Coopers - Friday Night Footy Preview

The Woodsmen host Collingwood Park at McCarthy Homes Oval tonight at 730pm in an important tussle to shape their finals campaign and improve continuity in the team.

In cold and wet conditions the Woodies will be looking to build momentum going into the 2nd half of the year and clean up their recently scrappy play.

Key inclusions into the team are Scott Matthews, Matt Mazerolle and Chris La Burniy with Simon Purkiss and Adam Pedler unavailable and Jeffson Fehr-Smith squeezed out of the side in a record for the Woodies this year, with just 3 changes to the side!

It's an experienced and strong backline with Gabe McKinnon, David Jackson in particularly strong form, while regular key defender Tim Green will be going back 10 years in his career with a return to some secondary ruck duties and likely some time forward.

Still missing Lloyd and Judson, the midfield remains strong with Ness, Hocking, Curtis starting in there with options in Mazerolle, Davis, Baldwyn and Mihalopoulos to run through there as well.

Evans is a late out with another(!) calf issue suffered at training, but Hockley in imperious form will again be looking for another big bag in front of goals.

Woodsmen vs Collingwood Park 730pm @ McCarthy  Homes Oval

B: Stink - Burnsy - MattyP
HB: Jacko - Heinzy - Josh
C: K - Nessy - Tommy
HF: Shayno - Hocks - ChrisD
F: Maz - Mika - Brendon

Foll: Thommo - Hocking - Sammy

Int: Alec - Greeny - Mudge - Trav

EMG: AB - Buddsie - Angus

Gut Feelings VIII - a weekly collection of thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest

• Back pocket Luca Winton has arguably been the recruit of the year at the Magpies. Winton, a Sherwood junior, returned to the Pies after stints at Morningside and Kedron and has gone from strength to strength in every game this year. He has been in the Pies top players in every match and as he has grown in confidence he has been a key player in the Pies backline. He can play tall and is equally good at ground level and his hand and foot skills and decision making have been one of the highlights of the season as another local junior steps up to senior football.
• The Magpies will unveil their Indigenous designed guernsey on Sunday to celebrate NAIDOC Week. As mentioned last week, the guernsey has been designed by current and past players including Anthony Corrie, Chris Hunt, Aaron Maricic, Logan Murray, Dean Parkin and Wil Ivinson

• Unfortunately due to a clash, Mt Gravatt will be unable to wear their indigenous jumper on the day
• The Pies have had several tough closely fought matches in the past month and it started to show in the second half against Broadbeach. A Broadbeach stalwart commented the Pies appeared to be "playing sore"  after halftime and it is no coincidence that the Pies opponent from the previous week in Morningside were also overrun on Saturday late in their game. The Pies last quarter at Broadbeach was the first time the Pies have been outscored in the last quarter this year and that was by only a single goal. This week may have been a bit lighter on the track and the extra day to prepare will help the Magpies. 
• The Pies brought their famous "prison bars" guernsey out of mothballs for the match against Broadbeach as the QAFL strangely deemed there was a guernsey clash. The Pies seemed energised by the guernsey in the first half but could not keep the momentum going after half time. Still looked to be a handsome guernsey!!
• Syd Guildford voting this week for the Magpies went to Ryan Harwood 5, Kale Reed 4 and Riley Easton 3. Voting is on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis voted on by each team's match committee with maximum votes being 10.  Ryan Harwood has 25 votes with the leader Blake Ericsson from Broadbeach on 43 votes.
• The Reserves went down again to a very good Broadbeach team after the Pies were slow out of the blocks. The match confirmed the general view that the standard of QAFL Reserves has gone up a couple of notches this season.
• The Pies have a mixture of young and old, with coach Des Lashman pointing out that four of his six backmen were 19 years old or younger with 21 yo Harry Marshall and Chris Hunt in his mid 20s the exceptions. Lashman was especially pleased with back pocket Tristan Dowdy who did a good job on a regular senior player. Zach Collison gets better with each game and the other youngsters were Kurt Vine and Sam Hartog who were both consistent performers. Other 21 year olds or younger in the team were Lachie Dennis, Jeremy De Rooy, Jack Austin, Monty Vine, Ethan Sivijs, Sam De Nys, Sempatike Kwizera and Rory Johnson.
• the Pies Reserves fielded 12 players with Senior experience in recent seasons to underline the quality of the team and how hard it is to win matches in QAFL Reserves.
• The Western Magpies Colts are in second place on the QAFL ladder after sneaking past the third placed Broadbeach in a closely fought match. Coach Jake Fuentes was full of praise for the fighting spirit of his side , who were without three key players  on Queensland Under 17 duties as Bruce Reville joined Sean and Samson Ryan in the state team. Fuentes says his team has plenty of depth and with a squad of 30 players he has plenty to choose from and picking the team each week is a difficult task for all the right reasons. Several of the Colts have tasted Reserves football which will prepare them for some big games coming up in the next few weeks. 
• The Woodsmen had another solid win on Friday night to return to the top of the table, and the regular use of players who miss reserves selection is proving a winner for the club as a whole as players get continuity and youngsters get the opportunity to play with older experienced heads and a different style of football.
• The experienced Gabe McKinnon was prominent, while Tom Roderick continues to put his case forward for Reserves selection with consistent form with the Woodsmen
• Matt Hockley put up another bag of 6 goals to be well clear on top of the goalkicking going into the 2nd half of 2018
• The Woodsmen will take on Maroochydoore next Saturday 14 July in Maroochydoore in a top of the table clash, and with the Seniors/Reserves/Colts having a bye - a bus trip is planned to provide plenty of support for the boys, and a rowdy trip home!
• As part of the club's 50th Year of Senior Football celebrations on August 18 when the Pies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval, a Commemorative Guernsey will be worn by players and will also be for sale after the game.
• The guernsey will have the name of every player and coach to play a game in either Seniors Reserves, Thirds and Woodsmen and as it stands now the guernsey will feature 962 names on it. More details about the celebrations will be forthcoming in coming weeks but all past and present players are invited to the event which will be held at the Chelmer clubrooms from 6 pm. Everyone is invited to watch the Pies in action in the afternoon against Sandgate before the event commences in the clubrooms. 
• The Pies host Mt Gravatt in a Sunday match at McCarthy Homes Oval in what shapes as a cracker of a match. The Vultures are third on the ladder 3 games ahead of the Pies who need to start winning the tight games to stay in contention to host an elimination final.
• Despite the disparity on the ladder,  educated footy followers know the Pies match it with the Vultures and were unlucky not to win their Round 1 clash. What a difference a win makes with both the clubs' fortunes going in different ways with Mt Gravatt gaining in confidence to go on a 5 game winning streak while the Pies found new ways to lose the close ones.
• Sunday's game will be another live broadcast, so if you can't get down to the ground - look for the link in the Place Match Preview later this week
• Seems like we had our information all messed up last week when we said the 1978 premiership team were underdogs and stole the flag. It has been pointed out that the 1978 Sherwood premiership team were dominant throughout the season to finish on top of the SQAFA ladder with 20 wins and 1 loss and a percentage of 266.9%. The Pies defeated Mt Gravatt by 34 points in the second semi final then easily defeated the Vultures in the grand Final at Dittmer Park, 19.18-132 to 11.12-78. It was the 73 side that pinched a close one to prevent a Vultures 3-peat! Other clubs in the SQAFA in 1978 were Acacia Ridge, Aspley, South Brisbane, Banyo, Wynnum and UQ. 
• The 1978 Premiership team will celebrate their 40th anniversary celebrations along with the 10 year celebrations of the 2008 Western Magpies Premiership team on Saturday, July 21st when the Pies host Palm Beach-Currumbin at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer.
• "Great Clubmen" - Chris Dennis has been a vital part of the resurgence of the Sherwood and Western Magpies over the past 8 years, being a Board member since 2011, Junior Chairman 2012-14 and Club President in 2014-15. He is now the club's Facilities Director and is responsible for the Social Club.  He has written the submissions the club has made for grants to build the clubrooms, upgrade the ground lights and do upgrades on the oval.
• At season's end the oval will get a major makeover so that it can better withstand the traffic it gets during the season, though the actual traffic will also need to be reviewed in 2019 planning.
• Writing grant applications is a huge task and Chris has been able to secure several hundred thousand dollars in grants for the club to continue to develop its facilities. 
• Not satisfied with that Chris does a power of work during the week and on game days with ensuring all is in order for players to perform at their best and to cap it off escorts Heathy to be the umpires escort at home games. Chris was rewarded with club Life Membership last year, a most deserved award.
• Sherwood player Darcy Prest has been selected in the Queensland Under 16 team which will play NSW/ACT at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday, July 10 in round 2 of the Australian Championships. The Queensland team lost their first round clash last month to Tasmania in Sydney. 

