Sci-Fleet Taringa - Reserves Match Review

SECOND HALF TRAIN WRECK COSTLY FOR PIES RESERVES

The Western Magpies had a second half to forget as they squandered a 5 goal half time lead to cough up the 4 points to Labrador in a hugely disappointing result.

The Pies second half resembled the Gold Coast Suns’  last quarter train wreck of Saturday evening as both teams forgot what had got them well in front in the first place.

Pies’ coach Des Lashman’s post match summation is unable to be repeated here but suffice to say he was not a happy camper at the end of the match.

The Pies had played direct football in the first half and were well on top in the middle of the ground and were winning the contested football to lead by 29 points at half time.

Anyone who turned up at half time and witnessed the third quarter would be led to believe the Labrador were well in front on the scoreboard. The Tigers completely turned the game on its head as the Pies retreated into themselves, were second to the football, started second guessing, started fumbling and were guilty of poor ball use as they appeared to become panicked.

The match was still anyone’s game in the final quarter and the Pies did have their chances to win but went down 8.6-54 to 8.8-56 in a 2nd costly 2 point loss that sees them slip back to sixth place on the ladder.

Zach Collison, Chris Hunt and Gabe McKinnon across half back were the source of a lot of drive in the first half and then worked hard to stem the tide in the second half.

Nathan Congram and Monty Vine both worked hard in ruck and Sam DeNys was busy around the packs, especially in the first half.

The Magpies will be bolstered by the return of several experienced players for a must-win match at home against Morningside on Saturday.

Western Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 6.2 - 38 | 6.5 - 41 | 8.6 - 54

defeated by

Labrador Tigers 1.3 - 9 | 1.3 - 9 | 6.3 - 39 | 8.8 - 56

Best: Z.Collison, hunt, Congram, M.Vine, McKinnon, De Nys

Goals: DeRooy, Pope 2, S.McEvoy, Mazerolle, F.Collison 1

Anytime Fitness - Colts Match Review

COLTS ON TOP OF THE LADDER AFTER EMPHATIC WIN

The Western Magpies Colts are on top of the QAFL Colts ladder after a comprehensive victory over Labrador on Saturday morning.

The Pies were slow to start and the Tigers had the first 2 goals on the board before the Magpies kicked into gear. Led by key forward Cameron Ferguson, who booted 3 first quarter goals then followed up with the first 2 goals of the second quarter, the pies took control and were well on top from the 10 minute mark of the opening quarter.

The Pies won well 15.12-102 to 4.5-29.

Queensland Under 17 representative Bruce Reville showed his class with a turn of speed  and capped a fine game with 3 goals from the wing and rover Dan Edwards continued his fine season to boot 2 goals. Another Queensland Under 17 rep player in Samson Ryan gave the Pies first use of the ball from the centre in another fine display of the ruckman’s art  and centreman Jacob Sheath was as usual a busy player. Aiden D’Roza played well across half back and Sam Mehari returned from an injury he suffered in Round 1 to be a livewire across half forward and his return is a further boost to an already potent forward line.

Coaches Jake Fuentes and  Kiran Verma look to have a good spread of talent all over the ground at their disposal and they have depth as well and this puts the Colts in a good place to push hard for a top of the ladder finish and set themselves up for a successful finals series.

Western Magpies 5.3 - 33 | 10.5 - 65 | 13.6 - 84 | 15.12 - 102

defeated

Labrador Tigers 2.1 - 13 | 2.1 - 13 | 4.3 - 27 | 4.5 - 29

Best: S.Ryan, Sheath, D'Roza, Mehari, Ferguson

Goals: Ferguson 5, Reville 3, Edwards 2, Aurisch, Keenan, Johnson, Batilimoyo, S.Ryan 1

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Match Review

The Woodsmen licked their wounds after a tough 2 point loss to Zillmere last outing to travel down the M1 to take on the winless Ormeau Bulldogs on Friday night in freezing temperatures.

With another 5 or 6 changes to the side, and percentage likely playing a role late in the year in the jockeying for finals positions it was important the Woodies went down and showed some intent and kept their foot on the throat, as in recent years the side has failed to put sides away and the lack of percentage has been costly.

It was a bright start as the boys piled on 7.5 - 47 to 0.0 - 0 in the opening quarter, with Matt Hockley bagging 5 in the opening term and perennial defender Chris La Burniy sneaking forward for his first goal since approximately 2013!

However, it was a bridge too far to maintain the intensity as the match slowly dwindled into an exercise in avoiding the odd cheap shot and experimental positioning.

New recruit Adam Pedler was tried in the ruck where he enjoyed aproximately 85% game time and showed plenty of promise, Tom Roderick continued his good form on a wing and Chris Judson, Ben Ness and Sam Curtis were at their best in the midfield continually driving the ball forward and dominating stoppages.

Matt Hockley finished with a solid bag of 9 goals, while Jason Evans and Chris Mihalopoulos were the other multiple goal-kickers while David Jackson and Scott Matthews were solid across half back.

Final score:

Woodsmen 16.12 - 108 defeated Ormeau 2.5 -17

Best: Hockley, Judson, Ness, Davis, Pedler, Jackson

Goals: Hockley 9, Evans, Mihalopoulos 2, La Burniy, Davis, Judson 1

The Woodsmen take on Morningside this Saturday at 4:45pm after the Seniors host the Siders in what will be an exciting day between the 2 clubs featuring 4 hard fought matches.

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES TAKE ON WOUNDED TIGERS

The Western Magpies should be fresh after another bye as they host a Labrador team that has potentially lost some of its lustre from recent seasons, but remain a dangerous opponent.

However. which Labrador team will the Pies play? --the Tigers had 9 team changes 2 matches ago and then 10 changes to their team last round and with a quality list, will be searching for consistency.

Labrador have 2 wins against the bottom 2 teams in Sandgate and Wilston Grange and have been well beaten in other losses. Two of the Pies wins have been over the same teams plus a resurgent Surfers Paradise and the Pies losses have been close so the home team's form line looks a lot better, but 4 points are harder to come by than that!

Labrador have featured in the last 4 QAFL Grand Finals, for 2 wins and despite their luke warm start to the year, they are a formidable opponent with talent on every line.

The Western Magpies have had to make six forced changes and as expected Ryan Harwood slots back into the team as a straight swap for Tom Ielasi, who is in Europe visiting relatives.  The Pies also lose Jack Goodall (Redland) and Doug Lawrence (Aspley), both  back to the NEAFL and Caleb Franks also to Redland in the NEAFL after joining them this week as a rookie. Gareth Crawford is also on an overseas trip and Brodie Easton is unavailable with a uni exam. 

Also in are Will Fletcher after missing with unavailability last match, Liam Dwyer returns from an injury he sustained at Redland, Billy Johnson is back for his first game for the Pies this year as the Brisbane Lions NEAFL, where he has been playing, have a bye and it will be his first run for 3 weeks after sustaining an ankle injury.  Meanwhile, experienced veteran Sean Mewing earns a recall to Senior ranks through weight of form and Aaron Maricic is also promoted after good Reserves form.

The Magpies forward line looks potent with Jake De Winter, Anthony Corrie and Ryan Harwood  all capable of plenty of goals but the pies will  need their kicking boots on as inaccuracy in this match could prove costly.

