It was a strong turn out for the 2018 Sherwood Districts Australian Football Club, which incorporates the Western Magpies, Woodsmen and Sherwood Junior Football Club.

Key outcomes from the meeting were that Andrew Thomson will again lead the Magpies in 2019 in his 2nd term as Club President, in conjunction with a stable and solid group of Directors - the club has progressed to a position of financial stability, whilst being able to upgrade facilities and have strong on-field performances at all levels of football.

Longstanding club Director Chris Dennis, and long standing junior volunteer and and Football Club Director in recent seasons Adam Edwards have opted to stand down from the board after many years of wonderful service.

Chris served on the Club’s Board of Directors from 2011-2018 and  was club President in 2014-2015, was also Vice President (Junior Club President) in 2012-2014 and has been Facilities Director for a number of years. Under his watch the club has built new changerooms, upgraded lights improved the gym facilities and had a major upgrade to the oval. He guided the club back into the top echelon of Queensland football and is a major reason AFLQ regard Sherwood and the Western Magpies as one of the best run clubs in South East Queensland.  Chris also was instrumental in improving the club’s finances to set the club on the path of financial stability and on game day, especially home matches, he does a power of work ensuring all is in place to enable the players to perform at their best.  He was Junior club Person of the year in 2011 and was the AFL Brisbane juniors Club Volunteer of the year in 2014.  He was also the Senior clubperson of the year in 2015.  

Adam has served on the Board 2016-18 and was the Vice-President and Junior Chairman during his time on the Board. He has been involved in the club since 2010  with two boys playing for the magpies. He was junior coaching Coordinator  2015-16 and has coached juniors at the club from 2011-17 and was junior coach of the year in 2011. Adam also brought a strong corporate governance approach to the organisation and chaired board meetings during his tenure. 

The club thanks both for their work to ensure the club remains successful and no doubt they will still be at the club in some capacity this year and in the future—maybe just to watch their sons play in the Black and White and enjoy a quiet day at the footy—if that is possible!!

Two new Directors were elected to the board, namely Peter Radcliffe as Vice President and Junior Chairman, and Niall Powell as a Club Director. Niall is a junior parent at the club an an experienced Solicitor who will be instrumental in handling some facilities related matters in the years to come.

Also returning as Directors are Club Secretary and Life Member - Gabe McKinnon, Finance Director (Treasurer) - Martin Sinfield and Sponsorship Director - Mitchell Merritt.

A number of vacancies remain, particularly in relation to grants, revenue, membership and events. Should you wish to get involved, please contact president@westernmagpies.com.au

AGM Highlights

• Senior Football improved output - Senior side just missed finals after slow start and 2nd best %, Reserves played finals for first time since 2014, 3rds played in Grand Final and Colts were QAFL Premiers

• ~75% of senior list comprised of local juniors

• Riley Easton QAFL Rising Star after injury disrupted career since debut as 16 year old

• Recruitment of Ryan Harwood and Claye Beams

• 10-15 Club Juniors playing NEAFL, VFL or similar

• Four QLD U/18 Representatives

• NAIDOC Week Celebrations

• Strong Junior registration and playing numbers

• Growth in Auskick and Roys

• Strong numbers U8-U11 Age Groups

• Fielded 2 sides in U12/14/16s

• 25+ juniors across all grades played representative football

• 50th Year of Senior Football Celebrations

• Launch of commemorative guernsey

• Life Membership Inductions x 6

• Field upgrades, coaches boxes, new reel mower and other facilities improvements

• Strong financials. $313k Revenue with $3k profit.

• Additional expenditure on footy department, medical support, physios, strength and conditioning