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - TIRED PIES OVER RUN IN 2ND HALF

The Western Magpies were overrun by Broadbeach in a high standard contest at Broadbeach on Saturday. The Pies suffered their biggest loss of the season, going down by 26 points, 13.15-93 to 10.7-67. 

At one stage the Pies led by 22 points early in the second quarter and were well on top, but Broadbeach clawed their way back into the match in the latter part off the half to level the scores going into the long break.

The home team got on top in the third term by winning out of the centre and with a couple of big key forwards, including ex-Magpie Matt Fowler, were able to put pressure on the Pies defence which resulted in 5 goals and a 20 point three quarter time lead, which arguably could have been more but for some wayward goalkicking from the Cats. The Pies cut this to 16 points mid way through the final quarter but were unable too close the gap further.

A Broadbeach observer commented he thought the Pies were "playing sore" in the second half which has some merit as the Pies came off a tough encounter the week before. To add weight to this argument was that the Pies opponent a week ago in Morningside coughed up a 5 goals lead to be overrun by Surfers Paradise coming off the bye, just as Broadbeach, with some pacy midfielders and big tall players in the key positions, finished full of running also coming off the bye.

Early in the game the Pies were up and about and booted the first 3 goals of the game. With Kale Reed busy, Ryan Harwood and Drew Mitchell winning the ball out of the centre, Jack Goodall a marking target and Riley Easton applying forward pressure, the Magpies were on top. In fact, until halfway through the second quarter the Magpies were one more goal away from a 5 goal lead, which would take some catching. However, to their credit the Cats re-adjusted and started to get their running game going and moved the ball quickly to an open forward line to boot late goals to even the score at half time.  

Reed was the Pies best player and although the smallest player in the forward line finished with 4 classy goals. Harwood and Mitchell worked hard all game in the midfield and Matt Davis on a wing had his best game of the year with plenty of possessions and some strong contested marks.

Riley Easton kept harassing all match and was also a good linkman going forward while Luca Winton just keeps adding to his resume with another polished and efficient display in defence.  Goodall worked hard as did Mitchell Stallard and Dylan Adkins competed well in ruck his first match back from injury. 

There is no respite for the Pies as they meet old rival Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in a Sunday fixture. The Vultures are second on the ladder but the Pies will be up for the challenge. The Pies will wear a guernsey with an indigenous design on it to commemorate NAIDOC Week with some important ceremonies before the first bounce.

Western Magpies 4.2 - 26 | 6.3 - 39 | 8.5 - 53 | 10.7 - 67

defeated by

Broadbeach Cats 2.4 - 16 | 5.9 - 39 | 10.13 - 73 | 13.15 - 93

Best: Reed, Winton, Harwood, D.Mitchell, R.Easton, Davis

Goals: Reed 4, Lewis, Stallard, Goodall, De Winter, Corrie, D.Mitchell 1

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES SLOW START COSTLY

The Western Magpies Reserves have gone down down to the Cats in a high standard QAFL Reserves contest at Broadbeach.

