Place Preview - Reserves vs Surfers Paradise
Andrew Thomson
PIES RESERVES STRENGTHENED FOR MUST WIN MATCH
The Western Magpies Reserves have the first of five must-win matches when they play Surfers Paradise on Saturday. The home team is still in the hunt for fifth place on the ladder and a loss to the Pies will put the finals out of reach, while a Magpie win keeps them in the race for an improbable finals appearance.
Into the side comes Jadan Morton after a week out for a wedding, Jak Williams and Brodie Easton after each having a week off and Joel Workman back from the Seniors. Out is the promoted Matt Garland, who returns to the Seniors after consistent form after his comeback from long term injury.
Morton will provide the tall option up forward and Williams and Workman will also boost the forward line and with livewire Jake Heard will test the Demons defence with their pace. Chris Mihalopoulos helped out last week but won't play this match and his experience will be missed.
Easton will give a lift to the midfield brigade , which also has Bryce Crossley, Luke de Nys and Ben Hooper in good form. Youngster Matt Mazarolle continues to improve each week and will be on the Senior selectors radar in the near future.
Liam Dwyer in ruck and resting forward will be better for his match last week after an injury layoff and young Monty Vine has been good the past few matches in ruck for the Pies.
Sean McEvoy and Gabe McKinnon lead a sold defensive unit and the return of youngster Nathan Morrow will also boost the Pies backline.
The Magpies are not quite at full strength but still have the personnel to defeat Surfers and keep their final hopes alive.
Place Preview - brought to you by 2015 Major Sponsor - Place Graceville
The fantastic team at Place have recently signed on for the 2015-2017 seasons as one of our valued club partners and sponsors, and as much as the club appreciates their support - Place will appreciate the club support in return. So for all your real estate needs, make sure Place are your one stop shop.
As an added bonus, Place will be providing further financial support to the club for every new listing - so make sure you tell them you're from the Western Magpies Community when you talk to them and support those that support you!