PLACE PREVIEW - PIES PUSH TO STAY IN TOP 3
Andrew Thomson
The Western Magpies travel across the river to meet near neighbours UQ at University on Saturday in a match the Pies need to win to consolidate a Top 3 spot on the QAFL ladder.
The Pies selectorshave again had to make several changes to their side for the match, and will need 100% commitment to ensure they come away with the 4 points.
Out are the injured pair of Mitchell Stallard and last weeks debutant Lachie Dennis, while both Chris Hunt and Luke Mitchell are unavailable. Jadan Morton goes back for a stint in the Reserves.
In comes ruckman Nick Barling and defender Rhys Bridge after good Reserves form and youngsters Sam Copland and Charlie Pershouse, both back from the Lions NEAFL team.
Also in for his first Senior match is 17 year old Billy Johnson after consistent Reserves form.
The Pies entire backline selected last week of Hunt, Mitchell and Stallard are all missing this week so Rhys Bridge comes into fullback with Tim McEvoy and Aaron Maricic slotting into the pockets. Youngster Charlie Pershouse has been selected at CHB but has some class acts next to him in Tyler Jones and David Lewis, both good players last week. Pershouse has a big future and his education will continue in this match.
Jones was excellent on his return match and the Pies can consider themselves lucky that he has not been recalled to the Redland team.
The Pies midfield keeps rolling on with Callum Carseldine, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Gareth Crawford and Drew Mitchell getting the job done like a well oiled machine and Matt Sondergeld was his usual busy self around the packs last week.
Dom Beer has found a new level in recent matches and has started to use some more variety in the ruck to keep the opposition guessing.
Swingmen Luke Scott, Matt Davis and Brady Allen give the Pies plenty of options all over the ground with Allen and Scott both getting on the scoreboard regularly.
Sam Copland comes back to bolster the forward line and with Val Pope always dangerous and Alex Dickfos getting his hands on the ball more and more the Pies have the firepower to kick a big score. Dickfos is due for a bagful if he can get the radar on.
Western Magpies vs UQ Red Lions - Sat Aug 6, Field 9 St Lucia @ 2pm
B: Tim McEvoy - Rhys Bridge - Aaron Maricic
HB: David Lewis - Charlie Pershouse - Tyler Jones
C: Matt Davis - Cal Carseldine (C) - Luke Scott
HF: Drew Mitchell - Sam Copland - Lachlan Woods (C)
F: Gareth Crawford - Alex Dickfos - Val Pope
Foll: Dom Beer - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Matt Sondergeld
INT: Nick Barling - Billy Johnson - Brodie Easton - Brady Allen