Drew Mitchell was back to his best last week and leads the midfield with another bull in Jono Macanawai, who has been superb in the clinches this season. 

Brady Allen has been good at centre half back since his return and David Lewis has been his usual composed self in every match.

If the Magpies are to consider themselves genuine premiership contenders then it is these matches they must win and with the Tigers a bit of an unknown quantity coach Bryan Morgan will need his charges switched on from the first bounce. 

QAFL Round 9 - Western Magpies vs Labrador - 2pm Sat 16 June @McCarthy Homes Oval

B: Will Fletcher - Luca Winton - Billy Johnson

HB: David Lewis (VC) - Stephen Mills - Brenton Saunders

C: Luke Mitchell - Ben Jaenke-Cain - Aaron Maricic

HF: Jake De Winter - Aaron Highlands - Matt Davis

F: Brady Allen - Anthony Corrie - Riley Easton

Foll: Jack Austin - Drew Mitchell (C) - Ryan Harwood

Int: Liam Dwyer - Jono Macanawai - Sean Mewing - Kale Reed

In: Will Fletcher, Ryan Harwood, Liam Dwyer, Sean Mewing, Aaron Maricic, Billy Johnson

Out: Tom Ielasi, Gareth Crawford (both overseas), Doug Lawrence, Jack Goodall, Caleb Franks (all NEAFL), Brodie Easton (exam)  

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Preview

PIES RESERVES IN MUST WIN MATCH

The Western Magpies Reserves have a must win match against a team level pegging on the ladder in the race for a finals berth.. The Pies are currently sixth on the ladder with a 3-3 record and Labrador are fifth with a 3-4 record.

The Magpies looked to be starting to play more consistent football last round, and getting use to their teammates and adjusting to frequent changes to the lineup. The Pies were still a bit slow to get started against Grange and in all their losses to date have given their opponents a start and then played catch up football-- and unsuccessfully so...

So coach Des Lashman will implore his team to be on-song from the first bounce.

In comes Val Pope after his annual UK sojourn and Matt Mazarolle and Alec Parsons also come into the side.

Out go skipper Sean Mewing and Aaron Maricic to the Seniors and Luke Brennan has decided work and study commitments preclude him from playing any further this season.

The backline which includes Harry Marshall, Sam Hartog and Chris Hunt looks strong and Nathan Congram in ruck has been a good recruit for the Pies.

In the middle, Lachie Dennis will be keen to gain some form to push for a return to the Senior side and Logan Murray will only get better with increased match fitness.

Big key forward Gerard Moore will line up next to his premiership teammate Pope across half forward and with young high flyer Finn Collison, the strong marking Jeremy DeRooy and nippy small forwards Sam Parker and Sempatike Kwizera all in good form the Pies have the ability to kick a big score.

A win in this match will go a long way to cementing the Pies in the five and with some tough matches coming up every win is vital.

QAFL Round 9: Western Magpies Reserves v Labrador at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday June 16th  at 11.30 am. 
 

B: Sam Hartog  Harry Marshall Gabe McKinnon

HB: Zach Collison  Chris Hunt  Kurt Vine

C: Sean McEvoy (Capt)  Lachie Dennis  Peter Kilroy

HF: Val Pope Gerard Moore Jeremy DeRooy

F:  Sam Parker  Finn Collison Sempatike Kwizera

Foll: Nathan Congra  Logan Murray  Tristan Dowdy

I/C:  Monty Vine, Alec Parsons, Sam DeNys,  Matt Mazerolle

Emerg: Angus Wyllie

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Preview

COLTS TO SET FOR TOUGH MATCH-UP

The Western magpies Colts can at last get their teeth into their footy as they embark on a run of 4 matches in a row after an interrupted season to date.

The Pies sit third on the ladder but have only played 5 matches to ladder leaders Broadbeach’s 7 matches--the Pies have one loss to the Cats 2 losses—so the ladder can be misleading in the light of a lot of byes in the disjointed competition.

Labrador sit in seventh place with 2 wins but will still provide a tough challenge for the young Magpies.

The Pies will look to Queensland under 17 representatives Zane Lovell, Bruce Reville, Sean Ryan and Samson Ryan to lead the side and the two Ryans and Lovell have been in good form recently.

Reville looked a class player in his first game back to the Colts this year after being on Academy duties.

Down back the Pies have been solid led by CHB Whitlam Bishop, Chris Jenkins and Chris Moloney and Jacob Sheath is back to his Maurie McNamee Medal winning form of last year to lead the midfield.

Samson Ryan and Harry Keenan lead the ruck divisio  and up forward skipper Noah Resuggan, Deng Arok  and Cameron Ferguson are always dangerous.

The Pies can set themselves to finish top of the ladder with a good 4 weeks and they will need to start with a strong performance against a dangerous Tigers outfit.

QAFL Round 9: Western Magpies Colts v Labrador at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, June 16th 2nd at 9.30am

B:    Aiden D’Roza Chris Moloney  Ethan Sivjis          

HB:  Chris Jenkins (vc)  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Charlie Thorpe

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Jacob Aurich  

HF:  Sean Ryan  Cameron Ferguson Bruce Reville

F:  Sam Mehari?  Samson Ryan  Noah Resuggan (Capt)  

Foll: Harry Keenan Zane Lovell Dan Edwards  

I/C:  Deng Arok,  Jayden Johnson, Mitchell O’Dea, Tom Slatter,

Gut Feelings VI - A weekly collection of thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest!

"Gut Feelings VI"

Some deep thoughts from deep in the nest!

• Three out of four ain’t bad for the Senior Magpie contingent with the Woodsmen the only blemish in going down narrowly yet again to Zillmere on Friday night. The Seniors and Reserves had comprehensive victories and the Colts had a hard fought win over - all against Wilston Grange

• If the QAFL had a champion club award then the Pies would be close to leading at the moment with all four teams in the top five in their respective ladders.

• Ben Jaenke-Cain's 150th Senior Match was typical of just about every game he has played in the Black and White. Ben worked hard up and down the ground, gets back to help his teammates and racked up plenty of possessions to be named in the best players for the Pies in their strong win over Wilston Grange.  He was chaired off the ground by the Mitchell brothers to warm applause from a strong Pies supporter contingent.

• Skipper Drew Mitchell was back to his Bill Peirce Medal winning best to drive the Pies to their 64 point victory. He polled the maximum 10 votes in the Syd Guildford Medal voting for Most Valuable player in the QAFL voted on by opposing coaches on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis. He was joined in the voting by teammates Jono Macanawai and Kale Reed (7 votes each), and Brady Allen and Anthony Corrie (2 votes each)

• Jake De Winter now has 24 goals and trails Jarrod Douglas from PBC by 3 goals in the QAFL Goal-kicking list. De Winter is averaging 4.8 goals per game, the best in the QAFL, and his good form and ability at ground level and as a spring healed flyer adds to the Pies forward line potency.

• Interestingly, De Winter took a cracking hanger against Grange and mysteriously had a free kick awarded against him.  Despite the officiating umpire being the only person at the ground who felt it wasn't a fair mark, it still managed to find its way into the QAFL Marks of the Week, hope the umpire saw it!

