of AFL9s in the western suburbs on Monday Night.

The competition is able to go ahead thanks to AFL Queensland and the Sherwood Football Club’s covid safe plan.

AFL9s is a modified touch game of Aussie Rules, which is all about fun, fitness, and participation. There are 9 players on each team. This year, the Sherwood Football Club is offering three competitions: mixed (males and females 14+) , men’s (males 14+) and youth (12-16 year olds).

All matches will be played on Monday Nights at the club, between 6:15pm and 9:15 pm.

Registrations are open, and will close soon. Last year, the competition reached capacity, so it is important to register as soon as possible, so you don’t miss out.

All competitions will start October 12, but team payment is not due till October 30. The competition will run for 8 weeks and is due to finish November 3.

Team payment is $800, and can be paid online or through direct debit.

If you have any questions, please get in contact with the Sherwood AFL9s Competition Manager - Cameron Smith (0459 475 817 - camsmith.5@hotmail.com)

To register please click this link - https://afl9s.com.au/venues/details/?associd=18586&assocpc=4068

Carter Capner Law - QFAW Preliminary Final Preview

After finishing the regular season in 2nd position Sherwood will host 3rd placed Jimboomba on Saturday afternoon in what is shaping up to be a terrific contest.

Last time they played it was an absolute thriller at McCarthy Homes Oval with Sherwood making a 4th quarter comeback to win by the solitary 1 point, courtesy of an Emily Convery behind with only 2 minutes remaining.  

Since the return fixture, the Magpies have been in strong form dropping just the one game against ladder leaders Beenleigh, while Jimboomba are also playing quality football and have a very talented playing list including a number of Gold Coast Suns Academy products and are well coached.

Sherwood should go into the fixture with a certain level of confidence fielding a settled, full-strength team bolstered by the return of Jaidyn Eastaughffe and Nikki Hancock.

The versatile Eastaughffe has had an impressive debut season since transitioning from rugby union and is a crucial cog in the team utilising her mobility to provide a fierce contest at ground level as well as giving first use to the midfielders with her tap work. Eastaughffe will be eager to be unleashed after missing last week with a university exam (despite offering to sit the exam in the change rooms and run out as a super sub in the 2nd half to give an insight into her level of dedication).

Hancock has pieced together an ultra-consistent season and her composure will bolster the defensive unit after missing last week with pre-existing family commitments in Mackay.

“The focus doesn’t shift, it’s just another week for the girls to enjoy the game. There is no magic bullet, we train and prepare for a contested, high pressure style of football and think this gives us a reasonable opportunity of doing well regardless of who we are playing,”

“It’s been remarkable to see this team come together, they bring a real hunger to improve and are sincere about playing for each other,” said Coach, Mitchell Merritt.

First bounce - 4:45PM @ McCarthy Homes Oval.

FF: R. Hart, K. Lencz,  C. Bulley

HF: T. Potts, J. Stallard

C: J. Carlsen, S. Mahoney, T. Higginson

HB: J. Newton-Smith (VC), T. Sinclair

FB: N. Hancock, E. Convery, C. Markey

Foll: S. Chisholm (C), R. King, J. Eastaughffe

Int: E. Robinson, S. Mobley, T. Peters, L. Archer, J. Power, E. McCrae

E: T. Bougoure, T. Blair, S. Prevolšek

PLACE PRELIMINARY FINAL PREVIEW - MAGPIES SET TO SWOOP ON CATS

Sherwood head down the M1 to take on the Broadbeach Cats in the QAFL Preliminary Final this tomorrow at Subaru Oval, Broadbeach. The Cats are undefeated minor premiers, however in a shortened season this doesn’t carry the usual weight, and they are very beatable on their home deck by this talented young Magpie team. The Pies haven’t dropped a game for over a month now and are on a roll and full of confidence after a fantastic win last week vs Maroochydore. The Pies will also look back to their encounter with Broadbeach in Round 3 when the Pies were missing several players and still finding their feet as a cohesive unit, but pushed Broady all the way but for a 10 minute lapse that proved the difference.

Magpie Senior Coach Anthony McDonald will stress to his charges the importance of the opening clinches and most importantly, applying scoreboard pressure when in control of the ball. Scoreboard pressure, physical pressure and the pressure of an undefeated minor Premiership may see the Cats in unfamiliar territory.