The Pies were held scoreless in the first quarter but had a number of forward entries but could not trouble the scorer and trailed by 21 points at quarter time-- the final margin --21 points!! The Pies lost 11.9-75 to 8.6-56.

The Pies  were more than a match for the Cats for the final three quarters of the match and despite closing the gap to just 7 points midway through the final quarter, simply could not reel them in as the slow start proved costly.

Coach Des Lashman was very happy with his side who played some good football and despite the slow start fought hard to get back into the match. 

He was rapt in young back pocket Tristan Dowdy who held a well credentialed player quiet and another young defender in Zach Collison was solid and continues to improve each match. Chris Hunt at CHB was again a rock but he injured a thumb in the third quarter which hampered him for the rest of the match. Lachie Dennis again had a good game in the centre and he adds depth to the Pies and Logan Murray won plenty of possessions in the clinches. Peter Kilroy worked hard on a wing ranging from half back to half forward to be a good linkman for the team. 

Val Pope was a late inclusion after arriving back from overseas early Saturday morning and he worked himself into the game and with more fitness could be an option for the Seniors with some continuity in his football. Redlands games record holder Matt Thomson was included after a 5 week lay off from a hamstring injury and he showed his class at times and was a good contributor for the Pies with 2 goals in just 50% match time.

Des Lashman still thinks his side can make the finals but they slip 2 games out of the five and will need a win against ladder leaders Mt Gravatt this Sunday to re-charge their season.

Western Magpies 0.0 - 0 | 3.3 - 21 | 6.4 - 40 | 8.6 - 54

defeated by

Broadbeach Cats 3.3 - 21 | 4.3 - 27 | 7.7 - 49 | 11.9 - 75

Best: Dowdy, Collison, Hunt, Kilroy, Dennis, Murray

Goals: De Rooy 2, Austin 2, Thomson 2, Pope, Marshall

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Review

Colts hold on after Cats surge late

The Western Magpies Colts held off a strong challenge from the third placed Broadbeach to consolidate in second place on the QAFL Colts ladder.

The Pies had their noses in front for most of the match but the Cats fought back to take the lead momentarily mid way through the final quarter before the Pies showed resilience and lifted their work rate to wrest back the lead and go on to win by 7 points, 7.10-52 to 7.3-45. 

Chris Moloney was strong across half back and had great support from fellow defender Charlie Thorpe. Zane Lovell relished his move onto the ball to win plenty of possessions and Chris Jenkins was busy across half back and on the ball. Jacob Sheath continues to get a mention in the best players each week and he again was a driving force in the centre of the ground, while skipper Noah Resuggan relished his return to the middle, winning regular clearances to drive his team forward.

Finn Collison showed he will be a better player for his recent experience in the Reserves and was a good target up forward to boot 2 goals and Cam Ferguson was also strong up forward with 2 goals. . 

Western Magpies 2.4 - 16 | 4.6 - 30 | 5.8 - 38 | 7.10 - 52

defeated

Broadbeach Cats 2.1 - 13 | 3.2 - 20 | 4.2 26 | 7.3 - 45

Best: Moloney, Lovell, Sheath, Thorpe, Jenkins

Goals: Collison 2, Ferguson 2, Thorpe, Pearson, Johnson

Coopers - Friday Night Footy Review

Woodsmen return to top of QFA ladder

The Woodsmen traveled to Mayne on Friday night to take on a Tigers outfit fighting to remain in the hunt for finals football.  Playing on possibly the smallest ground in QLD Senior Football, the Woodies found it hard to adjust but remained well in the contest at quarter time trailing by 5 points.  Key outs in the midfield in Judson and Lloyd against a strongly built Tigers on-ball division saw the Woodies regularly outmuscled in the contest and a heavy hit to Thomson in the first quarter saw him sidelined until midway through the 2nd.

The Woodsmen started to get on top in the 2nd quarter through some solid run off halfback from MacKinnon and Jackson and Hockley was causing headaches for Mayne roaming across half forward.  Despite general ascendancy, the Woodies were repeatedly guilty of shallow and wide entries as they failed to adjust to the fact that a kick from centre wing could get to the hotspot on such a small surface. A strong and physical Mayne side continued to force the contest and play smarter footy with late goals closing the Woodsmen half time lead to just 4 points.

The Woodies re-grouped at half time and opted for a more direct style of play while also opting for a taller forwardline.  Having played with 21 until late in the 2nd quarter, Tim Green's arrival allowed for some positional switches and more marking power across half forward.  The Woodies skipped out to a 3+ goal lead for a period before again some late goals from Mayne including an absolute pearler from the boundary line again kept the margin at the final break to under a kick.

After continually being outmuscled by a tough Tiger midfield, Mihalopoulos shifted to the midfield for the final quarter with immediate effect winning some early clearances to take advantage of the ruck advantage as the Woodies again pushed out to a 3 goal lead, though on a ground so small the game certainly was never safe.  Mayne then kicked another one against the run of play to get back to a 10 point margin before another one in more controversial circumstances closed the gap to 5 points and it was 'game on' with a few minutes to play. Perhaps buoyed by a sense of injustice the Woodies lifted and camped in the ball forward for the remainder of the match kicking the sealer to take the margin to 12 points  and a hard fought win to take top spot on the ladder.

Hockley was again a dominant player across half-forward kicking 6 goals, while Brent Hocking spent extra time in the midfield to provide plenty of grunt.  Curtis was tireless despite regularly being outsized by bigger opponents, while McKinnon and Jackson provided plenty off half back.  Perhaps the highlight of the match was Woodies Legend Jeffison 'Buddsie" Fehr-Smith taking a contested grab at a crucial moment late in the game and then through repeat efforts earning another free kick from a sensational tackle to thwart what would be Mayne's final forward thrust.

