Best of the Era - Western Magpies 1999-2019

During the COVID Lockdown period, a group of past players and volunteers were in the process of putting together a series of ‘Best Ever’ teams to stimulate further interest and keep things interesting when there was no football, however just before it was all finalised - footy returned and the process was shelved for a period.

However, in recognition of the last home game for the Home & Away season, with Ladies Day, 20 year Colts Premiership Reunion and likely a large contingent of past players involved in Premierships in 1980 (40 years) and 1970 (50 years) the teams will be published below.

This particular discussion covers the Western Magpies Era from 1999-2019.

Four good judges of football have selected their best ever Western Magpies teams over this period.

A reminder that this is each judges’ personal best teams from what they have seen or played with and it simply an exercise in generating interest in the Magpies and the club’s long and rich history.

39 players and 2 coaches gained a mention.

Of interest the following players were selected by all four judges –Adam Gillespie, Ben Heffernan-Roper, Darren McCarty, Ed McDonnell, Chris Mihalopoulos, Marty Pask, Val Pope, Jim Rozynski and Luke Scott.

The following players weren’t far behind with 3 judges selecting them in their teams—Reid Dobson, David Hamill, Ryan Harwood, Scott Hedley, Tyson Kenny, Gerard Moore, and Dean Parkin.

Kevin Kluver team

B: Chris Mihalopoulos - Marty Pask - Scott Hedley

HB:  Luke Scott - Ed McDonnell - David Lewis

C: Ben Heffernan-Roper - Jim Rozynski - Dean Parkin

HF: Anthony Corrie - David Hamill - Adam Gillespie

F:  Val Pope - Jason Berry - Brad Williams

Foll: Gerard Moore - Ryan Harwood - Michael Blackmore

Interchange

Tim McEvoy - Reid Dobson - Matthew Thompson - Darren McCarty

Emergency

Josh Barton Julian Sylvester

Paul Grentell Team

“Bloody tough and left a Grogan Medallist Out….”

B: Matthew Erbs - Mark Dowley - Tyson Kenny

HB: Darren McCarty - Ed McDonnell - David Lewis

C: Jackson Allen - Scott Hedley -  Chris Mihalopoulos (Capt) 

HF: Dean Parkin - Marty Pask - Luke Scott

FF: Val Pope - Jason Berry - Brad Williams

Foll: Matthew Taylor - Jim Rozynski - Ryan Harwood

Interchange

Tim McEvoy - Ben Heffernan-Roper - Michael Blackmore - David Hamill

Emergency

Tom Power - Adam Gillespie - David Jackson - Hayden Thick

Tim McEvoy Team

Tim admitted it was a much tougher task than he first thought it would be saying he has played with some magnificent players over the years.

“ Really struggling to sort this out. So hard to line up blokes over a 16 year period with such a range of competition standards, levels of success and where they were in their career when I played with them. I've based this side on how integral they were (or I remember them to be) at the time I was playing.”

 Coach: Paul Grentell

 FB: David Jackson - Tyson Kenny - Matthew Erbs

HB:  Luke Scott - Ed McDonnell - Darren McCarty

C: Ben Heffernan-Roper - Scott Hedley - Chris  Mihalopoulos (Capt)

HF: Anthony Corrie - David Hamill  - Joshua Barton  

FF: Val Pope - Marty Pask  - Adam Gillespie

Foll: Gerard Moore - Jimmy Rozynski - Dean Parkin

Interchange:

Reid Dobson - John Tabrett  - Brett Gwyther - Tom Power

Quentin Johnson team

“A lot harder than I first thought”

Coach: Paul Grentell

B: Chris Mihalopoulos (Capt) - Mark Dowley - Tyson Kenny

HB: Tim McEvoy - Ed McDonnell - David Lewis

C: Jackson Allen - Callum Carseldine - Ben Heffernan-Roper

HF: Claye Beams - Brent Staker - Luke Scott

F: Val Pope - Marty Pask - Adam Gillespie

Foll: Gerard Moore- Jim Rozynski - Ryan Harwood

Interchange:

Tom Power - Reid Dobson - Drew Mitchell - Matt Davis

Player Profiles (alphabetical order)

Jackson Allen—Jacko was a prodigious teenage talent and was picked up by the Gold Coast Suns in 2012 where her played several AFL games. Then played at Sturt in the SANFL in 2015 ,. Captain of Aspley in the NEAFL in 2019,  a rock-solid defender with an elite-grade kick. Wing-half forward at the Magpies. Kenmore/Sherwood junior.