The Pies have made one forced change to the team with young half back Riley Greene returning to the side after an injury layoff, and he replaces tough nut on-baller Caleb Franks who is suffering from facial fractures. Key forward Brody Lumber, who was a late withdrawal last week with a quad strain, failed to overcome his injury so his late replacement Zane Lovell retains his spot.

The Pies will need to play the full quarters at maximum intensity, something that has eluded them this year. The Pies played the Top 3 sides in consecutive weeks early in the year and matched each of them for long periods of the game only for poor goalkicking and quarter by quarter lapses in intensity to cost them. This was the case in all of the Magpie outings this year, even the victories - so will be a key focus this week.

Will Fletcher and Riley Easton have been brilliant in recent weeks in the midfield and Samson Ryan improves every week with his ruckwork against experienced opponents. The Magpies high class defensive unit will come up against the best attack in the competition in what will be a crucial battle for ascendancy. Luca Winton, Aaron Highlands, Ethan Sivijs and Errin Wasley-Black are more than capable of the task of both stopping and rebounding, but the Pies will also need to get on top in the midfield to make the defenders lives easier. The Pies will also look to their AFL experienced players in Harwood, Beams and Dawson to fire and cause plenty of headaches for the opposition. On the open expanses of Subaru Oval, Bruce Reville and Dan Edwards will be looking to cause plenty of damage with their speed and Tom Baulch will have plenty of work ahead of him as he looks to continue his fine form.

QAFL Preliminary Final:  Sherwood v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday, September 19th at 2.30 pm
B: Brenton Saunders - Luca Winton  - Ethan Sivijs

HB: Errin Wasley-Black - Aaron Highlands - Jack Goodall 

C: Jayden Gallagher - Will Fletcher - Dan Edwards 

HF: Bruce Reville - Jack Austin - Aaron Maricic

F:  Claye Beams- Liam Dawson - Riley Easton

Foll: Samson Ryan - Tom Baulch  - Ryan Harwood 

Interchange:  David Lewis (Capt) - Drew Mitchell - Jack Briskey - Riley Greene - Zane Lovell

Emerg: Trystan Juffs-King - Sam St John - Connor Bulley - John Baker

In: Riley Greene Out: Caleb Franks (injured)

Gut Feelings - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care Chelmer

• Great to see the recent confirmation of Sherwood Footy Club improving on 2019 when they were 3rd in Australia and #1 in QLD in the Good For Footy Rally, this year were went to #1 in the country thanks to the amazing support of our extended Magpie family and the great generosity of club patron Peter Sherwood who purchased a large batch of tickets just as the raffle was closing.

• Sherwood's 5 Senior teams have all reached the finals  even though the Womens team still have their final home and away round this Saturday evening but cannot finish any lower than second on the ladder to earn a home final next weekend. 

• The Firsts finished 4th and host Maroochydore in an Elimination Final at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, the Reserves and Colts both finished 6th and faced a long trip down to Currumbin for their matches today

• The Woodsmen were refreshed after a weeks rest and took on Morningside in the Preliminary Final last night at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer with the prize for the winner a Grand Final  berth next week.  Morningside finished 6th on the ladder but upset 3rd placed Jimboomba last week.

• The Woodsmen were heavily depleted by injury and unavailability, but hit the front in the last quarter only to be run down by a fit and firing Morningside. While it wasn’t great news for the team footy wise, it was great news for star ruckman Gerard Moore and his wife Charlotte who welcomed their first son Max, forcing big G to miss the game.

• Liam Dawson finished second on the QAFL goalkicking list with 29 goals to trail Morningside's Matt Hammelman who finished with 34 goals.

• AFLQ have decided that this season's Vote Count for the Grogan Medal and other Best and Fairest Awards will occur  on a weekly basis throughout the finals with blocks of votes released on the AFLQ Facebook pages each week. The leading Sherwood player after 3 rounds is Liam Dawson on 4 votes,  trailling the leader on 6 votes. Further votes released next week then final announcement will be in the week leading up to the Grand Final with all medals presented on Grand Final Day. 

• Syd Guildford voting as voted on by opposing coaches has Dawson in second place after 3 rounds on 16 votes, 3 behind the leading player. Check out the AFLQ Facebook page for  weekly voting.

•  No Sherwood Reserves or Colts player features in the early voting and the Womens voting has not been released as yet. Woodsmen Captain-Coach Chris Mihalopoulos  is on 6 votes after round 6, 2 behind the leader.

