Place Preview - Reserves

PIES RESERVES LOOK STRONGER –SOME BIG INCLUSIONS

The Western Magpies Reserves look to have a stronger team in 2018 than was the case in 2017 with the Pies adding depth to the playing list this year under legendary Magpies coach Des Lashman.

The return of Peter Kilroy to the club and Sean McEvoy playing after missing a large chunk of last year adds to the Pies depth and firepower.  Monty Vine also returns after a sojourn next door to join his brother Kurt and he will add height to the forward line.  

In this side there are four experienced Senior players who have had  late start to the pre season in dual Bill Peirce Medallist Val Pope, past club captain Lachlan Woods, midfielder Logan Murray and half forward Aaron Maricic, who also missed a large part of last year with injury.  Promising youngster Caleb Franks is also lining up and is joined by 2017 Colts players Sam DeNys, Triston Dowdy and Callum Grant.

JB Medallist from last year in Bryce Crossley is a consistent performer week in-week out and he heads the midfield with Logan Murray and youngster Sam deNys.  Evergreen Gabe McKinnon takes the key defenders post with another experienced hand in Rohan Smith next to him and young tall Jeremy deRooy, who did well up forward last year, has been given the CHB post in this match.

Other new players to the club include defender Sam Parker from Kedron, winger Luke Brennan from UQ, ruckman Nathan Congran from Yarroweyah in the Goulburn Valley in Victoria and Angus Wyllie.

There are some notable absentees from this match in Sean Mewing, the versatile Lochlan McDonald, who filled in last year but has made the step up from the Woodsmen, 2017 Colts player Max Webber and Colts B & F winner in 2014 Sempitake Kwizera, who returns from Collingwood Park.

The Magpies will be keen to show their wares in this match as they look to return to finals action in 2018. The Pies have traditionally been strong at Reserves level but have slipped a bit in the past 2 years and under Des Lashman will want to return to the strong teams and culture of the past while adding depth to the senior team.

The Colts will also be playing on Saturday against PBC, the match commencing at 9.30 am. From all reports the Colts are shaping up well under new coach Jake Fuentes and there will be an update on the Colts in coming weeks.  

In addition, McCarthy Homes Oval has had an offseason upgrade and all at the club are enjoying the improved playing surface at Chelmer.

Practice match-- Western Magpies Reserves v Palm Beach-Currumbin at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, April 7th at 11.30 am

B: Rohan Smith, Gabe McKinnon, Sam Parker

HB: Matt Mazarolle, Jeremy DeRooy  Kurt Vine

C: Triston Dowdy Bryce Crossley Luke Brennan

HF: Aaron Maricic, Sean McEvoy Peter Kilroy

F:  Val Pope, Monty Vine, Caleb Franks

Rucks: Nathan Congran Logan Murray

Rover: Sam DeNys

I/C: Angus Wyllie Lachlan Woods Callum Grant Brady Thomas Tom Roderick

McCarthy Homes Practice Match Preview - Pies take on 2017 Premiers

PIES TAKE ON 2017 PREMIERS

The Western Magpies will have their final practice match hit-out when they host 2017 QAFL Premiers and modern rival Palm Beach-Currumbin at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday.

After two practice matches in the past 3 weeks the season starts to get closer with the Pies to get a bench-mark of where they sit in the QAFL continuum against the 2017 Premiers. While still a pre-season practice match, this is the final hit-out for the Pies before a break next week then a round 1 clash with another old rival in Mt Gravatt in a fortnight on April 21st. So expect a higher intensity contest compared to the practice matches already played to date.

The Pies had a mixed Senior and Colts 6 period hit out against Park Ridge 3 weeks ago then Senior and Reserves matches against Sandgate 2 weeks ago to throw off the cobwebs and coach Brydan Morgan was pleased with the hit outs. The Pies did well in both clashes.

The Pies welcome back Anthony Corrie to the fold but will be without other returnees Gerard Moore (Police duties at Commonwealth Games) and Kale Reed (unavailable) while Brenton Saunders, now fully bound to the Pies, is also unavailable due to overseas travel.

Running around in the Reserves after late starts to the season are experienced senior players Val Pope, Lachlan Woods (returning after a year away from senior football), Logan Murray and Aaron Maricic, which is a good sign for the Pies depth this season. Also in the Reserves is Lions Academy player Caleb Franks, who showed promise in his senior debut last year and club perennial favourite Peter Kilroy, who returns after playing in a premiership with UTS Bats in Sydney last year.

New recruit from the Brisbane Lions Ryan Harwood will play his first full match for the Pies, starting at half forward but likely to rotate through the middle and the Pies also included NEAFL aligned players in ex-Sherwood juniors Will Fletcher and mid-fielder  Luca Mason (both Aspley)  and Liam Dwyer and Jack Goodall (both Redland but familiar to the Pies with many matches in recent seasons). Also new to the club are another ex-junior in half back Luca Winton, strong UQ midfielder Jono Macanawai (UQ Best & Fairest in 2017), while 2017 Colts players in strong 17 year old key forward Jack Austin and back pocket Sam Hartog get a chance to show their ability in senior football.  David Lewis returns after missing the second half of the season last year with a knee injury.

With the midfield hard nuts in skipper Drew Mitchell, Gareth Crawford (joint Bill Peirce medal winners in 2017), Ben Jaenke-Cain and B & F runner-up Tom Ielasi in the mix the pies are feeling confident going into the season.

The unsung Harry Marshall anchors the defence, while Matt Davis looks fit and Lachie Dennis will be a better player with a season under his belt. Rory Johnson has been good in the two hitouts to date and a fit Riley Easton adds some bite at ground level up forward.  Luke Mitchell gets his chance up forward and Aaron Highlands, a revelation in ruck last year,  will go up a level this year. Another big man in recruit Dylan Atkins from Redland is unavailable this week.

It appears the exciting times might be returning to Chelmer with increased depth across the board—the Reserves appear stronger and the Colts are tracking well-- and Coaching Director Paul Grentell says the vibes around the club are good and expect a good showing on Saturday as the club prepares for its round 1 showdown with the Vultures in a fortnight.

Practice match-- Western Magpies v Palm Beach-Currumbin at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, April 7th  at 2.00 pm

B: Sam Hartog Harry Marshall Will Fletcher

HB: Brady Allen Jack Goodall David Lewis

C:  Matt Davis Ben Jaenke-Cain Lachie Dennis

HF: Tom Ielasi Liam Dwyer Ryan Harwood

F: Jake de Winter Anthony Corrie Luke Miitchell

Rucks: Aaron Highlands Drew Mitchell (Capt)

Rover: Jono Macanawai

I/c: Jack Austin, Riley Easton Gareth Crawford, Luca Mason Luca Winton Rory Johnson

Sponsorship Update – Doors Open with GGDS confirming Bronze Partnership

Western Magpies AFC are pleased to announce an exciting new sponsorship arrangement with respected local business, Genuine Garage Door Solutions.