Joshua Barton-leading and strong marking CHF, still versatile enough to play on the flank. Joint Bill Peirce Medal winner with Tim McEvoy in 2007, was a key player and was instrumental in the Magpies famous fight back to win the 2008 Grand Final over Palm Beach-Currumbin.

Claye Beams—current player, ex Brisbane Lions with over 50 AFL matches. A class player in midfield and across half back where he sets up well, clean hands and good kick both sides of his body.

Jason Berry—Full forward who kicked 83 goals in 11 games in 2003 then broke his leg. A smart footballer who used his body well, some described him as frightening when he attacked the football,. Came to Brisbane to lecture in Sports Science at UQ. Now head of Sports Science at the US Sports Academy at Tampa Bay (US equivalent of the AIS). Son Jordan, a Magpie junior, is now the punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  

Michael Blackmore—Mouse was a skilful and courageous rover who was the first captain of the Western Magpies in 1999. A true clubman, he played in the Thirds 2007 & 2009 premierships. Over 200 Senior games. Life member. Sherwood junior.

Callum Carseldine— hard as nails in-and-under midfielder who was always at the coal face to win the hard ball.  Would run all day to get to the next contest or create space, won the Magpies second Grogan Medal in an outstanding 2015. Bill Peirce medallist in 2016. Club co-captain 2014-15-16. Joined Aspley in NEAFL in 2017.

Anthony Corrie-- ex Lions and Collingwood, smart player who booted 100 goals in 2012 at full forward. Made his name in AFL as a half forward and a dangerous option up forward. Good on the lead and smart use of his body garnered him many goals. Played in 2012 premiership.

Matt Davis—Doc had a standout season in 2015 , being named in the QAFL team of the Year, he was on track for a Bill Peirce Medal before an ankle injury ended his season. Strong marking half back who read the play well and good skills both side of the body. Was on Richmond’s Supplementary list and played for Coburg in the VFA then with Aspley before re-joining the Pies where he was a member of the 2006 premiership team as a 16 year old. Kenmore/Sherwood junior and still plying his trade in the Woodies/3rds

Reid Dobson—Dobbo was a tough hard running rover who won plenty of possessions in the midfield and around ground. He was also a handy goalsneak and was named Ray Poulter Medallist for best on ground in the 2006 premiership where he kicked 3 last quarter goals to seal the flag. Also won QAFL Reserves B & F in 2010. Played over 200 Senior matches for the Pies and also in a Woodies/3rds Flag in 2014. Life member. Sherwood junior.

Mark Dowley—strong marking defender either at CHB or FB. Played in several flags at Morningside before joining the Pies. Co-captain in 2009 and 2008 premiership player.  Queensland representative. Wests junior.

Matthew Erbs— HBF/BP and occasional on-baller, strong intercept marking across half back, good football brain, was a good on field leader. Bill Peirce Medallist in 2003.

Adam Gillespie--smart forward, 10 goal hauls x2, strong at the contest and footy smarts made him a dangerous forward. Premiership player in 2006 and 2008 and Life Member of the club with over 200 Senior matches and a 2009 Woodies/3rds flag. Sherwood junior.

Paul Grentell (Coach) – coached 2005-2010 , bringing the Magpies the 2006 and 2008 premiership flags.

Paul drove the culture of the club and he developed a fierce loyalty from his players. He developed close knit teams who were prepared to go the extra mile for each other and the coach. His coach’s speech and subsequent coaching in the second half of the 2008 Grand Final was legendary stuff and he delivered the Pies a memorable come from behind flag. Paul was also an assistant-coach at the Lions Reserves and for Queensland teams.