Woodsmen 10.5 - 65 defeated Mayne 8.5 - 53

Best: Thomson, Hockley, Curtis, McKinnon, Mihalopoulous, Hocking

Goals: Hockley 6, Garvey 2, Mihalopoulous, Hocking 1

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK WITH KEY INCLUSIONS

There are no easy matches in this year's QAFL and the fourth placed Western Magpies have another big test when they travel down the M1 to take on the third placed Broadbeach in Round 11 QAFL action on Saturday. .

The Pies lost narrowly to the Cats in their round 2 clash in a match that could have gone either way so once again the team that plays four quarters and more importantly for the Magpies,  the team that kicks straight, will take the four points.

Into the team comes ruckman Dylan Adkins back from 6 weeks out with injury as a straight swap for the injured Aaron Highlands and half forward Kale Reed returns after missing last week with a family wedding. 

Boosting the Pies forward stocks is the return of Jack Goodall to centre half forward which will give the Pies a forward target. The Pies in recent weeks have been without a dominant centre half forward and as a result have had difficulty kicking goals and while Anthony Corrie competes hard he is not a monster who can take a big pack mark. The Pies have had to finesse the ball forward which is a high risk strategy but with Goodall back and Jake De Winter overcoming a foot injury and  Lachlan Woods across half forward the Pies look to have more options up forward.

The inclusion of three NEAFL listed players is a boost for the Pies with Doug Lawrence coming in to a key defensive position, Mitchell Stallard onto a wing and Goodall into CHF. Also in is midfield workhorse Gareth Crawford after a short break overseas.

Out go the injured Will Fletcher and Highlands with Aaron Maricic, Logan Murray and Jack Austin all squeezed out and on Stephen Mills goes back to Redland.  

The Pies defence has been keeping the opposition to low scores so have been doing their job with Brady Allen, Luca Winton and David Lewis the standouts in recent weeks and with the inclusion of Lawrence will make Broadbeach work hard for their goals.

Drew Mitchell has led the midfield brigade with hard work and Ben Jaenke-Cain ranges far and wide and Jono Macanawai works hard in tight and it will be these three who will need to get the Pies going forward from the stoppages.

Once again the Pies face a big test but have shown they have been up for the challenge in every contest this season. Being up for the challenge is OK, but the four points are much nicer and the Pies really need the four points in this match.

QAFL Round 11: Western Magpies v Broadbeach at Broadbeach  on Saturday June 30th at 2 pm.

B:  Brodie Easton Doug Lawrence, Luca Winton

HB: David Lewis (vc) Brady Allen  Matt Davis

C:  Luke Mitchell  Ben Jaenke-Cain Brenton Saunders

HF:  Jake De Winter  Jack Goodall  Lachlan Woods

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie  Riley Easton

Ruck:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C: Liam Dwyer, Jono Macanawai, Gareth Crawford, Mitchell Stallard

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Preview

CRUNCH TIME FOR PIES RESERVES

It is crunch time for the Western Magpies Reserves as they meet a strong Broadbeach team which has only 2 losses this season, one of them to the Pies earlier in the year. 

The Pies look stronger than in recent weeks with Aaron Maricic, Logan Murray and Jack Austin dropping back from the Seniors and regular Redlands NEAFL player Matt Thomson returning after an injury stint. Also in to boost the backline is Kurt Vine, who missed last week with work but managed a run with the Woodsmen.

Out is key forward Gerard Moore with work and small forward Sam Parker misses with injury.  

There is plenty of senior experience mixed with a crop of youngsters in this side and with a number of players pushing for senior selection the Pies will be keen to return to the winners list and get their season back on track.

Chris Hunt at CHB has been in fine form and Harry Marshall at fullback started to regain form last week. Maricic, Murray and Austin were squeezed out of the Seniors and will be  keen to put their stamp on the match and Thomson is a legend at Redlands and adds some class to the side. Lachie Dennis had a good outing last week and will be looking to repeat, an if he gets support from skipper Sean Mewing, the ageless Peter Kilroy and nippy rover Rory Johnson, who will be better for the run last week, the Pies can return to the winners list and start a surge towards a finals appearance.

QAFL Round 11: Western Magpies Reserves v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday June 30th  at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Kurt Vine Harry Marshall Tristan Dowdy

HB: Zach Collison  Chris Hunt  Sean McEvoy (vc)

C: Sean Mewing (Capt) Lachie Dennis  Peter Kilroy

HF: Matt Mazarolle  Jeremy DeRooy Aaron Maricic

F:  Jack Austin  Monty Vine Sempatike Kwizera

foll: Nathan Congram Logan Murray Rory Johnson

I/C:   Sam DeNys, Sam Hartog, Ethan Sivijs, Matt Thomson (Redlands)

Anytime Fitness - Colts Preview

COLTS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Colts will be looking to bounce back to the winners circle when they take on the third placed Broadbeach on Saturday. In a two v three clash the stakes are pretty high with both teams and PBC all on 20 points so for the winner it gives them a real chance to finish the season in the top three and get the double chance.  

The Pies lose speedster Bruce Reville to Queensland under 17 duties where he joins Samson and Sean Ryan, both of whom were missed in last wek’s loss.

Coming in to the side to boost the forward line are Finn Collison who has benefitted from a stint in the Reserves and will provide a tall target up forward., and nippy half forward Abdullah Haddad to give the Pies another option up forwad.

Skipper Noah Resuggan moves onto the ball to provide some midfield spark and aide the consistent Jacob Sheath and Dan Edwards. Zane Lovell will also spend more time in the midfield rotations to try to give the Pies first use of the football.

The Pies have not put together a four quarter effort for some time, with one bad quarter costing them dearly in their two losses to PBC and Morningside.  The Pies can cement a top three position with a win but the Pies will be challenged and will need four consistent quarters to overcome a dangerous Broadbeach team.  