GGDS Manager Director, Josh Ormesher has generously confirmed an upgrade from the existing level of support from 2017 to help the club deliver on planned infrastructure upgrades and ongoing grassroots football programmes.

When Genuine Garage Door Solutions was first established, Ormesher made a firm commitment giving back to the local community in which his business operates and has year on year contributed 10% of all profits directly back into local community sporting clubs.

“I love the club and what it stands for. It’s a great family focused football club and the direction they’re heading is really exciting.”

“It’s an easy decision to get involved when you know the difference you can make,” said Ormesher.

The deal comes following recent positive sponsorship news for the Magpies with Place, McCarthy Homes, Kaplan, McCauliffe Painting, FitterFutures, SciFleet Toyota, Mack Trucks and Arabon Financial all pledging their support to the club for 2018.

“Sponsors are an integral component of our ability to provide a high quality community football experience for our members.”

People like Josh are absolutely gold and we look forward to a successful partnership,” said Andrew Thomson, Magpies President.

For all garage door installation, accessories and repairs please support our valued club sponsor Genuine Garage Door Solutions - http://www.genuinegds.com.au/ or CALL Josh 0411 357 332. EMAIL

Unwell Young Magpie – Tom Laurence Appeal

Thomas Laurence and his family need your help, generosity and kindness.

Thomas is an 11 year old boy and like all 11 year-old boys, he loves sport, his family and his friends. He was embracing with an enhanced sense of pride his last year at Sherwood Primary School being named house captain – recognition of his beautiful personality and emerging leadership skills. Starting the year with this honour and being an average active boy who loves his basketball and playing footy for the Sherwood Magpies, nothing made everyone who loves and knows him prouder, especially the sense of pride he has in himself. 

In February 2018, Tom was admitted to the emergency department of the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital with symptoms of headache, pain behind his right eye, vomiting and extreme sleepiness. Young Tom and his family did not know what news was to come.A family’s worst nightmare. Scans revealed a malignant 5cm tumour in Tom’s brain.

Four surgeries later, a significant portion of the tumour has been removed. However, Tom now faces six weeks of challenging radiation and chemotherapy treatment. 
Thomas and his family including his older sister and two younger brothers need your support to help them through this most difficult of times. Those of us in the Sherwood/Graceville/Chelmer community have been through a lot since 2011 with the floods which also impacted the Laurence family.

2011 was a challenge we all overcame as a local community, banding together to help each other anyway we could. Now we are asking on behalf of the family that the wider community come together once more to help one of our own – a bright shining emerging star – so that he and his family can fight this the best way possible and help Thomas return to school and fulfil his final year as a leader at Sherwood Primary School. 

They require extra assistance for ongoing specialist treatment and subsequent care. Due to Tom’s condition, his parents Robbie and Kathy are spending much of their time at hospital and at present are unable to work. With three other children to also care for and support, their financial and emotional support system is being stretched, but with assistance from us all, we can help them get through this. 

Anything you can do, no matter how big or small, to support this beautiful family at this difficult time would be greatly appreciated. Help us to help them to ensure Thomas gets to kick more goals, shoot more hoops and finish primary school as a leader of his peers.
 

Thank you very much in advance for your generosity. Words cannot express the family’s appreciation of your kindness.

DONATION LINK: https://www.gofundme.com/h5gfe6-laurence-family

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Coaches Update

TOM CORLESS BRINGS WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO THE PIES

The Western Magpies have made a significant appointment to its coaching ranks with the appointment of Tom Corless to an Assistant-Coach position. Corless will look after the senior rotations on match day but his major role is as a development coach and player welfare manager.

Tom is actively spending time with individual players getting to know their background, personality and ambitions. He sees his role as helping players develop to be not only  the best footballers they can be but also to be simply good people. He will discuss goal setting for each player and in this process will also enhance each player's leadership development.

Corless is an experienced member of Queensland football, with over 200 matches as a player and over 300 matches as a coach under his belt. He brings a wealth of experience both as a coach but also in player development, all roles he has enjoyed at a number of Brisbane clubs. Commencing his playing career with Yeronga (then South Brisbane) in 1977 when he was 6 years old, Corless progressed to playing Seniors at Yeronga in 1998 as a 17 year old. He then joined Coorparoo full-time and played QAFL Seniors there from 1990-93. He was initially a midfielder at Yeronga but at Coorparoo played mostly in the backline before a late switch to the forward line. In the old jargon Corless was called a “utility”.

Corless played his 202 senior matches for Yeronga from 1988 to 2002, winning the club best and fairest award in 1994 and 2001. He coached his beloved Devils for a total of 10 seasons, the first in 1997-99 as a playing-coach and then for a stint of 7 years from 2002-2008, with 2002 his last year of playing before taking on a non-playing coach’s role. Not yet finished, he then took on the mantle of coaching coordinator for a further 2 years in 2009-10.  He coached Yeronga to AFL South QLD Division 1 premierships in 2006 and 2007.

As if being a senior coach of a football club wasn’t enough, he also worked in an the AFL Development program and coached across  Under 14s, 16s and 18s at the Western Taipans for 6 years from 2000-2005.

After he had finished coaching at Yeronga, in 2011 Tom put his hand up to coach Kenmore, which had finished last the previous year. He helped lift them in his first year then took the Bears to a preliminary final in his second season in charge.

Corless has a track record of embracing a challenge most recently i in 2015 he was coaxed into coaching Beenleigh, which had  finished 2014 with just one win.  Beenleigh  hada tough year the previous season and were going through merger talks at the time. In the second season they won 9 out of their our last 11 games to play finals and move up a division. Tom obviously has the ability to connect with players and lift them to higher levels. As he said when he took on the Beenleigh job: ‘I’m not here to recruit. I’m here to educate the players we’ve already got. If a player who fits the mould comes up, then that’s good. Coaching is about guiding, teaching and mentoring.”

In 2017 he decided to get back into a higher level of football and joined Sandgate as a Senior Assistant Coach (senior midfield) and also stepped into the role of Reserves Coach. 

He has joined the Western Magpies as the Pies are a bit closer to home and he is  excited what he sees building at the Magpies--a young team with a few hard heads is just what he sees as the foundation of a strong club ready to take the next step in the top level of the AFLQ.

To say Tom is a “football man”  is an understatement and his vast experience in playing, coaching and in a development role will be invaluable for the Pies who have a young list that will benefit from Tom’s guidance and football nous.

The following was posted on the AFLQ website when he took on the Beenleigh coaching position. It is a philosophy that will also apply to the Western Magpies and with Tom on board the pies have a strong addition to their coaching ranks.

Posted on AFLQ Website on Tuesday, 16th December, 2014

New Beenleigh coach, Tom Corless, says he is a problem solver and it is that mentality upon which he will approach the Buffaloes’ 2015 season.

Corless, who has previously coached at Yeronga, Kenmore and regional talent teams, said there would be some key problems to solve from day one.