• The Wilston Grange match had danger written all over it with a couple of key players out and the Pies then kept the door ajar for the Gorillas in the first half with very poor kicking for goal to have 4.13  at halftime. Instead of having a 10 goal lead at halftime and the four points wrapped up, the pies still had plenty of work to do in the second half to earn the victory. A six goal third quarter put the notion of a Grange victory to bed but the Pies missed an opportunity in the last quarter to win by more and build their percentage even further.

• Mark Bosnich summed it up on Tuesday night on "Bill and Boz" when another farcical proposal was thrown up about bringing in the 9 point goal from outside the 50 metre arc. He asked why do AFL always want to change the rules? He pointed out it is a very successful game and could not understand all the angst about how the game is going. Nathan Burke also quickly poo-pooed the idea--thank God for that!!

• Gerard Whateley on AFL 360 pointed out an article in The Age newspaper headed "The Game is in Trouble" --when was it written?--1924. 

• Doc Thompson had a function in Melbourne on Saturday night and took the opportunity to watch his nephew play at Maribyrnong Park in Essendon DFL Premier Division in a top of the ladder clash against reigning Premiers Aberfeldie. Also playing for "Marby" is ex Western Magpie Scott Clarke who decided that after playing in Port Melbourne's VFL Premiership last year that the commitment of VFL football was too much and dropped back to suburban football. Essendon DFL is regarded as the top league in Victoria below VFL and the standard was similar to QAFL. Clarke proved his versatility starting at CHB then pushed forward where he booted 2 goals to keep his side in the match before they were well beaten. He was "Marby's" best player in a strong performance.

• The Pies next match will be at home to Labrador this Saturday and the Pies' selectors will start developing headaches in coming weeks given the good recent form of incumbents in addition to the impending availability of players returning from injury and unavailability, at least one or two unlucky players given the return of Ryan Harwood this week and likely Will Fletcher too.

• The Colts won a close match in a hard fought contest where there was little between the teams. The Pies came from behind late in the game to snatch the 4 points and it was good win against a likely finals opponent. The Colts have several challenging matches coming up with little separating the top 6 teams in the competition. The Pies are second on the ladder and are the only team to defeat the top side in Broadbeach.

• The club hosted the Queensland Primary Schools carnival from Thursday to Sunday.  It was a great success despite some challenges with the weather, with many visitors complimenting the club on the facilities and organisation that went into the weekend.

• A few familiar faces were involved with 'Barts' one of the event organisers and Brett McEvoy coaching the 3rd placed Met North team and also being the QLD Schools U/12 coach.  Never one to be out of the action, Kiran Verma was also spotted doing board duties and donning the pink vest to do some running.

• Massive effort from regular club volunteers in Paul Silcox and Robert Hartley who manned the BBQ for 4 days straight, plenty of helpers dropped by including Senior Coach Brydan Morgan and current Senior Player Aaron Highlands.

• Magpies' strength and conditioning coach Daniel Petch has the Pies in good shape. In all six matches this season the Pies have won the last quarter on the scoreboard as they have run out matches well. In the three matches they have lost they dominated the final quarter against Mt Gravatt and Broadbeach but wayward forward entries and wayward kicking for goal cost them dearly in these losses.

• Petch is only 22 years old and is currently completing his Masters of Exercise Science. He also has an AFL pedigree, having started at Labrador and also playing at Southport and Coomera. He also did an internship at the Gold Coast Suns to see how an AFL club prepares. He decided to take a year off from playing the game to enable him to concentrate on establishing his business and also undertaking his Masters. Might be a good recruit in 2019

• The Pies inaccuracy on front of goal was again on display in the last round against Wilston Grange but in the end did not prove too costly as the Pies were still able to win well. They cannot afford this luxury against the top sides. The Pies have a season defining run ahead when they are at home to a dangerous Labrador this Saturday then host Morningside a week later.  They then travel to Broadbeach before hosting the currently undefeated Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in a Sunday blockbuster on July 8

• Another "find" for the Pies this year is ex-Brisbane Lions big man Justin Clarke, who is an assistant coach at the Pies as well as the game day runner. Clarke knows what it takes to prepare for footy and his experience has been a bonus for the Magpies this year. 

• Clarke had to retire from playing in 2016 due to ongoing issues with post-concussion symptoms. In 2016 at 22 years of age he was just starting to have a major influence at AFL level and  to be forced to stop playing was devastating for him. He took up rowing and was doing well at his new sport but continued to have headaches when he exerted himself to the maximum so had to stop this as well.

• A connection with ex-Pies coach, ex-Brisbane Lions NEAFL Coach and current Pies Coaching Director Paul Grentell resulted in him joining the Pies as he was keen to be involved at a club and start honing his coaching skills.  Clarke was recruited to the Lions from Booleroo-Melrose-Wilmington Football Club based on several small communities north of Adelaide between Port Pirie and Port Augusta.

• He is currently completing an Aerospace Engineering degree at UQ and plans to do a PHD in supersonics. He is also now an ambassador for UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, where scientists are tackling some of concussion’s unanswered questions, while working to improve diagnosis and management of brain injuries - a topic he is understandably passionate about.

• "Jase" as he is known (due a fantastic story from fellow former Brisbane Lion, Ryan Harwood) is a hugely popular member of the coaching panel and a very welcome addition to the Magpies.

Hear more about his story in this podcast

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - WASTEFUL PIES ENJOY STRONG WIN

The Western Magpies have had a 64 point win over Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday.  Both teams were down on key personnel, but it was the Magpies who showed their superior depth in a dominant display.

At half time the Pies had kicked 4.13 with the coaching staff tearing their hair out at missed opportunities, with not many of those rushed or touch shots as a string of simple set shots were burned.  However, on the positive side - the Magpies had picked up where they left off the previous week, absolutely dominating general play and field position, with the inside 50 disparity significant.

Luckily for the Pies, their invitation to the Gorillas to get back into the match through a strong 2nd half was ignored and a dominant 6 goal to 2 goal third quarter put the Magpies well on top with the 4 points in their keeping by three quarter time. 

The Pies then also put the foot on the throat in the early parts of the last quarter to lead by 12 goals late in the game but to Coach Brydan Morgan's disappointment the Pies eased off and allowed the home team three late goals. The Pies won 15.21-111 to 7.5-47 to move to fourth place on the QAFL ladder. 

Drew Mitchell regained his Bill Peirce winning form from last year to be a powerhouse in the centre and he kicked 2 early goals to get the Pies going.  It was important for the captain to show strong composure to bang home important goals off either foot in general play as teammates were missing simple set shots.  Meanwhile Jono Macanawai continued his great early season form to also add to the Pies midfield dominance, where he was dominant in tight despite close attention from his opponent who tried to put him off his game repeatedly, only for the reply to be yet another clearance or hard ball get from Macanawai.

Another midfielder in Ben Jaenke-Cain celebrated his 150th Senior match for the Magpies with another non stop workmanlike performance, something Magpies supporters have come to expect from him. 

Brady Allen was again solid across half back in his 2nd game back for the Senior side with his raking left foot opening up scoring opportunities for the Pies and his ability to slip forward and knock one through the big sticks from outside the paint also a handy attribute!

