PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES TAKE ON RESURGENT SANDGATE UNDER LIGHTS

The Western Magpies will face a quality young outfit high on confidence when they head to Sandgate to play a unusual Saturday evening timeslot (head to head with the Lions vs Swans!) against an opponent more experienced at night football.  With both teams coming off exciting wins, each of them their first win of the season - its a crucial match for the Pies to press forward after their 0-3 start.

After a string of big defeats, Sandgate caused a big upset when they defeated Morningside last weekend at Morningside.

With their confidence high the Hawks will be a keen to add another win and the Pies will need to be on their guard to ensure this does not happen. 

The Magpies also enjoyed their first win of the year last week in a comprehensive victory over Surfers Paradise but the Pies form in early rounds had been good and a win was in reality just around the corner., and could be the icebreaker the side needs

The Pies made three changes to the side with Brady Allen coming in to replace the unavailable Doug Lawrence, Will Fletcher back from Aspley to the back flank and exciting young key forward Jack Austin has worked his way back into the side. Also out is Ben Jaenke-Cain with back spasms, and Sam Hartog can consider himself unlucky to find himself back in the Reserves.  

Jack Goodall will show his versatility at centre half forward and while the key forward post has been a concern for the Pies this year, last week the livewire Jake DeWinter had a day out with 10 goals and was supported by Anthony Corrie working up the ground as well as contributing 2 goals. Tall youngster Jack Austin adds some height and marking power to the Pies forward line.

Dylan Adkins has gradually worked his way into the season and has been good in ruck and also has been busy around ground which pleases his coach Brydan Morgan.  Ryan Harwood has led from the front in midfield and on the flank and Jono Macanawai gets through a power of work and has been a model of consistency this year.

Last week the back six were fantastic, applying great pressure on the Demons forwards and Morgan will expect the same despite some personnel changes.

Brady Allen is no stranger to CHB while Aaron Highlands has been excellent in key defensive posts and Tom Ielasi has been solid all season.  David Lewis has been in great form and may have a run in the midfield this match and Will Fletcher looks bigger and stronger since last year and is key addition to the Pies for this match.  

Sandgate will be a big challenge at home and may be be further bolstered due to the Aspley bye.

The Pies cannot afford to drop another game this early on and if they bring the pressure game and clean ball handling skills they displayed last week should prevail on the big Sandgate ground that has recently been fully resurfaced and should be a treat in the autumn twilight.

QAFL Round 6: Western Magpies v Sandgate at Sandgate on Saturday, May 26th at 630pm.

 B:  Tom Ielasi  Aaron Highlands  Luca Winton

HB:  Will Fletcher Brady Allen Matt Davis

C:   Lachie Dennis  David Lewis (vc) Luke Brennan

HF:  Anthony Corrie  Jack Goodall  Ryan Harwood

F:    Brenton Saunders Jake De Winter  Riley Easton

Ruck:  Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Jono Macanawai

I/C: Gareth Crawford, Kale Reed, Luke Mitchell, Jack Austin

In: Brady Allen, Jack Austin, Will Fletcher

Out: Ben Jaenke-Cain (back), Doug Lawrence (unavailable), Sam Hartog (Reserves)