24 Fit - Ressies Preview
Andrew Thomson
SUDDEN DEATH STARTS FOR PIES RESERVES
The Western Magpies Reserves start a weekly sudden death campaign where a loss will end any hopes of a finals appearance this season. The Pies must win all four of their matches if they are to figure in September action.
The Magpies went down to Broadbeach in a costly loss earlier in the year and will be keen to reverse that result, and this outfit has shown at times during the year what it is capable of when fully fit an available.
The Pies have had another eight changes to their side with several good inclusions in onballer Joel Workman and full back Luke De Nys, both back after head knocks, CHF Liam Dwyer returning after a long lay off with injury and Jake Heard back from the Seniors to inject some pace and flare to the Pies forward line.
Out are Lachie Dennis, who earns promotion for his Senior debut after recent good form, Charlie Pershouse goes to the Lions in the NEAFL, Todd Billing is unavailable and a number of Colts players get a week off to re-charge before the finals.
CHB Nick Barling appreciated the bye to get over a few niggles and he will be keen to put several solid games together to push for a senior recall. Likewise Rhys Bridge, who has shown he is a very capable senior defender who adds depth to the Pies squad.
Liam Dwyer returns after a long term injury and he showed good early season form beforethe injury and will be a capable replacement for Pershouse.
With Heard and young forward Jake Farrell flanking him the Pies have a strong half forward line.
De Nys strengthens the backline and Sean McEvoy also boosts the defence after also missing several matches mid-season.
Chris Devlin has been consistent all season on-ball and Blake McClennan has also enjoyed a strong middle part of the year. Both will need to be at their best for the Pies to prevail in a crucial match against a team they should be able to defeat.
Western Magpies Reserves v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday, July 30th at 11.30 am
B: S McEvoy L De Nys J Page
HB: H HeathN Barling R Bridge
C: B Johnson C Devlin M Mazarolle
HF: J HeardL DwyerJ Farrell
F: S Hubbert M HockleyG McKinnon
Rucks: G. Gibb, J WorkmanB McClennan
I/C : S TaylorB. Walker S Donovan, J Murphy