QAFL Round 10: Western Magpies Colts v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday, June 30th  at 9.30am

B:    Aiden D’Roza  Chris Moloney  Charlie Thorpe          

HB:  Chris Jenkins (vc)  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Cooper Crowell

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Dan Edwards  

HF:  Sam Mehari  Cameron Ferguson Abdullah Haddad

F:  Lachlan Pearson  Finn Collison Jayden Johnson

Foll: Harry KeenanZane Lovell  Noah Resuggan (Capt)  

I/C:  Ryan Cherry Jacob Aurich, Harrison Radcliffe Deng Arok

Gut Feelings VII - a weekly collection of thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest

• Saturday’s match against Morningside was a tough affair and while low scoring was still an entertaining game of football. The Morningside coach commented it was their best win of the season in a high standard match with finals like intensity.
• The Pies big man stocks are taking a bit of a pounding recently with Aaron Highlands injured on Saturday when doing a great job in the ruck while giving away about 20cm in height to his opponents. Dylan Adkins, who has missed 5 weeks, will have a fitness test on Thursday and the Pies brains trust will be sweating on him coming through the test to bolster the Pies ruck division
•  The Pies Reserves put up a better showing with a strong effort but were well beaten by a bigger and ultimately better team. CoachDdes Lashman was happy with the his teams’ effort but said it was small things that cost the team dearly with short kicks to a player under pressure, missed handball targets and fumbles the main culprits. While the ladder says the Pies are 8 points out of the five they have a game in hand over a couple of teams above them so are still in contention. However, they need to start winning some of the big matches if finals action is to remain a real possibility.
• The Pies Colts when down narrowly to a resurgent Morningside but missed the two Ryans, Samson and Sean. Ruckman Samson and rover Sean are in the Queensland Under 17 team which will play Tasmania this weekend at Arden St in Melbourne in the Futures Series then host NSW/ACT at Southport the following weekend and finish up against Victoria Metro at Ikon Park (Princes Park) at Carlton on August 12. 
• Sherwood premiership player, father of Drew and Luke and an acute observer of the game in Steve Mitchell made an interesting observation on Saturday.  He suggested that if a player gathers the ball in congestion then pulls it to his chest to take the tackle and thereby cause a stoppage, he should be penalised. Put simply, if a player pulls the ball in and makes no attempt e to get rid of the ball legitimately by hand or foot then pay a free kick for holding the ball
• "Great Clubmen" - Tom Roderick was mentioned in dispatches by Coaching Director Paul Grentell for putting his hand up and doing the water for both Seniors and Reserves then lining up for the Woodsmen in their win over Morningside on Saturday evening, capping a big day with the opening goal for the Pies in the match. Great effort from a young bloke who just loves being a part of the Pies family, and we love having him!
• Craig Barden, who played for the club in the early days of the Western Magpies in and around 2002-2008 and also coached the Colts in 2006 also did the water on Saturday. "Sounder" lives in Gippsland, Victoria and drives interstate transports and somehow makes sure his schedule takes him to Brisbane on weekends so he can come down and watch and help out his beloved Magpies
• The Magpies joint 1978 and 2008 Premiership Reunions will be held when the Magpies host Palm Beach-Currumbin at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, July 21st. Both premierships were won in sensational fashion with the 1978 side having an upset 4 point victory over red hot favourites Mt Gravatt at Dittmer Park and the 2008 team coming from 45 points down to defeat red hot favourites Palm Beach-Currumbin at Broadbeach in a cracking Grand Final (do you see a pattern here?). No doubt the 2008 boys (and 1978 team) would like nothing better than see the current Magpies inflict a defeat on the Lions, the 2017 QAFL Premiers and currently undefeated  ladder leaders this year. It is shaping up as big day in more ways than one.!!
• Reserves ruckman Nathan Congram has played consistent football each week and has very clean handling skills. He also knows how to use his body but on Saturday he made contact with the opposing ruckman in a ball up which resulted in his opponent falling over as he did not expect contact. Congram thumped the ball 30 metres into space but was penalised for blocking. My goodness, free kicks for blokes who don't expect contact in a ruck contest in what is a contact sport...world officially going mad!!
• The Magpies will unveil their Indigenous Guernsey in next Sunday's big clash against Mt Gravatt. The Pies decided to wear the Guernsey which has been designed by indigenous players Anthony Corrie, Chris Hunt, Aaron Maricic and Logan Murray (with input from club stalwarts Dean Parkin and Wil Ivinson) to celebrate NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 8-15, rather than on the QAFL's Indigenous round played several weeks ago where the Magpies were away from home.
• Good to see Magpies ex-Assistant Coach and Woodsmen player Sam Long call in to the Nest on Saturday evening to catch up with a few mates and watch the Woodsmen in the night game. Sam is now the coach of Yeronga-South Brisbane in QFA Division One and the Devils are struggling a bit at the moment . Sam has started to play again such is the long injury list at the club but says he is still enjoying the challenge of being a senior coach.
• Not great news for Dual JB Medallist (Reserves B&F) Bryce Crossley when it was confirmed he had torn the ACL in his left knee.  He injured his knee over a month ago and returned to training 2 weeks ago where he re-injured the knee in an innocuous manner and scans revealed the extent of damage.  Bryce is the second Magpie to tear his ACL this year after Lucas Jackson in Round 2.
• Good to see a solid contingent of Morningside players and officials stick around at McCarthy Homes oval for a chat about the day and some post match beers to watch their fellow clubmen battle it out under lights.  Great atmosphere for the Woodsmen victory, and games like this should be fixtured more regularly!
• Well done to Dylan Mudge who played his 50th game for the Woodies.  'Mudgee' played Senior football for the Magpies as a teenager back in the early 2000's and its great to see guys like him still at the club having a kick

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - INACCURATE PIES BLOW CHANCES

The Western Magpies will again rue missed chances in their 17 point loss to Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday. In a finals like atmosphere in front of a good home crowd, the match lived up to its billing as Match of the Day and was played with a finals like intensity.