Anthony Corrie only kicked 2 goals but he worked hard up forward on the lead to create scoring opportunities, and was again solid with his inside 50 ruckwork and Kale Reed hustled at ground level to put pressure on the Grange defenders to create several turnovers and he kicked three goals himself after being a regular hit up target to the surprise of many!

Jake De Winter also kicked three goals as the Pies shared the goal kicking around, and despite a hanger of his featuring in 'marks of the week' - it was inexplicably called back for a push by the umpires!

The Magpies have another bye next weekend and while goalkicking practice may be on the agenda, they will have a light week this week to recharge the batteries before hosting Labrador in another big game at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday 16 June

Western Magpies 2.8-20 | 4.13 - 37 | 10.19 - 79 | 15.21 - 111

defeated

Wilston Grange 1.0 - 6 | 2.1 - 13 | 4.1 - 25 | 7.5 - 47

Best: D.Mitchell, Macanawai, Allen, Corrie, Jaenke-Cain, Reed

Goals: DeWinter 3, Reed 3, Goodall 2, Corrie 2, Allen, Saunders, Franks

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Review

RESERVES GET SEASON BACK ON TRACK

The Western Magpies Reserves have got their season back on track with a comprehensive 47 point victory over Wilston Grange on Saturday. 

Like their Senior counterparts, the Reserves were generous in the last quarter to allow Grange late goals to reduce the winning margin, but generally dominated the contest. The Pies won 16.8-104 to 8.9-57.

The Magpies were on the front foot from the first bounce and established an early lead which they held onto for the match and had the game well in their keeping by three quarter time. 

Young rover/small forward Sam Parker was a livewire all match and he has been a good inclusion for the Pies, while Aaron Maricic continues to push his case for a Senior recall with another polished display in midfield and up forward. His clean ball handling skills and accurate disposal are back to what they were several years ago before a spate of injuries affected his fitness. Gerard Moore was again a tower of strength at centre half forward with his marking ability and deft touches bringing teammates into the play and veterans Sean Mewing, Peter Kilroy and Sean McEvoy were almost impassable at half back and they showed there is plenty of life in the old dogs yet.

Jeremy DeRooy was a strong marking forward target and he finished with 4 goals after missing last match.

The Pies will be strengthened in coming weeks with the expected return of Lachlan Woods and Val Pope as they host Labrador and Morningside in successive weeks.

Western Magpies.  4.2-26  |  9.4-58 | 12.4-76 | 16.8-104

defeated

Wilston Grange.      2.3-15 | 3.3-21 | 3.4-22 | 8.9-57

WESTERN MAGPIES

Best: S. Parker, S. Mewing, A. Maricic, S. McEvoy, G. Moore, P. Kilroy

Goals: J. DeRooy 4, S. Kwizera 2, G. McKinnon 2, G. Moore 2, F.Collison 2, L. Dennis, A. Maricic, S. Parker, T. Dowdy

Arabon Financial Services - Colts Review

COLTS SNATCH NARROW WIN IN NAIL-BITER

The Western Magpies Colts have won a nail-biter over Wilston Grange in a Colts heavyweight battle between the second and third teams on the ladder. The Pies Colts now go to second place on the ladder to establish themselves as one of the teams to beat in 2018.

The Pies looked down and out late in the game at one point but fought back with 2 late goals to snatch a 5 point win, 7.9-51 to 6.10-46.

The match was an evenly fought game with both defensive units not giving an inch, making scoring difficult. 

Rover Dan Edwards continues his fine 2018 form with another prolific ball winning match, defender Chris Moloney was tight at the back, centreman Jacob Sheath was again in the thick of the action and Zane Lovell and Chris Jenkins were also busy players.  Ruckman Samson Ryan was again impressive and it was a quality first outing in the Black & White for Bruce Reville.

An innacurate Grange side costs themselves a half time lead before bursting to life in the 3rd quarter to kick 5 straight and take an 8 point lead into the final change, however the Magpies came home strong with 5 scoring shots to 2 in the final term to convert their field position to goals and the 4 points in a tight contest.

The Pies have another bye before they get a string of matches in a row starting in a fortnight, will go a long way to allowing these team to build momentum as the season progresses.

Western Magpies 1.2-8 | 3.2 - 20 | 5.6 - 36 | 7.9-51

defeated

Wilston Grange 1.5 - 11 | 1.8 - 14 | 6.8 - 44 | 6.10 - 46

Best: Edwards, Moloney, Sheath, Lovell, Jenkins

Goals: Johnson 2, Resuggan, Pearson, Ryan, Reveille, Arok

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Match Review

Woodsmen overrun by Eagles to drop to 2nd spot on % at halfway mark

The ladder leading Woodsmen sunk to a 2 point loss against Zillmere in a tough loss on Friday night in Kiran Verma’s 150th game.  Having controlled the match for a majority of the play, they fell in a heap to give up 3 quick goals in the final 10 minutes to give up a 17 point lead.  In hindsight, failing to convert their momentum throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarters after a 5 goal opening term was the real killer – but to fold in the final 10 minutes was hugely disappointing.

Given the last 4 outings vs Zillmere have now resulted in 2, 5, 1 and 3 point losses – the boys certainly should have known they wouldn’t lie down, but instead there was a sense of ‘job done’ well before the siren sounded.

It was a bright opening in the opening quarter after Zillmere were able to kick the opening goal from the first centre bounce inside 30 seconds, the Woodsmen then banged home 5 consecutive goals in a commanding 15 minute period, with Jason Evans up and about with 3 first quarter goals.  For the opening goal, Roderick was able to find Hockley who took a quality contested mark before kicking long to Evans who outmuscled his opponent and kicked truly from 50m.  Hockley was then able to convert his own set shot soon after before Evans managed to snap one over his shoulder and convert another tight set shot after some beautiful leadup work was finished with a spearing pass to his chest from Chris Davis and the Woodies were up and about.

Unfortunately some ill-discipline (apparently?) then resulted in 2 late 50m penalties to Zillmere to close the ¼ time margin to 15 points, a disappointing scoreline given Zillmere entered their forward 50 just twice prior to the late 50m penalties.

The 2nd quarter was more of an arm wrestle as Zillmere broke even around the clinches as the game was largely played between the 2 arches with just the 1 goal each and minimal scoring opportunities, but the half time margin was cut to just 12 points.  It was again a bright opening to the 2nd half, with Will Lloyd and Chris Judson in particular getting on top in the middle of the ground with some quality clean exits from stoppages to set up 2 mercurial goals to Shayne Baldwyn.  Sadly some more simple set shot were missed and the Woodies again failed to convert a period of dominance to a match winning lead with a 16 point lead and the final change.

The opening of the final quarter started with a flurry, with Zillmere getting repeat forward 50 entries for the first time in the match and applying plenty of pressure around the footy with multiple run down tackles to create turnovers.  Meanwhile the Woodies scoring opportunities were starting to dry up, and failure to convert was an issue with a couple of shots out on the full and a simple missed shot.  Once again, 2 more mystery 50m penalties created 1 goal and further forward momentum for Zillmere and the margin was 9 points with just 6 minutes on the clock.  The Woodies were then left without a ruckman due to dislocated fingers for a brief period, leading to confusion at the centre bounce and 2 quick centre clearances and 2 quick goals to put the back to back premiers in front for the first time since the 2nd minute of the game.  The Woodsmen responded, pushed the ball forward from the final centre bounce but the potential match winner sailed agonisingly wide to cut the margin to 2 points before the siren sounded on a disappointing loss.