“District football coaching is all about problem solving,” he said.

“Why do players keep on moving, how do we solve that? How do we attract players to the club and how do we get more juniors to play through to seniors.”

“I want players wanting to play for Beenleigh and provide them with a good training program.”

With a number of other football clubs nearby, Corless said it was imperative to strengthen the retention of players at Beenleigh.

“If we do it properly, we should have kids who want to play and more senior players who want to play for us,” he said.

“We really want to nurture the kids in our own backyard.”

Corless said he would be handing a lot of ownership to the players as the young group prepares for 2015.

“’if they sit back and take a “poor me” attitude and don’t want to solve problems (that won’t work),”he said.

“We’ve got to create an atmosphere where we’re doing things for the right reasons and be accountable…and it’s pretty simple.

“We want a plying group that knows what it’s about.”

Place Pre-Season Update - Pies hit the track with new recruits

The Western Magpies have recruited well in the off-season with several new players joining the club and also have welcomed the return of a number of key former players. 

To date, the prize recruit has been former Brisbane Lion, Ryan Harwood with his 81 matches of AFL experience expected to add midfield grunt and composure to the Magpies midfield.

Other new players to join the club include:

Dylan Adkins (Redland NEAFL), a 198cm ruck/key position who will add height and mobility to the Pies big man department. The 21 year old Adkins has been training the house down after crossing from Redland where he played in the ruck and at fullback.

Jono Macanawai (UQ AFC), 21 yo,  a classy midfielder from UQ where he won the Red Lions Best and Fairest last year. At 180cm, he is a hard working and skilful midfielder who can also push forward and will add to the Pies midfield brigade.

Luke Brennan (UQ AFC), 21 year old left footed winger or running half back who can take a solid mark. He had an injury interrupted season last year and is keen to have a full season and test himself out at QAFL level. 

Lucas Jackson (Griffith Moorooka AFC), 21 yo 194cm utility who is somewhat of an unknown addition having spent the previous 2 seasons impressing with Griffith Moorooka, is now ready to step up and challenge himself at the QAFL level. So far Jackson has been like a sponge on the track learning plenty of new tools from the likes of Corrie, Adkins, Moore and Highlands. Jackson adds another big marking, mobile tall to the Magpies list and is one to keep an eye on.  

Lochlan McDonald joins from the Woodsmen where he impressed on a wing and across half back with his run and carry, and after playing 3 seasons with the Woodsmen he has been encouraged to push for higher honours. He regularly impressed for the Woodsmen and also in several Reserves matches last year and will be striving for a senior spot in 2018.

Past players returning include ex-AFL player and club leading goalkicker Anthony Corrie who re-joins after a successful playing and coaching stint at Kenmore. Corrie’s experience and footy smarts will be a valuable asset to the Pies and he will also be called upon to act in a mentoring role with many of the youngsters at the club both in the senior squad and throughout youth football. With a number of last year’s Colts grand final team stepping up, Corrie’s teaching and advice will be used to fast track these players into regular senior football. Two of the Colts who have stood out in the pre-season are half back Tristan Dowdy and winger Sam Hartog, both of whom showed promise last year when called up the the Reserves.

Recent club captains Gerard Moore and Lachlan Woods have been training strongly and Moore will provide a strong marking forward target, something the Pies lacked last year. He will demand a quality defender and his ability to mark or bring the ball to ground will be a big asset for the Pies, along with his famously strong work-rate. 

Moore returns after 3 years with the Woodsmen, including the 2017 Best & Fairest which saw his Woodsmen teammates encourage him back into senior football. 

Woods is expected to return after a year with the Woodsmen due to work commitments and his strong body and fierce attack on the football will add to the Pies midfield brigade. Dynamic small forward Kale Reed also returns from Kenmore and his efficiency around goals will give the Pies another scoring option.

All returning players add to the playing strength at the club, however just as importantly have been significant drivers of the culture at the Pies in past years. 

Coach Brydan Morgan highlighted Brady Allen, Aaron Highlands, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Dylan Adkins and Anthony Corrie as players who have stood out in the pre-season with their attitude and effort, showing the way for their clubmates.

Allen in particular has been fantastic and he could be in for a break-out season—all at the Pies know that he is capable of breaking a game open and 2018 may be the year he takes the next step to be an elite player at QAFL level, after recovering from an ACL injury through 2017. Aaron Highlands had a suberb debut season last year and for a youngster he showed great maturity and toughness in shouldering the Pies’ ruck load last year. With Adkins to share the load he will be even more of an impact player in 2018. Adkins and Corrie have led by example on the track and Jaenke-Cain has also had a terrific pre-season to date. 

Virtual recruits are key defender David Lewis, who missed a large part of last season with a knee injury and utility Aaron Maricic, who also missed the latter half of the season with injury.

Captain Drew Mitchell also looks fit and with co-Bill Peirce Medallist Gareth Crawford will again a key component of the engine room for the Pies. B & F Runner-Up Tom Ielasi is also back on the track as is dual Peirce Medallist Val Pope after an overseas trip and with Matt Davis, Luke Mitchell, Brenton Saunders & Harry Marshall, the Pies have the nucleus of a strong side that will challenge for a finals berth in 2018. Youngsters in the Easton brothers—Brodie and Riley— and Lachie Dennis all stepped up last year and will be expected to be stronger in 2018.

The Pies are also hopeful of a couple of ex-players in Alex Dickfos (expected back from the UK) and Alex Kitching returning to the fold at some stage but are still in discussion for their return, along with some other exciting prospects.

On the debit side the Pies lose Charlie Pershouse to UQ—he is travelling in the latter half of the year and wishes to play some football with his brother, Caleb Franks to Queensland under 18s, Billy Johnson who is listed as a Lions NEAFL top up player, and Sam Copland to try his stuff at Redlands.

Coach Brydan Morgan’s thoughts

We have taken training intensity up a few notches, and we needed to to be competitive in 2018. We actively recruited in some key areas from a positional point of view and also looked to increase our average age within our best 22.  This will have a big impact on our on field leadership and assist the more inexperienced players that played senior football in 2017 to develop and grow their game alongside some more experienced players. 

Training has been first class and all players and coaches have committed to the next progression within our game plan for 2018. 

We are in good position to have a successful 2018 season but as the players know we have lots of work ahead of us. 

Anytime Fitness Colts Update - "Special K" backs up as Assistant Coach

Long time footy head, Kiran ‘Special K’ Verma is back again for season 2018, this time as Senior Assistant Coach for the Colts.

Kiran has been in around the Western Magpies club since 2008, playing 130+ games for the Woodsmen (missing only 4 matches in 10 seasons!) as well as regularly backing up on Saturday’s for the Reserves, with over 40 games since 2013 alone.  He also had a stint in the U/18s many moons ago, but pursued other interests until returning in 2008. As a result, he has likely played 200+ games for the Western Magpies/Woodsmen.