Brett Gwyther— BG was the epitome of toughness and courage and he often lifted his teammates by putting his body on the line time and again, often against bigger opponents. He was a close checking back flanker who was one of the best players in the 2006 premiership. Sadly BG passed away only 4 months later with cancer, which he also faced with typical courage. One of the most prestigious awards at the club is the “ BG Award—For Courage and Commitment”.

David Hamill-- CHF--strong marking left footer who always presented as a forward target and key player in 2006 and 2008 premierships. Did a lot of bullocking work and didn't mind the contest. Bill Peirce Medal winner in 2006. Currently a Magpies Assistant-Coach. Kenmore/Sherwood junior.

Ryan Harwood— current player, ex-Brisbane Lions on baller with good skills and great balance, especially at the contest. Continually wins the hard ball in the middle of the ground and is dangerous when moved forward. Injuries impacted his AFL career. Bill Peirce Medallist in 2018.

Scott Hedley-- from Wodonga Raiders in the strong Ovens and Murray league, was a prolific ball winner in the centre  with footy smarts, used handball to good effect. Bill Peirce medal winner in 2001.

Ben Heffernan-Roper—wing or half forward, smooth mover with exquisite hand and foot skills. Rarely fumbled and decision making first class. Played a season in the WAFL with Subiaco in 2010. Bill Peirce Medal winner in 2009 and 2012 and premiership player in 2008 and 2012. Qld rep player. Sherwood junior.

David Jackson— good intercept marker across half back, hard at the contest, good use of the ball, marshalled the defence—nickname was “ Minister of Defence”. Sherwood junior and still having a kick with the Woodies /3rds on Friday nights

Geoff Jennings (Coach) – Geoff coached the Magpies for 3 years from 2000-2002 when the Pies stepped up to the QAFL. He was instrumental in consolidating the Pies playing list and laying the foundation for the years to come. He was the youngest ever captain in the VFL when he captained Footscray in his early 20s and played 136 VFL matches and represented Victoria for 3 seasons in the 1970s. In Queensland he coached Wilston Grange and Mt Gravatt before taking in the Pies job. He also coached Queensland for 5 years.

Tyson Kenny— tall defender either CHB/FB with rapid closing speed and always seemed to get a fist on the ball or take a saving mark. Also had plenty of dash running out of the backline. 2006 Premiership player. Sherwood junior.

David Lewis— current player. Classy half back who is an expert at the intercept mark. Good distribution skills with hand and foot and decision making is top class. Current captain, leads from the front and marshalls the defence well. Sherwood junior.

Darren McCarty—played in Western Districts 1996 flag, inaugural Bill Peirce Medallist in 1999, originally from country Victoria, an experienced player with a young side, hard at the contest and possessed a good footy brain. Brought his teammates into the play.

Ed McDonnell— Classy CHB who controlled the backline. Read play well, had fast closing speed and strong in the air as well as clean at ground level. St Kilda listed then had several seasons at Norwood in the SANFL. Premiership player in 2012 and Bill Peirce Medallist in 2011. Kenmore/Sherwood junior.

Tim McEvoy—tough as teak half back and mid fielder, threw his body at the contest to be an inspirational player for the Pies over 13 seasons, playing over 200 Senior matches and being part of three premierships—2006, 2008 and 2012. Joint winner of Bill Peirce medal with Josh Barton in 2007. Life member. Sherwood junior. 

Chris Mihalopoulos—Legendary club captain for 10 years, a leader in every sense on and off the field. Premiership captain in 2006, 2008, 2012 and Bill Peirce Medallist in 2004, over 200 Senior matches, Life member. Whether in the midfield, down back or up forward had an uncompromising attack on the football and on any opponent near the ball, always led from the front. Sherwood junior. Still Captain/Coaching the Woodies/3rds where he is a B&F winner, Premiership player and has added a further 100 games to his Magpie tally

Drew Mitchell –current player, club co-captain in 2017-18 and joint Bill Peirce Medallist with Gareth Crawford in 2017. Strong on-baller who is tough at the contest and could open up play with his run and carry. Sherwood junior.