The result hinged on who could take their chances and it was the Panthers who kicked straighter for goal and were also on the end of a couple of fortunate umpiring decisions. The Pies again were inaccurate in front of goal especially in the second quarter when they controlled the game but instead of going in to halftime with a four goal break only had a 10 point lead.   Importantly, its not 50/50 chances going begging, as key senior players missed 4 consecutive set shots from directly in front just 35m out or closer as the Pies fans were beginning to shut their eyes and hope as the Pies lined up for goal.

As is the Pies want of late they coughed up the lead quickly in the third quarter and were never able to get their noses back in front. Morningside won by 17 points, 11.9-75 to 7.16-58,  with a late goal on the siren rubbing salt into the Pies wounds. The Pies losses this year are 17, 18, 12 and 6 points and they have been in every match up to their eyeballs, with inaccuracy proving particularly costly in at least of those losses.

Morningside had a big height advantage in the game with two big ruckman and another key forward. The Pies struggled to contain the Panthers' bigmen and when Aaron Highlands, who had done a commendable job in ruck, was injured early in the third quarter and key forward Jake de Winter hobbling after a foot injury early in the match, the Pies were up against it.  

Stephen Mills again was superb for the second match in a row when  he contained Morningside's Kent Abey and was also good when moved forward in the last quarter to give a forward target as CHF Liam Dwyer was forced into the ruck on Highlands injury. Lacking big marking targets the Magpies were forced to play the short game and run the ball and at times this proved their downfall with some disposal errors costing them momentum.

In midfield skipper Drew Mitchell led by example at the coal face to continually win the hard ball and Ben Jaenke-Cain ran himself ragged to win plenty of the football all over the ground. Brady Allen has relished his return to senior football with another composed display at centre half back and had good support from the consistent Luca Winton and ever reliable David Lewis. Lachlan Woods was back to his usual bustling self with strong play in the clinches on his return to senior football for his first senior match since the 2016 Preliminary Final.

The loss drops the Pies into a bun fight for the last two places in the five but the top three prize can still be had as several key players will filter back into the side over the next few weeks. However the Pies big man stocks are dwindling and coach Brydan Morgan will sweat on whether ruckman Dylan Adkins and/or Highlands are passed fit for this weeks crucial match at Broadbeach.

Western Magpies 0.3 - 3 | 4.8 - 32 | 5.12 - 42 | 7.16 - 58

defeated by

Morningside Panthers 2.3 - 15 | 3.4 - 22 | 9.6 - 60 | 11.9 - 75

Best: Jeanke-Cain, Mills, Mitchell, Allen, Woods, Harwood

Goals: Harwood 2, R.Easton, Woods, Dwyer, Corrie, De Winter

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Match Review

PIES RESERVES DOWN DESPITE IMPROVED EFFORT S

The Western Magpies Reserves went down to a quality Morningside team but coach Des Lashman was pleased with his team's effort despite the loss. 

Morningside were cleaner with their ball use and had some big bodied and taller players that the young Pies found hard to counter, probably a factor of the Senior side having several outs thus moving the best of the Reserves into the main game this week.

The Pies were also wasteful at times with promising attacking moves coming unstuck with poor disposal or poor decision making. 

The Pies went down 14.5-89 to 6.6-36 but the final score did not reflect the closeness of the game. The Pies were in the contest for long periods and at times controlled play but could not apply scoreboard pressure and then the Panthers would make the most of scarce opportunities to goal.

The Magpies were their own worst enemy at times with poor decision making when kicking into the forward line and also tried to finesse too much and eventually would cough up the ball.

The loss magnifies last week's loss to Labrador as the Pies now fall 2 games outside the five and have a mountain of work to go to fight back into finals contention. 

Nathan Congram in ruck was again a workhorse and his strong marking and clean ball handling skills were a standout—only for work commitments preventing him doing full training he would surely be in contention for a senior call-up.

Chris Hunt was again solid with good reading of the play and strength at the contest at CHB amd fellow experienced Senior player Lachie Dennis did exactly as the coaches asked when he racked up 30+ disposals in a fine performance in the midfield.

Rory Johnson was busy on ball and across half forward in his first match back from injury and key defender Harry Marshall repelled many Morningside attacks and Peter Kilroy was also a fine player on the wing.

It is getting to crunch time for the Pies Reserves but they are one of two sides to defeat Broadbeach this season and there is no reason why they cannot repeat the dose on Saturday and get their season back on track.

Western Magpies 2.3 - 15 | 4.5 - 29 | 6.6 - 42 | 6.6 - 42

defeated by

Morningside Panthers 5.1 - 31 | 9.2 - 56 | 12.4 - 76 | 14.5 - 89

Best: Kilroy, Congram, Dennis, Hunt, Johnson, Marshall

Goals: Kwizera 2, Mazerolle 2, De Rooy, Parsons

Austral Plywoods - Colts Match Review

Colts suffers 2nd loss for 2018

The Western Magpies Colts were defeated in a high standard but tough contest against Morningside on Saturday.

Despite the 7.10-52 to 5.11-41 loss the Pies still hold second place on the ladder. 

After an even first quarter the Panthers skipped to a handy 2 goal lead by half time which basically proved the difference in the final analysis.

The Pies, like their senior counterparts were wasteful in front of goal with several easy misses proving costly and a lack of structure around the ball proved telling in the 2nd half as Morningside kept them at bay.

The Magpies were missing several key players but were still confident going into the match. 

Morningside were also better than their form line suggested as they were boosted with the return of some key players of their own.

Jacob Sheath was again a prolific ball winner in the centre and rover Dan Edwards also continued his good form to keep the Pies in the contest.

Defenders Charlie Thorpe and Aiden D’Roza worked hard to keep the Panthers out and Sean Ryan was also busy on ball or across half forward.

The Pies face another challenge at Broadbeach this Saturday with both sides on 20 points so this looms as an 8 point match.    