Anyone that has encountered him around the club will know he will ‘talk footy’ to you for hours on end at every opportunity, and has often had former coaches and committees tearing their hair out with 5 phone calls about tactics and selection on the morning of a game!  Having played in 2 Premierships for the Woodsmen, he has also been involved off the field as an informal team manager, training coordinator and fundraiser.

He first dipped his toe in the water with coaching/running in 2017 under the guidance of Premiership teammates Reid Dobson and Brett McEvoy with the grand finalist QAFL Colts team and was instantly "bitten by the coaching bug".  As an experienced older head, Kiran is ideally suited to assist his Woodies teammate Jake Fuentes with the Colts in 2018 after he switched from a successful stint as U/16 Div 1 coach.  Excellent in motivating and relating to young players of that age group, he will be an excellent asset to the Colts footy program.

He will also pull on the boots again for plenty of footy and much to the amusement of teammates, coaches and opposition alike – has long regarded himself as ‘the best kick in the league’ in the competitive Friday night environment.  However, without a sarcastic tone in sight, Reid Dobson, Colts Coach in 2017 did refer to him with a straight face as ‘the best runner in the league’ – a strong endorsement for his work with the 2017 Colts team from a man not guilty of dishing out too much praise over the years!

McCarthy Homes Oval Update – Magpies appoint Head Curator

With recent works having McCarthy Homes oval looking in top shape for the season ahead, the club is now pleased to formally announce William Pearce as the Head Curator for McCarthy Homes Oval.

This is a significant appointment for the club, as the field has been a constant battle for our committed army of volunteers and the tireless efforts of Facilities Director Chris Dennis in securing grants and funding for upgrades and maintenance.

With an industry recognised expert in place, the Magpies are now in a strong position to ensure every investment in the field is spent diligently and with clear purpose based on the advice and research from a highly regarded turf health specialist.

A qualified Agronomist, Will has held an interest in Turf since he first took Agricultural Science as a subject in Year 9.  As a result, he tailored his learning from that point on to set himself up for a career in a field he is passionate about.  After completing Year 12 he studied a Bachelor Degree in Ag Science majoring in Plant and Soils, where in the final 2 years of his course he further specialised in turf grass science and turf health.  During this time, he also worked as a field assistant for the QLD Government in turf research, underlining his commitment and passion to his chosen career.

Will graduated with Honours and after working in the field for 2-3 years he landed at his current ‘dream role’ with Sports Turf Research International (STRI) where he hass worked on numerous research projects covering a wide array of aspects within the warm season turf industry. Some of these include genotype selections, screening turfgrass cultivars to various environmental and sports field stresses, turf breeding, and using turf as an erosion and sediment control measure.

Other research projects have looked at improving the management practices on turf production farms to reduce water usage, associated nutrient run-off and leaching. Will has also utilised satellite imagery to assess turfgrass area coverage in Australian capital cities.

As a recognised expert in sports turf, Will has spent time in the UK and throughout South East Asia acting as a consultant to Wimbledon, FIFA, Premier League Clubs, Bundesliga Clubs and other major sporting organisations to assist in pitch preparation and turf grass health.

Will is local to the Chelmer/Graceville area, loves a beer down at the club and has represented the Woodsmen/Western Magpies with distinction in past seasons before he suffered an ACL injury on a dodgy field, just another reason for him to be passionate about field quality and turf health!  As an added bonus, the club Best & Fairest Medal is already named after him before he starts, sharing his name of course with club legend Billy Peirce!

More information about Will can be found here:  http://www.queenslandstem.edu.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Agronomist.pdf

If you would like to get involved in assisting the volunteers on the preparation and maintenance of McCarthy Homes Oval, please get in touch with Will Pearce – Head Curator - will.pearce@strigroup.com, 0407 779 161.

Coopers Coaching Update - Des Lashman to coach Reserves

DES LASHMAN APPOINTED MAGPIES RESERVES COACH FOR 2018

The Western Magpies AFC are pleased to announce the appointment of Des Lashman as the club's Reserves coach for 2018.

Des has a long and illustrious pedigree at the Magpies and as well as being a 6 time Senior Premiership player at Sherwood, he was the Western Magpies inaugural senior coach in 1999 and coached the club's Under 18s from 2008 to 2011, winning a QAFL Division One Colts Premiership in 2010.

Western Magpies AFC President Andrew Thomson said, “It is great to have Des on board to coach our Reserves team in 2018.

Des has an outstanding record as a coach who can develop players and he is the ideal coach to re-build the Reserves list and continue to develop young players into senior footballers.

Anyone who knows Des, knows he's a champion bloke and his down to earth nature allows him to relate very well with players of all ages and he has in the past developed strong rapport with his players. He is a Magpie man through and through and will work well with the Senior coaching group led by Brydan Morgan". 

 Below is a story on Des Lashman from 2012

DES LASHMAN RECALLS GOLDEN ERA

Current Under 18 Assistant Coach Des Lashman played in 6 of Sherwood's 8 flags from 1977 to 1982  after joining the club from Inala Greens as a 15 year old in 1975 and playing in 2 Under 17 premierships in 1975-76 before being promoted the the First Grade as a 6 foot (182 cm) ruckman in 1977.

Des represented Queensland Schoolboys in 1973 and was enticed to Sherwood by Blair Spence , then the Registrar for the club. Des never left!!

He not only played in 8 flags in a row but has been an integral part of the club for the past 39 years and has served as Assistant coach, Reserves coach and Under 18 coach, coaching the U18s to the First Division Premiership over Redland in 2010 after a devastating 1 point loss to undefeated Morningside in 2009.

Des learnt his football surprisingly in Sydney at Holdsworthy Army Base-his father was a South Australian and in the Army so it was natural Des would learn to play footy with the red ball. The Army brought the family to Brisbane and Des has stayed ever since.

Des says that he played with many great players as you do if you play in 6 premierships in a row.

He rates centreman Greg Butler as one of the best players he played with and says  the likes of Greg Adams, Rocko Stewart and ruck partner Graeme Honour as among the better players and it was these players who supported Des as a young player. He says they engendered a great belief in the side and never say die attitude which won many games and indeed premierships when all seemed lost.

Other top liners according to Des who gave their all were CHB Denis Hogan, Dave Greer , Bruce O'Neill and Romas Jackavicius.

In many clubs players who win one premiership are lauded and held in high esteem- Des Lashman played in 6 premierships in a row as well as being a successful coach at the club--a true legend of the Sherwood and Western Magpies Football Clubs. 

This was acknowledged with Des being awarded Life Membership of the club in 2012

Mc Carthy Homes - Club Update

MAGPIES AGM A SUCCESS WITH A STRONG BOARD READY FOR CLUB GROWTH

Long serving Board member Andrew Thomson will continue to lead the Sherwood DAFC in 2018 after assuming the reins 3 months ago with the resignation of then club President Mark Blackberry. In a seamless transition, Thomson assumed the President’s role when Blackberry found his business commitments precluded him from doing what he considered to be the necessary functions of a club President.