Gerard Moore— class ruckman who stamped himself with a fine match as a 17 year old in the ruck in the Magpies stunning premiership win in 2008. Gold Coast Suns inaugural squad before returning to be key player at CHF in 2012 premiership. Captained the Pies as a 22 year old in 2013. Won JB Medal for B & F in Reserves on 2018 playing half a season and then was a fine player in 2019 in ruck. Sherwood junior and still playing Friday nights

Dean Parkin—AFLQ Under 18 Best and Fairest winner and Gold Coast representative Player of the Year as a 19 year old. He possessed exquisite skills with clean hands and good decision making. Despite training with the Brisbane Lions, he was overlooked by them then was best on ground against them later in the year. Enquiries were made by the Lions but Dean said they had their chances early on and he will stick with the Magpies! Now a national Aboriginal leader and spokesman who helped formulate the Uluru Statement. Co-captain in 2005, Bill Peirce medal winner 2000.

Marty Pask--strong marking full forward drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2004 and then played a couple of years for the Western Bulldogs. Kevin Kluver has him at full-back while he is selected either at full forward or CHF by the other three selectors. Now a well known player manager based in Melbourne. Sherwood junior.

Val Pope-- 2 time Bill Peirce Medal winner in 2008 and 2015, 3 time premiership player (2006, 2008, 2012) and over 200 matches for the Pies and in the QAFL Team of the Year in 2015, League leading goalkicker in 2006 as a medium forward target. Well balanced with exquisite ball skills at ground level and strong overhead mark. The Pontiff in full flight brought a lot of joy to the Magpie faithful. Life Member. Kenmore/Sherwood junior still plying his trade on Friday nights in the 3rds/Woodies

Tom Power—strong bodied midfielder from Wagga, non stop running and won plenty of hard-ball contest. Led from the front, willed himself to the contest and inspired his teammates. Premiership centreman in 2006, Bill Peirce Medallist in 2005

Jim Rozynski— J-Roz is one of the Magpies most celebrated players. His uncompromising attack on the football is legendary and he simply inspired his teammates with his acts of courage and will to win. Premiership player in 2006, 2008, 2012, winning the Ray Poulter Medal for best player in the 2008 and 2012 premierships. 2-time Bill Peirce Medallist in 2010 and 2013.

Luke Scott— Jonesy was another favourite of the Magpie faithful with his high skill level. Whether up forward or down back, he was a smooth mover who could play tall or short. Strong mark and excellent decision maker with good skills both sides of the body. QAFL Team of the Tear in 2015. Had stints in the NEAFL with Mt Gravatt and Redlands. Premiership player in 2006 and 2008. Runner up in B & F in 2016, probably unlucky not to have his name on the honour board. Jindalee/Sherwood junior.

Brent Staker—Tall mobile CHF who provided a key target up forward and always attracted the opposition best defender. Missed West Coast Eagles 2006 premiership them moved to the Brisbane Lions to finish his AFL career of 160 matches. .

Julian Sylvester-- tall thin 6’4” ruckman with a big leap, was rarely beaten in the centre bounces and was a strong mark around ground. Would run all day and rarely needed a rest. Represented Queensland.

John Tabrett— tall mobile big man played mainly in defence. Big leap with a strong mark and fast for his size, eventually returned to rugby union where he starred for Souths and was renowned for his kicking and ball handling skills. Was in the Queensland Reds squad

Matthew Taylor—came from North Ballarat in the VFL, mobile big man played mainly in the ruck and was dangerous when resting up forward. Bill Peirce Medallist in 2002.

Hayden Thick—tall defender who could pinch hit in the ruck where he was an excellent exponent of the art of the tap. Fast for a big man, he played on and kept some of the best full forwards in the league to one or two touches. Played in 2012 premiership.

Matt Thompson—Clock provided an x-factor as a medium sized forward and used his footy smarts to outwit many opponents. An accurate kick for goal from 40 metres, he was always a danger to the opposition. Played in 2008 and 2012 premierships, kicking 4 goals in 2012 victory. Sherwood junior.

Brad Williams--high flying forward, could take a strong mark, hit the pack hard and was fantastic at CHF despite being 178cm tall, good on both sides of the body and was tough at the contest. Could have been anything but was not keen on training. Sherwood junior.