Western Magpies 2.2 - 14 | 3.4 - 22 | 3.8 - 26 | 5.11 - 41

defeated by

Morningside Panthers 2.2 - 14 | 5.4 - 34 | 6.7 - 43 | 7.10 - 52

Best: Sheath, Edwards, Thorpe, D'Roza, Sean Ryan

Goals: Mehari, Ferguson, Lovell, Edwards, Batilimoyo

Coopers Match Review - Woodsmen Round 11

The Woodsmen finished off what was a tough day at the office for the Magpies against Morningside after the Colts, Reserves and Seniors all suffered losses in quality earlier encounters.

Much like the Senior side before them, the Woodies came into the game with a raft of important players unavailable and it showed early with a lack of continuity, but the Woodies worked their way into the game against what appeared to be an also undermanned Morningside outfit who had just one fit player on the bench from early on in the game.

It was a fairly even first quarter with the Woodsmen holding onto a lead thanks to early goals from hard running Tom Roderick and some good finishing from Chris Davis and Matt Hockley.  However, it was a poor 2nd quarter showing as the Woodies were lazy and outworked by their younger opponents in front of a big home crowd., but the boys managed to hold onto their slender lead thanks to some trademark magic from Sam Banim.

the 3rd quarter opened up for the Woodsmen, but forward entries were messy and disjointed and skill level was down and it was anyones game going into the final quarter as the Woodies held a 14 point lead.  Morningside kicked the opening 2 goals to close the margin to less than a kick and memories of the fadeout against Zillmere when controlling the majority of the game started to flood back. 

In his 50th game, Dylan Mudge remained composed to push the ball forward for some repeat entries and the Woodsmen were able to regain the ascendancy and camp in the forward half for the remainder of the game to eventually run out 16 point winners.

The Woodsmen remain in 2nd place on % with 8 wins and 2 losses and head to Mayne next Friday night for what will be a tough encounter as the Tigers are fighting for their chance at finals football.

Woodsmen 9.10 - 64 defeated Morningisde 7.6 - 48

Best: Young, S.Matthews, Thomson, Ness, La Burniy, Davis

Goals: Hockley 3, Banim 2, Roderick, Davis, Mihalopoulous, K.Vine

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES TAKE ON PANTHERS IN 'MATCH OF THE DAY'

The Western Magpies face another challenge when they host Morningside in a big day of football at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

Morningside tipped the QAFL season on its head with a huge victory over the previously undefeated Mt Gravatt last week and now sit in sixth place, one win behind the fourth placed Pies.  While the win was probably not unexpected by close observers, the margin certainly was.

The Magpies welcome back Brodie Easton after being unavailable last week due to exams, Logan Murray in for his first senior game of 2018 after two solid return games in the Reserves and in exciting news, former Captain - Lachlan Woods returns to the senior side for the first time since 2016 after after a year off in 2017 and excellent reserves form early in 2018 set him up for Senior football before a 5 week injury intervention.  Woods will offer a hard edge to the Magpies side and exudes natural leadership.

Out are Billy Johnson back to Lions NEAFL duties, lively forward Kale Reed is unavailable and Lachie Dennis returns to the Reserves after a late call-up last week.

This is an old fashioned "Match of the Day'" with both teams in good form and only 4 points separating the teams on the ladder.

The Panthers have been somewhat of  an achilles heel for the Pies over the past few years with veteran key forward Kent Abey proving a handful and his likely opponent is Stephen Mills who did a great job on another big forward last week. Luca Winton and David Lewis have been superb in recent weeks and complement each other to deflect opposition attacks and will provide support for Mills. Brady Allen has also slotted into the key defensive role in recent weeks.

The visitors have had a few key players drift back into the side in the past few weeks and after a slow start to the season hit their straps last week.

The Magpies will need to be on song from the first bounce and play four quarters of football but they are a tough outfit as proved last week.

Jono Macanawai, Ryan Harwood and Drew Mitchell have been the grit in the midfield for the Pies and do a lot of unseen heavy work in the clinches and this has been an area of major improvement for the Pies this season. Aaron Maricic provides classy use of the football from a wing and Luke Mitchell has also been solid across half back.

Jake De Winter was kept goalless last week and he will be itching to make a mark --no pun intended-- on this match and Anthony Corrie will cop plenty of attention which may open up options for other goal scoring avenues. 

This shapes as a classic match and with a big day of football deserves to be played in front of a big home crowd at McCarthy Homes Oval.

QAFL Round 10: Western Magpies v Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday June 23rd at 2 pm.

B:  Will Fletcher   Luca Winton  Logan Murray

HB: David Lewis (vc) Stephen Mills  Brenton Saunders

C:  Luke Mitchell  Ben Jaenke-Cain Aaron Maricic

HF:  Jake De Winter  Aaron Highlands  Matthew Davis

F: Brady Allen  Anthony Corrie  Riley Easton

Foll:  Jack Austin Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C: Liam Dwyer, Jono Macanawai, Lachlan Woods, Brodie Easton

In: Lachlan Woods, Brodie Easton, Logan Murray

Out: Billy Johnson (Brisbane Lions NEAFL), Kale Reed (wedding), Lachie Dennis (Reserves)

Cross Fit Disposition - Reserves Round 10 Preview

PIES RESERVES NEED TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Reserves have again experienced several changess for a must win match against the fourth placed Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies welcome back Rory Johnson from injury, Sean Mewing from illness and Lachie Dennis is back from the Seniors after a late call-up last week (Ironically to replace the ill Mewing!)

Logan Murray has been elevated to the Senior side and they lose Val Pope overseas again for work and also Gabe McKinnon and Kurt Vine with work commitments.

The Pies will miss Murray in the hustle and bustle department and the Pies midfield looks strong with Nathan Congram playing consistent football in the ruck and Sam DeNys another good player this season while Lachie Dennis will look to work on his game to earn a recall to the Senior side.

Chris Hunt and Zach Collison were good last week and with Mewing back into the side the half back line looks very solid. 

Up forward Gerard Moore and Jeremy DeRooy provide the big marking targets and Sam Parker, Rory Johnson and Sempatike Kwizera the ground level bustle.