Blackberry will still play an important role for the Magpies in a fundraising and mentoring capacity. Thomson has already negotiated a significant naming rights sponsor for the club (McCarthy Homes) and his experience will be valuable in guiding the Magpies in coming seasons.

The club’s recent AGM also saw the addition of some new faces and a couple of exits.  However the board remains full of football and business experience and the strongest financial position the club now finds itself in for decades is due in large part to the efforts of the outgoing Board, most of whom will resume in the same roles in 2018. Scott Matthews stepped down from his role as Director--Junior Football, while ex-club junior Mitchell Merritt returns from Griffith Moorooka in the new portfolio of Director, Partnerships & Engagement.

The New club Board is as follows:

President and Senior Football: Andrew Thomson

Vice President—Junior Football: Adam Edwards

Director-- Finance: Martin Sinfield

Director—Infrastructure and Facilities: Chris Dennis

Director—Governance and Company Secretary: Gabe McKinnon

Director—Partnerships & Engagement: Mitchell Merritt

Director-Football: TBA

Director—Social and Events: TBA

The club is negotiating the Director of Football role but in the interim previous club coach Paul Grentell with act as Football Adviser with Damian Sonderlund as his assistant. The club is still seeking additional volunteers including a Director –Social and Events – and with the club to celebrate 50 years of senior football and the 20th year of the Western Magpies in 2018 this will be a vital role throughout the season. 

Summary of  Senior and Junior Football, Off-field Highlights and future outlook for 2018 below.

Senior highlights

• Signed new coach Brydan Morgan
• After turnover of 14-16 senior players at the end of 2016 the club was in the hunt for finals until penultimate round
• Key new signings for 2018 Season in Harwood, Corrie, Adkins, Saunders + player retention
• 10+ debutants in 2017 Season
• Colts Minor Premiers & Grand Finalists
• Reid Dobson and Jake Fuentes the next generation of coaches
• Supplied 6+ ex Magpies to NEAFL and VFL lists
• Tom Ielasi & Dave Lewis represented QAFL vs WAAFL
• Charlie Pershouse & Aaron Highlands Rising Star Nominations
• Jake De Winter Round 2 Syd Guildford Nomination
• Drew Mitchell & Gareth Crawford win Bill Peirce Medal
• Woodsmen reached Preliminary Final
• 100+ registered senior players

Junior highlights

• Experienced and successful Junior Committee lead by Scott Matthews. The Board thanks Scott for his dedication to the club over his two year tenure as Junior President.
• Strong registration numbers up 7% on prior year
• Team Successes:
• U16 Black - Division 1 minor premiers and finalists
  • U12 – Division 2 finalists

Individual Awards:

• • Tom Morgan U12 League Best & Fairest Winner
  • Sean Ryan 3rd place U16 League Best & Fairest
• Western Magpies Academy successful second year with strong numbers

Off-field highlights

• Installation of club Honour Boards – thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Greg Thompson
• Election of new life members in Chris Dennis, Reid Dobson, Brian Miller and Val Pope
• Delivered on facility improvements:

• • Secured funding for full ground refurbishment
  • Secured funding and work commenced to convert old home change rooms to players gym

Delivered on Corporate Partnerships

• • Secured new naming rights sponsor for 2018
  • Increased corporate partnerships in both number and financial commitment

Implementation of “One Club” Strategy

• • Reconstitution of Board of Directors (Junior, Senior and Woodsmen representation)
  • Senior player participation with Junior teams
  • Western Magpies Summer Coaching Academy
  • Player Development Pathwa
  • Review of communications 

Financial Outlook

With the continuing support of volunteers, sponsors and supporters, the Board are confident that the club is well placed financially leading in to the 2018 season:

• New revenue streams are expected to bear further fruit, with Cross Fit Disposition, Step into Life and AFL9s expected to contribute notable returns. 
• Corporate sponsorships are off to a strong start, with a new naming rights sponsor and other new partners resulting in the club being in a healthy financial position. 
• Additional funding has been committed to the football department to help strengthen the senior squad. 
• The Queensland Labor Government has committed $150k to fund oval works at the end of the 2018 season.  This will enable the playing surface to be levelled and improved to a standard that will enable the Club to play home finals and bid for junior finals. 

To get involved and support the club in an off field role, please contact President - Andrew Thomson on 0403 066 382. 

Welcome to McCarthy Homes Oval

Magpies confirm McCarthy Homes as Major Sponsor until 2020

As the Western Magpies QAFL squad embark on their final training run for 2017 this evening, they will also be having their first outing at the newly named McCarthy Homes Oval, after the club announced a new three year partnership with the proudly Brisbane based and family owned custom home builder.

Looking ahead to 2018, its an exciting time at McCarthy Homes Oval with solid turnouts on the training track for the QAFL Squad, some key player and coach signings as well key appointments being made to bolster the Sherwood Magpies Junior Football program.

Club President Andrew Thomson was excited at the strong values alignment between the Magpies and McCarthy Homes.

“I was really excited when I first spoke with McCarthy Homes about the possibility of coming on board as a key community partner, as I’ve worked in the development game for close to 15 years now and in that time I’ve had some dealings with their business and their brand that have been nothing but positive," commented Thomson. 

"As a longstanding and privately owned home builder, they are certainly at the top of their game in that space and local residents in the area would no doubt already have seen a number of their beautiful custom designed homes popping up in the Indooroopilly to Oxley corridor,” said Thomson. 

Nick O’Sullivan, Director of McCarthy Homes said, “We’ve been building homes in the Chelmer, Graceville and Sherwood area fairly consistently in the last few years and as a result, we have committed to building a new display home in on the corner of Oxley Road and Borden St in Sherwood,  due for completion in Spring 2018.  As part of our commitment to the area, we wanted to involve ourselves in the community and as a result we decided to get in touch with the premier community facility in the area, being the Sherwood Football Club.  The club was extremely professional and pro-active to deal with and we are delighted to sign on as the naming rights partner for an initial 3 year term.”

Thomson added, “After initial discussions it became obvious that our organisations would have clear alignment in terms of basic community values, open communication and being leading organisations in our respective fields – so I knew pretty early on we would be able to secure a strong partnership. Getting them on board for a three year partnership as the naming rights sponsor was a substantial bonus for us as a club and really shows the commitment to the area McCarthy will have. It certainly didn’t hurt that their corporate colours are black and white either!”

(click to scroll through images)

The Sherwood Football Club, incorporating the Western Magpies and Sherwood Juniors welcomes McCarthy Homes to the Magpie family and look forward to a long standing and mutually beneficial partnership.

McCarthy Homes has been building and designing elegant custom homes in Queensland for over twenty years. With a premium product on offer, they’re renowned for their superior quality, high-end inclusions, and unique architecturally designed homes. Providing complete customisation and the ability to design for difficult blocks or knockdown rebuilds, has further cemented their position in the industry.