While it was just the 2nd loss of the season, it was disappointing only for the result as the effort of the players couldn’t be questioned.  Giving up 4 goals (half the opposition goals) from 50m penalties in hindsight was a killer blow, and while 3 of the 4 were questionable at best – the players must learn to maintain discipline and play the umpires whistle.  (Apologies to Mika, if the umpire calls play on, it may not actually mean play on!)

Woodsmen 5.3 – 33 | 6.4 – 40 | 8.6 – 54 | 8.8 – 56

Defeated by

Zillmere 3.0 – 18 | 4.4 – 28 | 5.8 – 38 | 8.10 – 58

Best: Lloyd, Judson, Ness, La Burniy, Hocking, Roderick

Goals: Evans 3, Hockley 3, Baldwyn 2

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES LOOK TO BUILD MOMENTUM

The Western Magpies will want to keep the momentum from the past two wins going as they travel to the northern suburbs to do battle with old rival Wilston Grange. While the word revenge is not a positive one and dwells on the past, the Pies will still be keen to avenge a couple of narrow losses from last year which cost the Pies a finals spot.

The situation is a bit different with the 2018 Magpies looking a much stronger and more versatile outfit than the 2017 model and the Gorillas sit in eighth spot on the ladder with a single win to their name. However they have been competitive in all their matches to date and while the Black and Whites will be nominal favourites, there are no guarantees in the QAFL this season.

The Magpies will be without their best player to date in Ryan Harwood and also will be missing Will Fletcher—both are unavailable for this match. Another big loss is Dylan Adkins, who misses with injury, and also out of the side are Lachie Dennis and Luke Brennan to the Reserves.

In comes Ben Jaenke-Cain for his 150th Senior Game for the Magpies after recovering from back spasms and young Queensland Academy player Caleb Franks also returns for the Pies from Lions NEAFL duties. Doug Lawrence returns after missing last week and Redlands listed Stephen Mills come back in and both will bolster the defence after key defender Aaron Highlands goes into the ruck in the absence of Adkins and half back Fletcher is missing. Also back in after a remarkable selection run is Brodie Easton, who has gone from the Woodsmen to the Reserves to the Seniors in successive weeks.

Obviously the loss of Harwood and Adkins will hurt the pies but the return of Jaenke-Cain offsets the loss of Harwood somewhat and Highlands when asked has been excellent in the ruck.   Arguably the result of the 5 ins and 5 outs is a net gain to the Pies.

Jack Goodall remains at the Pies for this week and he has been good whether in a key forward or back post or pinch hitting in the ruck. He will start at centre half forward this week and will provide the Pies with a marking option up forward to complement Jack Austin  and Jake de Winter. Franks joins Kale Reed and last week’s QAFL Rising Star Riley Easton as the small forwards and they all provide forward pressure and know where the goals are.

Gareth Crawford has found the elixir of youth in the past two matches and his grunt work with Jono Macanawai in midfield has given the Pies midfield dominance in the past two victories.

The Pies need to be on-song from the first bounce as they were last week to establish control to ensure no repeats of 2017 when they let the four points slip in tight matches against Grange. A win here sets the Pies up for a mid-year assault after next week’s general bye.

QAFL Round 7: Western Magpies v Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday, June 2nd @ 2 pm.

B:  Brodie Easton  Stephen Mills   Luca Winton

HB: Brady Allen Doug Lawrence  Luke Mitchell

C:   Brenton Saunders  Gareth Crawford  Dave Lewis (VC)

HF:  Anthony Corrie  Jack Goodall  Kale Reed

F:    Tom Ielasi  Jake De Winter  Riley Easton

Foll:  Aaron Highlands Drew Mitchell (Capt) Jono Macanawai

I/C: Matt Davis,  Jack Austin, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Caleb Franks

In: Ben Jaenke-Cain, Brodie Easton, Doug Lawrence, Stephen Mills, Caleb Franks

Out: Dylan Adkins (injured), Ryan Harwood, Will Fletcher (both unavailable) , Lachie Dennis, Luke Brennan (both Reserves )

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Preview

RESERVES LOOK FOR TWO WINS IN A ROW

The Western Magpies Reserves will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they take on Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday.

The Pies have several keys ins for the match with Logan Murray in for his first match of the season and he will add some strength to the midfield in the absence of the promoted Brodie Easton and still injured Bryce Crossley.  

Also in are winger Luke Brennan and Lachie Dennis goes into the centre and both will be keen to impress the selectors to get an early recall back to the Seniors.

Jeremy DeRooy and Sempitake Kwizera come back in after missing last week and both will also add to the Pies forward power and Kurt Vine returns to add height to the backline.

The Pies midfield looks strong with ruckman Nathan Congram impressing with his strong marking and contested work and with Sam Hartog, Sam DeNys and Murray form a formidable midfield quartet. Add Aaron Maricic and the Pies should get the ball forward often enough to kick a winning score. Another good match by Maricic and he will be knocking on the door of Senior selection. Gerard Moore provides the big forward target as he continues to build match fitness and youngster Finn Collison the mobile forward target and with Kwizera and Sam Parker livewires at ground level the Pies are capable of kicking a big score.

The half back line of Peter Kilroy, Chris Hunt and Sean Mewing is solid and can be an attacking weapon and with Harry Marshall and Sean McEvoy in the backline with impressive newcomer Zach Collison the Pies back six looks strong. Marshall’s goal last week did not get him out of the backline and McEvoy’s goal kicking deficiencies  have resulted in him moving deep into defence!!

The Magpies will want to consolidate in the five against a Grange team sitting eighth on the ladder and they cannot afford any more losses in matches they should win.

QAFL Round 7: Western Magpies Reserves v Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday June 2nd  at 11.30 am.

B: Zach Collison, Harry Marshall Sean McEvoy

HB: Peter Kilroy Chris Hunt  Sean Mewing

C: Luke Brennan Lachie Dennis Tristan Dowdy

HF: Sam Parker  Monty Vine Finn Collison

F: Aaron Maricic Gerard Moore Sempitake Kwizera

Rucks:  Nathan Congram  Sam Hartog Sam DeNys

I/C:  Logan Murray,  Gabe McKinnon, Jeremy DeRooy, Kurt Vine

In: Luke Brennan, Lachie Dennis, Logan Murray, Sempitake Kwizera, Jeremy DeRooy, Kurt Vine

Out: Brodie Easton (Seniors), Max Webber, Matt Mazarolle (both unavail), Jordan Bonney, Chris Jenkins (both Colts), Angus Wyllie (Woodsmen)

Anytime Fitness - Colts Preview

MAGPIES COLTS FACE STERN TEST AGAINST WILSTON GRANGE

The Western Magpies Colts, currently third on the ladder, face a stern test against the second placed Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday morning.

Both team come off the bye and should be fresh but after the Pies recent intermittent matches where they have not had 2 games in a row some rustiness may be a concern.