• The Reserves wobbled into 6th place with only 2 wins, while the Colts with 4 wins could also finish no higher than 6th. The Reserves competition  saw the top 5 teams well clear of the bottom 4 teams so it was basically a battle between 3 clubs for 6th place on the ladder and finals berth. In the Colts, it was a more even spread of teams with not much separating the top six teams and only percentage separating 4th, 5th and 6th placed teams on the final ladder.

• The Reserves almost coughed up their finals place with their worst loss for the season. While all eyes were on the Surfers-Maroochydore Reserves game as most Pies supporters and players  thought the Demons were the side that could displace the Pies but with Maroochydore heading for their first victory of the year this  threat dissipated. What most observers forgot was that Wilston-Grange with a bye  had a percentage that was not going to change while the Pies could drop below  the Gorillas if their loss was of a big enough margin. Luckily the Pies lifted after half time to limit the damage and hold onto a finals place with a 4% gap after starting the game 13% in front before the last round.

• Senior Assistant Coach David Hamill  assumed the role of Reserves coach 4 weeks ago after the departure of Corey Hopkins from the role after the Maroochydore match. Hamill has impressed most observers with his input last year and this year and has long term coaching prospects with a great footy brain. He was named the Russell Greene Coach of the Year in 2019. The club and Hopkins decided to part ways after a difference in philosophy about the Reserves coaching role. 

• The club's resources will be split this weekend with Seniors at home to Maroochydore and the Reserves and Colts down the Currumbin on the Gold Coast, all on Saturday. 

• Colts co-coach Drew Mitchell will leave their match at halftime to travel back for the firsts final and will leave coaching to fellow coach Ben Jaenke-Cain and Assistant Coach Bryce Crossley. David Hamill will also leave the Reserves at half time to get back to assist with the Senior coaching and Jaenke-Cain and Crossley will then take charge of the Reserves at half time. Support staff will include Phil Kelemen, Brian Millar and Des Lashman but it is not ideal.

• AFLQ decided to stick with the formula of the finals and gave no consideration to playing across different days as is tradition in the past.

• Cameron Smith has done a great job interviewing Senior coach Anthony "Macka" McDonald after each match but we might have to nickname him "Absolutely" after he has answered the first question in every interview by  starting the sentence with "absolutely"!! 

•  Mitchell Merritt showed true clubmanship by running water at Labrador last Saturday.  

• Mitch is the coach of the club's Womens' team and he worked hard to make that happen and is also a club Director so puts in lots of time and effort  for the Magpies. Drew Mitchell also featured on Facebook cleaning out the change rooms and injured players Riley Greene and Ethan Sivijs also were involved in match day support last week. 

• Shane Bridley's funeral was yesterday at Maroochydore but due to Covid-19 restrictions the numbers who could attend were limited but  a sizeable crowd gathered at the Sherwood Social Club at 10.30 am yesterday for the livestreaming of the funeral. 

• Thanks to Club President Andrew Thomson, Grey Magpies committeeman Craig St John and Club Manager John Mitchell for getting the livestream feed up and running.

•  all past players and friends are also invited to have a drink in the Social Club at half-time of the Senior match on Saturday to celebrate Shane's life and contribution to the club as a player and official and also in recognition  of his part in the re-establishment of the Old Players Association. The Players will also wear black arm bands on Saturday. 

•  great news the Magpies young defender Jack Briskey has been selected to participate in the AFL Combine later in the year. This is where talented players can be tested in variety of measures which is then used to assess  their overall ability and it is the pathway to being picked up by an AFL club in the national draft.

• just another reminder  that the club honour boards have been updated.. There are still a few gaps in the history  especially Reserves  but each year the gaps are  closing.

• It will be well worth a look in the Sportsmans Bar area of the club on Saturday if you haven’t already done so to check out the updated honour boards.

• a reminder the club still has a number of commemorative guernseys available for sale. The guernseys have every Senior, Reserves  and Thirds players and coaches to play for Sherwood, the Western Magpies and the Woodsmen from 1968 to 2018.  Please see Dr Greg Thompson if you want to purchase a guernsey, price is $70 negotiable!!

•  a reminder to all people attending the football on Saturday to observe Covid-19 restrictions and be mindful of social distancing especially with the Ladies day function, Colts reunion and a number of grey magpies returning to the club.