For more information on McCarthy Homes, visit www.mccarthyhomes.com.au

For further information regarding sponsorship please contact Director of Commercial & Engagement, Mitchell Merritt on 0488 035 022. 

Place Player Update – Redlands Duo Sign on

Sherwood Junior and 2012 Senior premiership player, Brenton Saunders will return to McCarthy Homes Oval in 2018 after a number of seasons in the NEAFL with Redlands. Saunders will also be joined by Redland Bombers teammate, Dylan Adkins, who has also signed on for season 2018.

(L-R) Dylan Adkins and Brenton Saunders

Saunders played his junior football for the Magpies and won the Maurie McNamee medal for Best and Fairest in the Colts in 2011. Following Colts, Saunders graduated to Senior football in 2012 and played in the Magpies emphatic premiership win over PBC in 2012 as a dynamic small forward.

Saunders then joined Mt Gravatt to try his hand in the NEAFL. When the Vultures dropped out of the NEAFL in 2015 he joined Redlands and remained playing in the NEAFL. However, when not selected to play for Redlands, Saunders has served as an important member of the Pies forward make-up in the QAFL. Now as a regular Magpies member,  it will be exciting for the club to see him lace up in the black and white week in and week out. 

It will also be exciting to see his team mate from Redlands - Dylan Adkins also wearing the black and white in 2018. Adkins who only took up the game in his late teens – will bring to the club not only size and aggression with his 199cm frame but also elite endurance. Dylan spent most of his youth as an elite middle distance runner - running a sub 2min 800m time, as well as being part of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS)  for Volleyball.  After spending a few seasons with Redlands as a tall utility, he will be able to develop his game further in 2018 in a more permanent role in the ruck. 

The arrival of Adkins will allow for the talented Aaron Highlands to play a key defensive role after his standout 2017, where he largely shouldered the ruck duties in a season that delivered him a Top 5 in the B&F and the coveted BG Award.

Adkins, a recent QUT finance graduate, was attracted to the Magpies over other clubs due to the holistic approach to player and personal development. The ability to open doors for players professional and personal development is a key pillar in the Western Magpies culture, and its important to distinguish that it’s not just a ‘jobs for the boys’ mentality, rather a focus on giving players opportunities to those who want to work hard and its up to each individual to then seize their opportunity.

"Since joining the Magpies I have been made to feel very welcome and supported by all of the boys. There's no ego's at this football club and aside from some creative comparisons from Lachlan Woods regarding my haircut to Wilson on Castaway, the transition has been very warm which has helped me to focus on enjoying football. 

"I also want it to be known that I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities afforded to me by Redlands, especially coming from a Volleyball background it was quite surreal to be training and playing with and against talented players with elite AFL experience."

"That said, I do feel that I've made the right decision signing with the Western Magpies, where I can continue to develop my football knowledge at the QAFL level. It was also pretty attractive to get involved given the club's holistic approach to player development. Early days but the vibe on that track has been very positive with everyone putting in the work to set us up to be competitive in 2018," said Adkins.  

Saunders key rationale for returning to the club was around getting back to his black & white origins and wanting to be a significant contributor in the growth of the club. 

"Having been involved in the club part-time over the last two seasons, I've seen that the club making some great moves on and off field that should give us the best possible change of future success. Since I've been back on the track, I've been very impressed with the attitudes of all the boys, everyone just wants to soak up as much information as possible and get better which is creating a great football environment," said Saunders.   

Senior Coach Brydan Morgan was pleased to secure the services of both Adkins and Saunders, who bring  an exciting mix of talent to McCarthy Homes Oval. 

"Both these blokes will bring plenty to the team in 2018,” Morgan said following training on Saturday morning.

"Saunders is no stranger to Magpie faithful of course. Not just from his Premiership exploits in 2012, but also in some of the glimpses he showed in 2017 including his seven goal outing against Surfers.That kind of score power is important to any team," Morgan added

"It’s no secret we were fairly undersized in 2017. To bring Dylan on board is very important for our overall structure," he said.

Saunders and Atkins add to the impressive list of recruits for the club, which has created a lot of excitement and optimism for the club in 2018.

For further info regarding playing at the Western Magpies in 2018 please call Brydan Morgan (Senior Coach) on 0423 861 361.

Place Player Update – Mitchell signs on for 2018

Reigning joint Bill Peirce Medallist and current Club Captain Drew Mitchell had no hesitation in putting pen to paper for season 2018.

"It was a very straightforward decision to renew my contract for 2018, the Magpies are a true family to me and I want nothing more than to see us build on our developing performance of 2017," Mitchell said at McCarthy Homes Oval on Friday. 

Mitchell played all of his junior football at Sherwood and he bleeds black and white coming from a long line of Magpie stalwarts who have been part of the fabric of the club for 40+ years. His grandparents, Ray and Flo Laing are Life Members of the club and his father Steve Mitchell was a multiple Premiership winning player for Sherwood. 

"While there is a genuine sense of purpose about the club right now, the most impressive thing I've noticed so far after just a few weeks back on the track is the hunger and attitude of everyone wanting to get the best out of themselves. There's plenty of talent and moreover great blokes who are wanting to play at the Magpies for all the right reasons, this should make us more competitive in 2018. We know we've got a mountain of hard work to put in but I think we've got the right group to build something special," Mitchell said. 

"The new additions to the club are settling in really well and it's given a few of the older heads a timely nudge with fresh ideas and new standards being set," said Mitchell.  

While Mitchell was a dual winner of the Best & Fairest in 2017, the season was frustrated by injury and he will be looking to go to another level as a midfield leader and regular goal kicker in 2018.  A dependable workhorse in the middle with his bullocking frame and superb endurance, Mitchell is at his best when he hits the scoreboard regularly as he did in the 2016 season, where he averaged well over 1.5 goals a game.

While it was always a formality, the Magpies were eager to sign Mitchell for 2018 to get it out of the way.

Club President, Andrew Thomson was naturally excited to confirm the signing of Mitchell for 2018. 

“It would be easy for us to lose focus on our loyal core by running around signing new players and forgetting about the guys that drive the group, but we were really keen to not fall into that trap," said Thomson.  

"It’s important that Drew and the other senior players who have put in the hard yards are shown the respect they deserve, so Drew was one of the first players I wanted to sit down with and get signed up for 2018. Loyal players like Drew, club juniors who move up the ranks and put the work in week in week out, year in year out are the heartbeat of a successful footy club."

"Yes, we know he bleeds black and white and it wasn't likely that he would go be going anywhere else, that said he’s the Club Captain and his signature is as important as anyone else. I look forward to seeing Drew bust through the middle in 2018 for a trademark goal from the midfield,” said Thomson.  

 For further info regarding playing at the Western Magpies in 2018 please call Brydan Morgan (Senior Coach) on 0423 861 361.

Place Coaches Update - Sam Joppich to coach U16s

The Sherwood Junior AFC are pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Joppich to the role of U16 Head Coach for the 2018 season.