The Pies welcome Mitchell O'Dea and he has speed to burn on the wing and young beanpole ruckman Samson Ryan impressed on debut a fortnight ago with some old time clever tap ruckwork. Chris Jenkins enjoyed his spell in the reserves last week and he will again be a livewire with other speedy forwards and on-ballers in Deng Arok, Dan Edwards and Noah Resuggan.

The backline looks solid with Whitlam Bishop and Chris Moloney leading the way and Jayden Johnson and Harry Keenan will be the forward targets.

It is a big match for the young Pies and if they can get the 4 points in this match it will set them up for a top two finish at season’s end.

QAFL Round 7: Western Magpies Colts v Wilston Grange at Stafford on Saturday, June 2nd at 9.30am

B:   Zane Lovell  Chris Jenkins (vc)  Cooper Crowell         

HB:  Chris  Moloney  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Charlie Thorpe

C:  Mitchell O'Dea  Jacob Sheath  Jacob Aurich  

HF:  Sean Ryan  Jayden Johnson Abdullah Haddad  

F:    Harry Keenan Noah Resuggan (Capt)  Cameron Ferguson

Rucks: Samson Ryan Deng Arok Dan Edwards  

I/C: Harrison Radcliffe Lachlan Pearson Tom Slatter  Bruce Reville

Coopers Friday Nighty Footy Preview

The ladder leading Woodsmen come up against the competition benchmarks of the past 2 seasons tonight in back to back Premiers, the Zillmere Eagles.

These 2 sides played out 3 thrilling contests in 2017, decided by 3 points, 1 point and a heartbreaking 4 point Major Semi Final loss that ultimately ended the Woodies season - so the Woodies will be eager to put their best foot forward.

Not just in 2017, but over many seasons it has always been a great contest between these two teams who have plenty in common.  Plenty of older experienced heads, a dash of youth, questionable training habits and the ability to outlast opposition clubs in the bar post match are certainly common traits, as are a strong will to win and two sides who want to compete hard when they cross the white line.

As has been often the case this year, the Woodsmen have made plenty of changes this week but have at least managed to keep it to a (relatively speaking) low number of 5, which is a good sign as the side looks to build continuity.

Out go Mitch Merritt, Dylan Mudge both rested, Jamie Page and Jeffson Fehr-Smith who are unavailable and Brendan Garvey an unlucky omission after a solid outing on debut last week.

Into the side come Angus Wyllie & Braydon Thomas from the Reserves, live-wire Jake Fuentes and gun defender David Jackson back from injury and tall defender Simon Purkiss back from being unavailable due to family commitments.

It's a strong looking lineup this week, with a good mix of youth and speed to compliment the experienced core. 

The Woodies strength has always been their resolute defence and this week will be no different, as there is an embarassment of riches to pick from with at least 12 blokes in the squad having claims to being part of the best back 6 on offer!

Matty Prior will line up in the opposite pocket to regular Reserves player Angus Wyllie making his Friday night Woodies debut.  He is rumoured to be a bit of a hard nut, so should slot in nicely for the Woodies.  In the square is the 'stopper' in Simon Purkiss, while its a very attacking half back line in 150 gamer Kiran Verma, Josh Young and the 'Minister of Defence' himself, David Jackson!  Not to mention the versatile Chris 'Stink' La Burniy coming off the pine as a defensive rotation.

The starting on-ball division consists of experienced veterans in Andrew Thomson and Chris Judson, nicely complimented by the youth and speed of Will Llloyd and Sam Curtis with elder statesment in Ben Ness and Brenton Hocking changing from the pine.  On the wings will be the youngters from Ipswich in Braydon Thomas and Tommy Roderick who will give the side plenty of speed and a quality work-rate.

Up front the Woodies will be looking for a little more from the Captain/Coach Chris Mihalopoulos who is down on form and has struggled to hit the scoreboard of late, while in contrast fellow veterans in Matt Hockley (20 goals in last 4 matches) and Jason Evans (3 on Woodies debut last week) will be key targets and will look to bring Mika into the game to get some confidence back. 

At ground level the live-wire Jake Fuentes transforms the look of the team with his speed and agility, while the mercurial Shayne Baldwyn will be looking to take some hangers and crumb plenty of footy as well - not even he knows which option he'll take!  Mr Consistent, Chris Davis will be applying plenty of forward pressure with his tackling and harassment while also looking to hit the scoreboard and key forwards with his accurate kicking.  The in form Alec Parsons offers versatility off the bench where he can change on the wing, as well as play small or tall up forward.

Get down to McCarthy Homes Oval tonight at 7:30pm for what should be a cracking night of footy to celebrate Special K's 150th game.

Woodsmen vs Zillmere - 730pm Fri June 1

B: MattyP - Simmo - Angus
HB: K - Josh - Jacko
C: Braydon - Juddo - Tommy
HF: Davo - Hocks - Shayno
F: Mika - Evo - Jakey
Foll: Thommo - WillL - Sammy

Int: Alec - BrentonH - Stinko - Nessy

EMG: Mitch - Brendon - Mudgee

Mack Trucks Milestone Alert - Jaenke-Cain notches 150th Senior Game vs Grange

Ben Jaenke-Cain will play his 150th Senior Game for the Western Magpies on Saturday at Wilston Grange.

Ben's first season in Senior Football as a 17 year old was a memorable one as he was a member of the Western Magpies 2008 Premiership side that came from 45 points down in the Grand Final to defeat Palm Beach-Currumbin at Broadbeach. 

He started playing as a junior at Springwood then crossed to Sherwood and was the Brisbane JAFL Under 16 Division One League Best & Fairest winner in 2006. 

Ben says he joined Sherwood in 2004 in under 14s for two reasons

1. He wanted to play with a few mates

2. He wanted to wear the famous black and white stripes as he was (and still is) a passionate Collingwood supporter. (thats the only type isn't it??)

Ben has experienced the highs and lows of football at the Magpies as after the 2008 Premiership, the Pies were elevated into the Velocity Sports Cup in 2009 and struggled to make an impact. He was among the Pies most consistent players in a tough two years and when the Pies decided to drop back a level when the NEAFL was formed he elected to play at the highest level he could and joined Redland in 2011.

He rejoined the Pies in 2013 and slotted into the midfield where he has played most of his footy since then. He had his best year in 2014 when he won the Bill Pierce Medal for Best & Fairest  after a prolific season and has figured in the top 5 in voting in every year since then.

Not endowed with searing pace and sometimes struggling to kick the ball over a jam tin, he never stops working and competes hard at the contest and just wins the football over and over again - one of the more important traits of a midfielder one would think!

In the Magpies player profiles over the years he is regularly dubbed both "Mr Perpetual Motion" and "Mr Consistency" and comments along the lines of “works hard at both ends of the ground’, “works hard back into defence"  "provides  a link forward as well as winning plenty of hard ball in the centre square” and “a fine contributor all season and rarely had a bad game”.   These frequent comments underline his contribution over 149 senior games to date!

Ben turns up week in, week out, is also “ Mr Durable” as he has missed only a handful of games in his 9 years at the Pies and continues to play well in the middle of the ground. He is a coach’s delight as he goes about his work with a minimum of fuss and is a popular clubman at the Pies.

He says the highlights of his career are the 2008 flag, the Bill Peirce Medal in 2014 and being elevated to the Magpies Leadership Group in 2018.