• Please scan the digital sign in QR code with your iphone and register your attendance   The QR codes are  posted on walls and at the canteen and simply put your iphone camera over the code and then it is a simple process to register your attendance online.

HoLo - QFAW Match Preview

It’s finals eve as the Magpies host Morningside in the final game of the regular season from 4:45PM.

Last time these two teams met, a Brisbane rainfall record was set and it was Sherwood who came from behind to secure the win courtesy of a Tina Higginson running goal in the final minutes.

While a top spot finish is available with a win, Sherwood will be careful to not take any opponent lightly and will be eager to keep the focus on doing the little things well to get the job done this week.

On debut this week is Bailey Elder who has earned selection the hard way after joining the team midway through the season, training the house down each week and playing on permit for Moorooka and North Shore in a great show of her dedication and selfless attitude. Bailey is not afraid to win the contested football and will look to play an important role rotating across the half forward and wing.  

Also returning to the team this week from injury, Covid19 isolation and work commitments are; Jess Stallard, Jess Power, Jess Blakey and Tui Sinclair.

Keep an eye out for midfielder Samara Mahoney who has been absolutely ruthless with her contested ball winning ability and dynamic clearance work.

FF: R. Hart, K. Lencz,  C. Bulley

HF: T. Higginson, J. Stallard

C: J. Carlsen, S. Mahoney, T. Potts

HB: C. Markey, T. Sinclair

FB: E. McCrae, E. Convery, J. Newton-Smith (VC)

Foll: S. Chisholm (C), R. King, E. Robinson

Int: T. Peters, L. Archer, J. Power, B. Elder, J. Blakey, S. Mobley

E: J. Eastaughffe, T. Huff, S. Krippner

Place Preview - Magpies at Full Strength for Maroochydore Clash

The Magpie QAFL senior side will be at full strength this week (excluding long term season ending injuries) when they take on Maroochydore at McCarthy Homes Oval tomorrow at 2pm. After several weeks of players with niggles, work availability issues and illness - its a full list for the match committee and as a result have brought back midfield/forward terrier Riley Easton and classy defender Ethan Sivijs. Out of the side go the unlucky Zane Lovell and Rory Johnson who played their roles well in recent weeks.

The Pies have had a strong week on the track and will be 100% switched on when they step onto the field for the elimination final. Coach Anthony McDonald will be reminding his players what happens if you are not fully prepared and up for the contest by looking no further than 4 weeks ago when the Pies went down to the Roos in a poor showing against a high quality Roos outfit. The good thing about that loss was that the Magpies resolved to lift their intensity from the first bounce and this will be a different contest for the visitors in this match, and the Pies will have a new look side, particularly around the ball this week.

Liam Dawson was double teamed in that match and the Pies did not exploit the loose man but will be better prepared if the Roos continue to drop a player back. The Pies on-ball brigade is hitting its straps with Will Fletcher, Claye Beams, Ryan Harwood and Caleb Franks hard at the contest but also able to break away., while the classy Bruce Reville looks in fine form and ready to unleash on his first QAFL finals series. Dawson, Brodie Lumber and small forward Aaron Maricic will be the forward targets to start the game, while Jack Austin can be very dangerous in the air.

Down back Luca Winton, Aaron Highlands and Jack Goodall have been good in recent matches and will need to  keep things tight., while the experienced Errin Wasley-Black alongside Ethan Sivijs provide the strong and direct rebound with their pinpoint disposal and penetrating kicking.

It should be a cracking day of footy at McCarthy Homes Oval, so be sure to get down there for a 2pm start and cheer the boys through to a Preliminary Final next week.

QAFL Elimination Final:  Sherwood v Maroochydore at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, September 12th at 2 pm

B: Brenton Saunders Luca Winton  Ethan Sivijs
HB: Errin Wasley-Black  Aaron Highlands Jack Goodall 
C: Claye Beams   Will Fletcher Dan Edwards 
HF: Bruce Reville Jack Austin  Brody Lumber 
F:  Aaron Maricic  Liam Dawson Riley Easton
Foll: Samson Ryan  Caleb Franks Ryan Harwood
Interchange:  David Lewis (Capt), Drew Mitchell, Jack Briskey, Jayden Gallagher, Tom Baulch
Emerg: Zane Lovell, Connor Bulley, John Baker Trystan Juffs-King

In: Riley Easton, Ethan Sivijs
Out: Zane Lovell, Rory Johnson (both Reserves) 

Storage King - Reserves Elimination Final Preview

The Sherwood Reserves travel down the M1 tomorrow all the way to Salk Oval at Pam Beach to take on Morningside in the QAFL Reserves Elimination Final. In the previous encounter between these two teams, it was a Panther victory by 7 points after one poor quarter from the Magpies cost them.