Sam will fill the role vacated by Jake Fuentes after Jake’s promotion to Head Coach for the Western Magpies Colts (U18 side).

Sam is a former local Sherwood junior who grew up around the corner from the football club and progressed through the Auskick program and into the Senior/Reserve teams over a period of 10+ years. Sam is currently the AFL Excellence Coordinator at Woodcrest State College in Springfield as well as Assistant Coach for the South Brisbane Vixens U17 girls team.

Sam assists as a Development Coach for the AFLQ South running their Summer Development programs. Through this role Sam has developed strong relationships with both the AFLQ and the Brisbane Lions and their Academy.

“Culture is everything, a good culture breeds confidence, builds friendships and a willingness to learn, as Sherwood was my club I played at for over 10 years as a junior and into senior teams, I am looking forward to coming back to the club and moulding the next generation of footballers but more importantly, young men” Sam said.

Place Player Update - Corrie returns to The Nest

Western Magpies 2012 Premiership player Anthony Corrie is returning to The Nest in 2018 to play a key on-field mentoring role in a young Magpie outfit. 

After spending the previous 4 seasons at Kenmore Bears in a challenging player/coach role in the Division 2 competition, Corrie returns to the QAFL with a reinvigorated outlook and a committed focus to playing a key on-field role, while also imparting knowledge and supporting younger players at the club.

Speaking on Friday at Chelmer, new signing Anthony Corrie commented that the Western Magpies strategy around both football development and community engagement was the main drawcard.  

Corrie said, “It’s great to be back at the Western Magpies, a place that genuinely feels like a home away from home for me.

Spending the last 4 years at Kenmore Bears has given me motivation to continue on with the work I’ve done with them and now apply it within a semi-professional setting at Magpies. 

Aside from the great people at the Magpies, the main attraction to return was the challenge and opportunity to add value to both football and off-field. Professionally, family and football it just feels like a great fit.

With such a young and enthusiastic list, added support staff and a clear direction to get the best out of ourselves each week, I am excited for the first time in a long time about footy.

Giving back is key and I get a buzz from giving back to the game that has been so generous to me so far in my career,” Corrie said.   

Additional to an extensive football resume, which includes AFL experience at both Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions, Corrie brings well-rounded life experiences and a sincere drive to play an active role in developing young people, both as footballers but as leaders in the community.

Magpies Board Director Andrew Thomson said, “We’re delighted to have ‘Nuxy’ back at the club for 2018 and beyond, as anyone that’s been involved with him knows that while he has plenty to offer as a footballer, it’s the whole package that attracts clubs like ours to good people like him. 

In his previous stint with us, he was a regular at the club assisting with junior and youth football. He also did a fantastic job coaching our U/18 side and is a credit to himself and his family the way he conducts himself,” said Thomson. 

The Western Magpies are hosting a pre-season ‘Meet and Greet BBQ’ on Sunday 12th November from 3:00PM. Returning players, coaches and club members will be on hand to welcome all new players in a social environment. There will be quality live music, great food and a warm social atmosphere to connect player’s prior to official training commencing on 22nd November. 

For further info regarding playing please call Brydan Morgan (Senior Coach) on 0423 861 361.

PRE SEASON: https://www.facebook.com/events/1506873086016840/ 

2018 Sherwood Magpies JAFC Coaching Opportunities

Sherwood Junior Australian Football Club is calling for applications from interested parties for the following roles for the 2018 season:

Junior Football Coordinator – responsible for the oversight of all teams in the Under 8 – Under 11 age groups including appointment of team officials, mentoring coaches and upholding the values and objectives of the club.

Youth Football Coordinator – responsible for the oversight of all teams in the Under 12, 14 and 16 age groups including appointment of team officials, mentoring coaches and upholding the values and objectives of the club.

Junior Coaches and Assistant Coaches (U8 – U11) – these positions are primarily responsible for the education and encouragement of players with a focus on basic skill acquisition, teamwork and enjoyment. Coaches will liaise regularly with the Junior Football Coordinator.

Youth Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches (U12, U14, U16) – these positions will be responsible for the training and development of all Sherwood Youth Football players in accordance with club policies and guidelines. Coaches will work closely with the Youth Football Coordinator as part of the overarching development objective of the club. The club expects to offer multiple teams in each of the above age groups.

Applications and enquiries should be directed to Shaun Barrett at sherwoodjuniors@aflbj.com no later than 5pm Friday 8th December 2017. Please include a summary of your experience and any other information relevant to your application.

Place News - Magpie Quartet Named in QAFL Top 50

Western Magpies had four players named in the QAFL Top 50 players for 2017.

Skipper and co-Bill Peirce medallist Drew Mitchell led the way, being named at No 25 on the list in recognition of a strong season in the mid-field.

A breakout season saw Pies 2017 B & F runner up and QAFL representative Tom Ileasi named at No 38 while co-Bill Peirce medallist Gareth Crawford was recognised for a consistent season at the coal-face and came in at No 37.  

David Lewis was named at No 47, which is remarkable given he played just over half a season before a knee injury ended his year. His write-up demonstrates why he was named.  He also represented Queensland this year.

Certainly Charlie Pershouse in particular could consider himself unlucky seeing as only a few weeks back he was named in the QAFL Team of the Year!

25. Drew Mitchell

A consistent workhorse around the packs, the ball-winner and Magpies skipper was one of the most important players in the black and white this year.

Mitchell seemed to get better as the season went on and his strength around the contest and strong leadership was sorely missed in the final rounds when he missed through injury.

From his fourteen games Mitchell registered in the best players six times and tied for the Magpies best and fairest with Gareth Crawford.

37. Gareth Crawford

Crawford is no stranger to the QAFL Top 50 list, after coming in at number 50 last year. The ball winning beast hasn’t slowed down either; he continues to win the footy for the Magpies in close and go about his business.

As a senior player on a young list at the Western Magpies, Crawford leads the way, consistently providing high level output and physicality around the ball.

38. Tom Ielasi

‘Smart,’ is the word that comes to mind when thinking about Tom Ielasi as a player, but he’s also pretty tidy by hand and foot as well.

A versatile, clever midfielder, Ielasi can play off half back, through the middle and can even pinch hit up forward where he can be particularly dangerous.

Ielasi was deservedly selected in the QAFL representative side this year, played 15 games and was named in his sides best players 10 times, while also kicking 10 goals.

47. David Lewis

Sometimes the best way to notice a player’s value is what happens when they go down with an injury. Lewis’s knee injury caused serious issues for the Western Magpies toward the end of the season and they missed his star quality badly.

The high leaping Lewis takes some great grabs and can be damaging with his kicking when he’s on song.

Of his eight games Lewis featured in the best five times. One of the best highlight reels in the QAFL.