He credits his grandfather Ron for getting him into Australian Rules footy and developing a love of the game and has had great support from his Mum Karin and Step-Dad Stuart ( a Magpies trainer for many years) and his father Donald who all contributed to his development as a player and gave him the determination and dedication he has today.  His partner Danica is also a great support to him and he credits the guidance and support of family and friends for the success he has had to date. 

At 27 years old he has plenty of footy in front of him and he still enjoying he game and says there is a buzz about Chelmer at the moment as the Pies build momentum this year. He still has the fire in the belly to compete at a high level and  strongly believes the 2018 Pies have the ability to go all the way.

"Gut Feelings V - A WEEKLY COLLECTION OF THOUGHTS FROM INFLUENTIAL MINDS DEEP INSIDE THE NEST

"Gut Feelings V"

Some deep thoughts from deep in the nest!

• Everything about the Sandgate clash had a feeling of 'upset' written all over it.  Home side coming off a morale boosting win, unfamiliar night game, sprinkle of rain...but the Pies sure put that to bed with a ferocious opening half and were as dominant as anyone has seen for many a year.
• The Pies won virtually every position, with miserly defence, a strong midfield and a busy forward line
• There were 5 multiple goalkickers, with a Ryan Harwood masterclass nabbing 6 goals, Jake De Winter and Tom Ielasi 5 each and Kale Reed and Anthony Corrie 3 each.
• Harwood suggested in pre-season it may take 5 or 6 rounds to adjust, turns out it was only the 3-4 as his past 2 outings have been superb, polling the maximum 10 votes in the Syd Guilford medal voting, taking him to 4th place.
• Jake De Winter was spotted dishing off a few handballs on Saturday, and even at one stage in the third quarter he was looking to pass when 35m out - sanity prevailed and he went back, line up and slotted it straight through the middle.  He now has 20 goals to his name in 4 games and sits 2nd on the QAFL leaderboard.
• The Senior side played an exciting and free brand of footy, with plenty of handball form congestion and run through the middle.  The players certainly look to be enjoying their footy and its starting to show in the results.
• Certainly kudos must go to Coach Morgan in keeping the group up, as while they appear to be playing free flowing footy - there is hours of training and preparation to create that illusion, as every player is adhering to clear structures and roles.
• The Pies will be looking to continue the momentum this week when they head to Stafford to take on Wilston-Grange.  Two close losses to the Gorillas in 2017 cost the Pies a finals berth, so we certainly owe them one!
• On that theme, interestingly the Pies will come up against a recent team-mate and club junior Luca Mason who opted for an 'in-season switch' of allegiance.  Should be an interesting day for the youngster.
• The only dampener on the big Sandgate win was injury to Dylan Adkins who will likely miss this week, at least its an injury and not a poorly timed birthday shindig!  With the bye only a week away, if he does miss, hopefully its just a week.
• SAVE THE BUMP - Jack Goodall was involved in 2 massive collisions early in the match, he won the first battle but the 2nd caught him off guard as he was 'ironed out' with a good old fashioned bump.  He's made of stern stuff though, and was back to his feet laying a tackle within seconds and continued his good form and battled manfully throughout the 2nd half in the ruck against a couple of big units!
• The Reserves and Woodies also had good wins over the weekend, with the Reserves boosting their %  by 36 to 114 to lift them into 5th place (the Seniors lifted by 33% to 138%) and the Woodies re-claiming top spot with a big win over UQ.
• Tommy Ielasi once again showed his class with another polished display. Arguably the best kick at the club off either foot, and his ability to pinpoint targets off one step is a great asset.
• Forwards Kale Reed and Anthony Corrie were also rewarded for several weeks of effort with 3 goals each.  Reed's forward pressure was a highlight, and he also hit up the ground and brought his teammates into the game.  Corrie provides great direction and a target up forward that demands respect, his forward 50 ruckwork is also underrated just quietly!
• Zach Collison played his first match for the Pies in the Reserves and was joined by younger brother Finn.  Both are what can be described as having tall, lithe builds but both throw themselves at the contest and cannot be missed with their mops of hair.
• The Reserves had a few small livewire forwards on fire on Saturday with Max Webber, Sam Parker and Colts player Chris Jenkins in his first match in the reserves.  Jenkins has good ball skills and knows where the goals are, he should be pushing himself to greater heights this year.
• Good to see Harry Marshall sneak forward for a goal in the Reserves to join regular defender Sean Mewing amongst the goals.  We think this would have to be Harry's first goal for the Pies, Sean McEvoy could have joined them but another shanked attempt cost him.  Might be time for Lasho to give up and leave him in D50 where he belongs!
• The Magpie Colts sure have a stop start year, with their schedule reading bye, match, bye, match, bye - makes you wonder why other clubs didn't support an extended Colts season to make up for Sandgates withdrawal.
• Despite having no opportunity to build momentum, they sit 3rd on % and take on the 2nd placed Wislton Grange this week in a big match, cooincidentally the Gorillas are also coming off a bye in a quirk of fixturing - should be a cracker!
• Bit of chat about the AFL introducing zones, one can only hope this is a joke. The local U/10 side can't wait to get out of their zones! Like many of us - they might just give it away if they don't leave the bloody game alone!
• Bit of temptation at lower levels of footy to always play your best players on the ball, the Woodies have recently switched Matt Hockley to CHF after flogging him unchanged in the midfield for 12 months.  The reward?  Hauls of 6,6,3 and 7 goals in the most recent 4 week stretch!
• Will be good to see Logan Murray back this week, he'll be itching to go after a long pre-season and a carry-over suspension from 2017.
• It looked like it could be the end of the road for the Club President in the Woodsmen on Friday night, ironed out early and sporting a cracking shiner - he was then unceremoniously dominated in the ruck to the point where he didn't bother competing at some centre bounces.  At the end of the game, he vigorously enquired as to the identity of his conqueror and was told it was a recently arrived US College Baskeballer who has a decent vertical leap.  Old Thommo was said to have felt much better upon that news!
• Speaking of old dogs, 2017 B&F Winner Gareth Crawford has been drinking from the fountain of youth, how good has his recent form been?  #evergreen
• The Woodsmen won on Friday night 14.15-99 to 3.4-22.  When team manager Craig Nipperess asked those who kicked goals to let him know, the final tally came to 22 - seems honesty isn't always the best policy.  (usual suspect Chris Mihalopoulous was correctly awarded just the 1 after claiming 5, but there was still a phantom goal in the end as Brenton Hocking was robbed of his debut goal in the books)
• Couple of 150 game milestones this week, more on that elsewhere - but the Magpies will be looking to celebrate some big ones this year.

MCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - PIES SHINE BRIGHT UNDER LIGHTS

The Western Magpies had a comprehensive and emphatic 126 point victory over Sandgate under lights at Sandgate on Saturday night.

In what many thought was a danger game for the Pies with the trifecta of the Hawks coming off a fantastic win last week, a night game and some rain about, the Pies came out on song and put the result to bed with a 6 goal first quarter and a brutal 10 minute period in the 2nd quarter where they banged home 6 straight goals, setting the scene which for the final 126 point margin 26.16-172 to 7.4-46

The Pies made a statement to the QAFL with the manner of the victory in that they put Sandgate to the sword with rapid ball movement, accurate disposal, a strong midfield presence, resolute defence and multiple scoring options up forward.

