PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIE FORM BUILDING FOR MUST WIN MATCH

The Western Magpies take on Wilston Grange in a cross town battle when the two rivals clash in QAFL Round 15 at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Magpies haven't played a bad game all year, but find themselves 5 wins and 6 losses and sitting 6th on the ladder thanks largely due to an inability to win the close ones, with the average losing margin just 13 points this year and in 2017/18 the team is 0-7 in games decided by 15 points or less.

While stats like that can look disappointing, the tide inevitably turns and the Magpies will be on the right side of the ledger in some big games!

The Magpies welcome back Doug Lawrence from Aspley, Sam Copland from Redland and Brady Allen from injury. Ironically Lawrence and Copland opposed each other last week in the NEAFL.

Out are Anthony Corrie to suspension while Brodie Easton and Brenton Saunders go back to the Reserves.

Copland is a straight swap for Corrie and with the in form Jake de Winter forms a potent two pronged attack. Jack Goodall has been named in defence but with Allen and Lawrence coming into the side he may find himself more forward after a three goal effort last week.

Ryan Harwood has been a stand out in recent matches and Drew Mitchell has been consistent ball winner in the last few weeks. Luke Mitchell has provided run and carry out of defence to give the Pies some spark, Tom Ielasi was back to his best after a lay-off and Riley Easton has been sensational with his defensive work in midfield and up forward.

Coach Brydan Morgan knows his side is on a knife edge on the win-loss column and the Pies cannot afford any slip ups. They will need to be on song to deflect the expected Gorillas challenge and if form and ladder positions is any guide the Pies should be able to safely pocket the four points.   

QAFL Round 15: Western Magpies v Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, July 28th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Doug Lawrence Jack Goodall  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Aaron Highlands Matt Davis

C:   Ben Jaenke-Cain Jono Macanawai Luke Mitchell

HF:  Jake De Winter Liam Dwyer Brady Allen

F:   Kale Reed  Sam Copland  Riley Easton

Ruck:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C:  Will Fletcher,  Aaron Maricic, Tom Ielasi, Lachlan Woods

In: Doug Lawrence, Sam Copland, Brady Allen

Out: Brodie Easton, Brenton Saunders (both Reserves), Anthony Corrie (suspended)