The Magpies bring back Zane Lovell and Rory Johnson into the side after both played Seniors last week, while out of the side goes Zach Collison with a hamstring and Brady Allen who did not qualify for finals due to a late arrival in QLD. Collison is an important player down back for the Pies and is a big loss to the side and his teammates will need to step up in his absence. One such player could be Whitlam Bishop who was superb last week and has been a strong performer in the Colts in previous years in a key defender post.

The Pies will look to Trystan Juffs-King to get control in the ruck and give the likes of Lovell, Johnson, St John and skipper Jaenke-Cain the chance to get the ball forward to the strong marking Lachie Davies, who is good in the air and strong in the contest.

Down back Sam Hartog and Jacob Aurisch have been solid and they will need to be tight and tough if the Pies are to take the win. Morningside are expected to be a strong lineup with their Senior side having the week off allowing them to select all qualified Reserves players, but expect the Magpies to come our firing and push into a Prelim final next week.

QAFL Reserves Elimination Final: Sherwood v Morningside at Salk Oval, Currumbin  on Saturday, September 12th at 11.45 (Note earlier start) 

B: Sam Hartog  Harrison Radcliffe Hamish Campbell  
HB: Peter Kilroy   Whitlam Bishop  Jacob Aurisch 
C:  Rohan Smith  Ben Jaenke-Cain ( Capt)  Chris Davis 
HF: Sam St John  Lachlan Davies Noah Resuggan 
F: Macauley Lonergan Cam Ferguson Jordan Bonney
Foll: Trystan Juffs-King  Zane Lovell Rory Johnson
Int:  Aiden D'Roza, Cooper Crowell, Finn Collison, Mitch McMillan 

In: Zane Lovell, Rory Johnson

Out: Zac Collison (hamstring), Brady Allen (DNQ)

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Preliminary Final Preview

It’s snuck up on us, but in the QFA competition its Prelim Final time already with the Woodies taking on Morningside tonight at McCarthy Homes Oval at 730pm.

It was a short home & away season, with each team playing each other once and one club twice. Cooincidentally, the side the Woodies met twice were Morningside in Round 1 and Round 8, with a victory in both games going to the Black & White. Morningside snuck into the finals on percentage to finish 6th, and were impressive in knocking off the 3rd placed Jimboomba Redbacks on their home deck last Friday, while the Woodies who finished 2nd enjoyed the week off to rest some older bodies and allow some injuries to recover.

It’s a strong looking lineup once again for the Woodies, though at this stage they have not yet finalised their 22 due some availability and weather concerns. However, coming into the side will be Lachlan Woods, Alex Dickfos, Sam Banim and Andrew Thomson. Woods injured a shoulder back in Round 4 and is set for a full return, while Thomson damaged his ribs and shoulder in Round 5 and is now back to full fitness. Dickfos and Banim offer contrasting forwardline options, and are both difficult matchups for the opposition.

Out of the side are Gareth Crawford with a hamstring strain and Chris Brown has a damaged back and hip from a heavy hit 2 weeks ago and despite the week off, didn’t quite get up for the game, though should the Woodies get up tonight both these players will create huge selection headaches the following week.

There is class on every line for the Woodies, headlined by Luke Scott across half back, Val Pope, Doc Davis and Chris Mihalopoulos as experienced midfielders who can push forward and find the goals, while Abdullah Haddad on a wing creates extreme pressure around the contest with his pace. Nick Barling in the ruck is a tough match up at any level and should give the likes of Pope, Davis, Brady Allen and Sam Curtis first use of the footy.

It should be a cracking night of footy as both sides battle it out for the right to play in next weeks Grand Final at Coorparoo.

Sherwood Woodsmen vs Morningside - 730pm @ McCarthy Homes Oval Fri 11 Sep

B: Prior - Petch - Pearson

HB: Scott - Page - Workman

C: Verma - Woods - Haddad

HF: Lloyd - Doc - O’Dea

F: Mihalopoulos - Dickfos - Banim

Foll: Barling - Allen - Pope

Int from: Thomson - Merritt - Garland - Curtis - Young - Evans - Gillespie