The Pies played more freely than in recent matches and their handball inside and disposal at the contest was a highlight. They were not afraid to attack through the middle and kick long although they forgot what got them 9 goals in the second quarter to be a little guilty of overusing the football in the third quarter, almost too eager to share the spoils of their dominance.

A simpler use of the football in the final quarter garnered a further 7 goals to finish with a percentage boosting win and fifth place on the QAFL ladder.

The Pies percentage received a boost from 105.8% to 138% to have the second best percentage in the competition which may prove vital at the end of the season. 

Led by a Ryan Harwood masterclass, the Pies took control from the first bounce to stamp their authority on the match. Harwood kicked 6 goals, missed a handful of others and dished off 5 or 6 to be involved directly in 10+ goals while also gaining 40+ quality possessions in midfield and across half forward. His disposal by hand and foot, combined with his vision was, well it was AFL standard!

Not far behind was a "workmanlike performance" from Jono Macanawai but that description does not do him justice. He was hard at the contest, his tackling was ferocious, but he also won plenty of ball in tight contest and his vision under pressure to find a teammate with hand and foot was a highlight and gave the Pies midfield dominance.   If you have time to watch the replay, I'd invite you to keep an eye on some of his work, absolute pure silk at times!

Not much further behind was Tom Ielasi, who keeps winning the hardball, finds space and his foot skills off both feet are top shelf. He topped his game off with 5 goals, several from 50 metres on both right and left foot.

Luca Winton, a former club junior, but unknown quantity at the start of the year at senior level was given an opportunity early in the season and has made every post a winner.  Another composed match down back where his reading of the play, ability to spoil at the contest and then mop up and deliver to a teammate has been a revelation and a bonus recruit for the Pies. He has shown clean ball skills and as medium tall has good skills in the air and at ground level and a strong willingness to run and break the lines through sheer work-rate.

Riley Easton was very busy across half forward and he applied good pressure on the Sandgate defenders to force several turnovers and this game was his best this year but he had already started to find form in the past two matches.

Jack Goodall as pinch hitting ruckman was superb and with injury to Pies No 1 ruckman Dylan Adkins before halftime,  he with Aaron Highlands took up the cudgels against two very tall opponents to nullify them at the ball ups to give the Pies an even chance at the football.  Goodall's willingness and desire to compete 100% at every contest is why is fast becoming a Magpie favourite.

In reality the Pies did not have poor player and a 5 goal performance would usually get top billing but Jake De Winter does not figure on the best players list yet he was always a dangerous presence for the Hawks defenders to be good player and Kale Reed chipped in with 3 goals to also continue his strong form.

The injury to Adkins was the only dampener on the win and coach Brydan Morgan reminded his players that they need to prepare for another big game against a traditional rival in Wilston Grange at Stafford next Saturday.

Sandgate Hawks 3.3 - 21 | 3.4 - 22 | 7.4 - 46 | 7-4 - 46        

Western Magpies   6.2 - 38 | 15.6 - 96 | 19.9 - 123 |  26.16 - 172

Best: R. Harwood, L. Winton, T. Ielasi, J. Macanawai, R. Easton, J. Goodall

Goals: R. Harwood 6, J. De Winter 5, T. Ielasi 5, K. Reed 3, A. Corrie 3, D. Mitchell, J. Goodall, B. Saunders, R. Easton

Anytime Fitness - Reserves Review

RESERVES BACK IN THE GAME--HOLD SANDGATE GOALLESS

The Western Magpies Reserves are back in the QAFL season and the five after an emphatic victory over Sandgate on Saturday evening.

The Pies had a percentage boosting 107 point win over the winless Sandgate and in the process kept the home team to only 4 behinds for the match. 

The Pies won 16-15-111 to 0-4-4 and as a result of the big win the Pies percentage received a boost from 78% to 114.5% and it puts them in fifth place on the ladder. 

It was a patchy performance from the Pies who dominated long periods of the match but were at times wasteful when going forward.

Obviously the backline was strong with Chris Hunt controlling proceedings and he looks to be not only enjoying himself but getting back to form and playing the football he is capable of playing. 

First gamer Zach Collison settled in quickly in the back pocket and looks to be a find for the Pies with good ball handling and decision making. Half backs Peter Kilroy and Sam Hartog also thwarted many Sandgate attacks and initiated numerous Pies' counterattacks. 

Sean Mewing started across half back but enjoyed the opportunity to go forward and he kicked two goals and set up a few others in a good display.

Ruckman Nathan Congram returned from a last round injury and dominated in the middle of the ground with good ruck work but also strong marking around ground. 

Brodie Easton gained plenty of possessions as he begins to find good form and Aaron Maricic in his return match from illness showed he had lost nothing with a polished display in midfield and up forward that will put him in serious consideration for a Senior recall in the near future.  

The Pies had a bevy of young nippy forwards who created plenty of goal scoring chances. Chris Jenkins, promoted from the Colts,  was busy in his first Reserves match, while Max Webber, Sam Denys ad Angus Wyllie put forward pressure on the Sandgate defenders.

Young tall Finn Collison with Gerard Moore were strong targets up forward and brought team-mates into the match. 

The Pies have a must win match this week when they meet Wilston Grange at Stafford and a win will be the catalyst for a further charge up the ladder in coming weeks. 

Sandgate  Hawks    0.2 - 2 | 0.2 - 2 | 0.3 - 3 | 0.4 - 4

Western Magpies.   3.4 - 22| 6.8 - 44  | 14.11 - 95 | 16-15 - 111

Goal Kickers: B. Easton 2, M. Mazerolle 2, F. Collison 2, A. Maricic 2, S. Mewing 2, M. Webber 2, C. Jenkins 2, G. Moore, H. Marshall
Best Players: N. Congram, B. Easton, A. Maricic, S. Hartog, P. Kilroy, S. Mewing

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Match Review

The Woodsmen travelled to Coorparoo on Friday night to take on the UQ Red Lions in windy conditions.  With a few debutants in the side and the Woodies looking to bounce back, it was a strong start early with the Woodsmen banging home 5 goals in the first quarter to take a 27 point lead at the first break.  The run from defence was a strong feature in particular with Kiran Verma, Matty Prior and Jamie Page pushing hard for handball receives to link up through the midfield.  Tom Roderick and Alec Parsons were strong on the wings, with Roderick in particular impressing with his work rate.

In the clinches, Judson and Curtis were supreme – despite the dominance of UQ’s giant ruckman – the Woodies continually won it out of the middle to push forward where the prehistoric forwardline of Mihalopoulous, Evans and Hockley were getting aerial dominance – but struggled somewhat when the ball hit the deck!  The injection of Fuentes, Banim or similar into this side in coming weeks will be crucial!

The Woodsmen added a further 3 goals per quarter to slowly grind away a 13 goal win against a hard running and spirited opposition is what was a solid performance ahead of this weeks matchup with defending back to back Premiers the Zillmere Eagles at McCarthy Homes Oval.

Woodsmen 14.15 - 99 defeated UQ 3.3 - 21

Best: Judson, Curtis, Verma, Parsons, Page, Hockley

Goals: Hockley 7, Evans 3, Parsons 2, Roderick, Hocking 1