Westpoint Auto - Coaching Vacancy Update

The Western Magpies Football department and senior committee wish to congratulate 2017 Senior Assistant Coaches Sam Long and Adam Holland on their recent appointments to Head Coaching positions at Yeronga Devils in QFA Div 1 Competition and Redcliffe Tigers in QFA Div 3 Competition respectively.

Both Sam and Adam were valuable contributors in their time at the club and will be sorely missed in 2018.  As both clubs play in different competitions to the Magpies, we also have no hesitation in wishing both gents a hearty good luck for 2018 seasons! (Especially Longy, who will still be having a kick on Friday nights with the Woodies)

In other news, Brett McEvoy has been appointed to look after the Brisbane Lions Academy midfield and Strength & Conditioning Coach - James Nightingale has accepted a role with the Brisbane Roar A-League squad, an excellent result for both and underlining the professional environment at the Western Magpies.

These recent appointments show the Western Magpies to not only be an exceptional talent pathway for young footballers, but also aspiring coaches.

As a result the following vacancies remain:

Colts – Head Coach

Level 1 Accreditation Required with desire to attain Level 2

Key criteria:

• Focus on development of players to prepare them for Senior Football
• Ability to identify specific player weaknesses and implement the required development coaching through senior football program
• Work closely with Senior Coach to understand and implement structures and desired ball movement
• Experience and/or ability to work with young men aged 15-18
• Adopt and grow the Magpie ‘one club’ culture

Senior Assistant Line Coaches

The Western Magpies Senior QAFL Side operates with the following structure:

Senior Coach, 3 x line coaches (mid, forward, back) then a number of additional roles like stats, video, development, strength & conditioning that spread across the senior football program.

If you have the desire to coach, mentor and develop footballers to learn and improve, as well as develop your own skills (including interpersonal, leadership and of course football) then we would love to talk to you about joining the team for 2018.

Coaching experience, or senior playing experience is desired as is a Level 1 Accreditation with a desire to achieve Level 2.

As a senior line coach you will play an integral role in a fantastic football culture that continually grows from within.

Please submit all applications to president@westernmagpies.com.au by Friday November 3, 2017

Place Player Update - Harwood signs on for 2018

Recently delisted Brisbane Lion Ryan Harwood will join the Western Magpies for the 2018 QAFL season, after officially signing with the club in recent weeks.

“We’ve got a really young group, so his experience and leadership will be just fantastic,” said Senior Coach Brydan Morgan.

“You’d think you’d see him go through the midfield and probably at either end depending on where we might need him I guess.”

Harwood was drafted with pick 47 in the 2009 National Draft by the Brisbane Lions and played 81 AFL games, including nine in 2017. Along with his AFL appearances, the Tasmanian product performed strongly at NEAFL level this year, including a four goal performance in round 17.

The 26-year-old chose the Magpies as a result of a connection with Mark Blackberry, established while Harwood was playing at the Lions.

“(I’m) looking forward to it, can’t wait,” said Harwood.

“They’re my old club colours as well, black and white, from when I used to play at Glenorchy.

“I’ve pretty much only worn that jersey and a Lions jersey, so it’ll be good to get back into it.”

The Magpies finished in 6th place on the QAFL ladder in 2017, just missing out on the finals after Top 3 finishes the previous 2 seasons. As a result of the exit of 12 players after the 2016 Prelim final loss, 2017 turned into a transition year with a young list of players including 10 debutants and the young side did well to be in the finals hunt until the final siren of the 2nd last round of the H&A season

The signing of Harwood is great news for the club, who are in need of more senior players and leadership in a young group. The Queensland climate and proximity to some great fishing and hunting locations, was another factor in Harwood rebuffing offers from clubs all over Australia.

Harwood looks likely to be the first of a few names that could be donning the black and white for the 2018 QAFL season, as we look to take a more aggressive approach in the recruiting space this off-season.

“Aggressive enough. Without being over the top, we still value our young kids coming through,” said Morgan.

“We certainly need some more players in their late twenties just to give that experience and leadership.

“So we’ll be looking to sort of fill those holes, so to speak - hopefully with a few familiar faces returning home, as well as a few new names as well"

Watch this space Magpie fans!

MACK Trucks - Life Member Inductions

VAL POPE, CHRIS DENNIS, BRIAN MILLAR and REID DOBSON AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP

The Sherwood District AFC (incorporating the Western Magpies AFC) awarded Life Memberships to Val Pope, Chris Dennis, Brian Millar and Reid Dobson at the Bill Peirce Medal Night last Friday

Val Pope joined the Pies in 2004 and has played over 200 Senior Games, is a two time Bill Peirce Medallist, three time premiership player and was named in the QAFL Team of the Year in 2015. He has been a crowd favourite at Chelmer for over 12 years and continues to delight the Black and White faithful. He has been a loyal servant of the club and has rarely had a bad outing in his 200+ senior appearances.

Chris Dennis has been involved with the Pies for over 12 years. He was a junior coach for 5 years and joined the Board of Directors in 2011 and remains a Board member, with his key focus being Infrastructure and Facilities where he has played a key role over the years securing grants and managing facility upgrades such as field upgrades, new changerooms and the the light upgrades to name just a handful of major achievements in his tenure.

He was Junior Chairman from 2012-14 and was aslo club President in 2015.

Brian "BM" Millar has been a fixture at Chelmer for 18 years and has been involved in all but one season of the Western Magpies. He joined in 2000 and has been an assistant coach and team manager in every season. He is at training every night, ensuring that all is in place so the coaches can concentrate on coaching. He has hardly missed a match and has seen the highs and lows of the Pies but enjoyed three premierships in his time at the Pies.

Reid Dobson has played over 220 Senior games for the Magpies in addition to 50+ Reserves games and a few outings with the Woodsmen after also playing as a junior at Sherwood prior to that.

He is a two time premiership player and was named best on ground in the 2006 Premiership. He was a member of the club's leadership group for 6 seasons and was also 2 time JB Medal winner for the Reserves Best & Fairest and League Reserves Best and Fairest winner in 2010. He was also best on ground in the Woodsmen's 2014 Premiership and won the Nipperess Medal for Best & Fairest in the same season.

He coached the club in youth football in 2016 and then took the Colts to this year's Grand Final.

The club also acknowledged Paul Grentell and Rob Lawson,  who were awarded their Life Memberships at the club's AGM in December last year but not formally presented with their badges.

Paul Grentell had a distinguished career at senior level after starting as a Sherwood junior in 1980 as a 7 year old. He captained the club for 2 years when the Western magpies were formed then coached Reserves for one season then for 6 seasons at Senior level for two premierships. He still acts as a mentor and adviser to the club. He has been involved at the club for 35 years, 17 of those years in Senior football.

Rob Lawson has been a fixture at Sherwood since 1964 when he played in Under 15s and was the first Sherwood junior to play Senior football at the club when the senior team was formed in 1968.

He played seniors for 6 years and played in two premierships. he has been a junior coach and committeeman and over the past few years has been heavily involved in ground maintenance and match day preparation.