BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Preview
Andrew Thomson
This week sees the Western Magpies Colts tackle Sandgate on Saturday afternoon in the twilight match at Chelmer. The game will be played in front of the 2006 Senior & Reserves premiership reunion gathering, and the young Magpies are determined to do the occasion justice.
The side has had a challenging month dropping 3 of their last 4 games, so a return to the winners list is a must. Still clinging to a top four spot, a strong showing for the last four matches of the regular season will have them primed for a strong finals series, but they need to recapture the early to mid-season form.
The side is much changed from early in the year, with injury, work commitments and some new recruits coming on board. Up to eight new faces will run out this weekend from when the sides last met in round 3. That game saw a tough contest with the Magpies running out 23 point winners.
This time around the Colts welcome Tristan Dowdy and Jordon Bonney from the Under 17s and will have Jake Farrell, Matt Mazarolle & Ryan Vagne back up from the Reserves. With the Captain, Vice-Captain and both usual starting rucks unavailable, it will be a true test of the depth of talent in the squad.
Despite this, Coach Justin Gore is certain that an improved showing and ultimately the victory is very possible. The squad has put in a much improved showing on the track this week and they have addressed the attitude issues and worked with the intensity that’s needed to continually improve.
The Colts were rewarded for their effort by having an after training meal put on by twoof the squad’s biggest supporters in Kev Kluver and David Bartlett. The players enjoyed the informal setting, had a good chat and laugh, and it is these things that when as a group they have had a tough month, that the club rallies behind them and shows they believe these Colts players are the club's future.
The Colts now look forward to playing back on their home ground patch with a new combination, a fresh attitude and ready to get back in the winners list. Players to watch will be Kurt Vine in the ruck, Allen, Gainford, Johnson , Gore and Roderick through the midfield, Chae Lawson & big Jeremy DeRooy in front of goals, and the skilful Dom Morrison continuing his development at half back.
The match is scheduled for 4.45pm on Saturday to hopefully finish off a successful day at home for the Pies..