Coach Des Lashman will expect his side to be ferocious at the contest from the first bounce after last weeks second half capitulation and the Pies need the win to get their season back on track against a team that will also be fighting for a finals berth.

QAFL Round 10: Western Magpies Reserves v Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday June 23rd  at 11.30 am.

B: Sam Hartog  Harry Marshall Tristan Dowdy

HB: Zach Collison  Chris Hunt  Sean Mewing (Capt)

C: Sean McEvoy (vc)  Lachie Dennis  Peter Kilroy

HF: Matt Mazarolle Gerard Moore  Finn Collison

F:  Sam Parker  Jeremy DeRooy  Sempatike Kwizera

Rucks: Nathan Congram Angus Wyllie  Sam DeNys

I/C:   Alec Parsons, Rory Johnson, Ethan Sivijs, Monty Vine  

Arabon - Colts Match Preview

COLTS LOOK TO CONSOLIDATE TOP SPOT

The Western Magpies Colts will start a big day of football proceedings against Morningside when they meet the 2017 QAFL Colts Premiers at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday morning.

If you are looking for some early morning footy action it is well worth a look to see the Pies Colts in action as they are playing an exciting brand of football and there are a few players with exceptional skills running around.

Morningside are in sixth position on the ladder which is uncharted territory for the usually very successful Panthers at this level and they have struggled this season.

The Magpies will start favourites but any laxity and the visitors will pounce as this would be one of the matches they will have penciled in for a big effort.

Led by midfield workhorse Jacob Sheath and with excitement machines in Bruce Reville, Sam Mehari, Chris Jenkins, Deng Arok and Sean Ryan,  the Pies have plenty of pace and skill in the midfield and across half forward.

Cameron Ferguson was on fire up forward last match with 5 goals and Jayden Johnson also knows how to find the goals so the Pies have some goalkicking options up front.

Down back Chris Moloney,  Aiden D’Roza and Whitlam Bishop have marshalled a strong defensive unit.

The Pies look strong all over the ground and will be keen to defeat their great rivals and consolidate in the top two on the ladder.

QAFL Round 10: Western Magpies Colts v Morningside at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, June 23rd  at 9.30am

B:    Aiden D’Roza  Chris Moloney  Charlie Thorpe          

HB:  Chris Jenkins (vc)  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Bruce Reville

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Jacob Aurich  

HF:  Sean Ryan  Cameron Ferguson Zane Lovell

F:  Sam Mehari  Harrison Radcliffe  Noah Resuggan (Capt)  

Foll: Harry Keena Deng Arok  Dan Edwards  

I/C:   Jayden Johnson, Mitchell O’Dea, Tom Slatter,  Cooper Crowell

Coopers - Woodsmen Round 11 Match Preview

The Woodies take on Morningside in a 4:45pm 'blockbuster' at McCarthy Homes Oval this Saturday night, but despite the occasion they will have to do it without a raft of key player as the switch to a Saturday game possibly backfired on the boys as a long list of players declared themselves unavailable during the week.

Despite this, the Woodies are showing particularly strong depth this year and will still field a strong looking lineup.

A very different looking side took on Morningside back in Round 1 and snuck home for a 5 point victory, and while the Woodies sit in 2nd spot on % and the Panthers sit in 6th places with 4 wins and 5 losses - its an even competition this year as the Round 1 result certainly showed.

Down back the Woodies look particularly strong as usual with chris La Burniy, Jamie Page and Josh Young on the full-back line, while Nick Kelly, Scotty Matthews and the 'Minister of Defence' himself, David Jackson will patrol the half back line.

On the wings the Woodies will have a mixture of speed, youth and experience with Thomas on one wing and 'Special K' on the other, while ball magnet and clearance machine Chris Judson will be in his customary spot in the centre.

On the half forwardline the Magpies will be potent with Matt Hockley in hot form with 30+ goals in his last 6 matches at Centre Half Forward.  The flanks will be filled by the consistent Chris Davis and the hard working Tommy Roderick, who are both likely to have spells on the ball as well.

Deep forward is Jason Evans coming out the square with his hard leading and strong hands, while Chris Mihalopoulos will again be looking to regain some form in the pocket after a very lean year.  In the other pocket is the livewire 'Irish' Sammy Banim who can find the goals from anywhere and has a wicked turn of speed - certainly one to watch!

The on-ball division will be lead by Andrew Thomson in the ruck, and with regular onballers in Curtis, Lloyd, Hocking etc all unavailable, Kurt Vine in his Woodies debut will start on the middle with Woodies regular Ben Ness who has been in solid form in recent weeks.

A well balanced bench compliments the starting side with Matty Prior offering defensive respite and Mitch Merritt a small forward option who can pinch hit in the middle. Dylan Mudge is the ultimate utility who can lock down on the right attacking opponent or push forward with his clean skills and footy nous to cause headaches for the opposition, while Adam Pedler will give Thomson a welcome chopout in the ruck and also offers a tall option in defence.

It should be a cracking evening of footy and Magpie fans are encouraged to stick around after the QAFL Seniors match to support the boys.

Woodsmen vs Morningside - 4:45pm @ McCarthy Homes Oval Sat June 23

B: Stink – Pagey – Josh

HB: Jacko – Burnsy – Nick

C: BT – Juddo – K

HF: Tommy – Hocks – ChrisD

F: Mika – Evo – Irish

Foll: Thommo – KVine – Nessy

INT: MP – Mitchy – Mudge – Adam

Emergency: Brendon - Dobbo

GUT FEELINGS VII - A WEEKLY COLLECTION OF THOUGHTS FROM INFLUENTIAL MINDS DEEP INSIDE THE NEST!

"Gut Feelings VII"

Some deep thoughts from deep in the nest!

• What a big weekend of footy at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer this Saturday with 4 big games against Morningside, with the ladder topping Colts starting the day at 9.30 am followed at 11.30 am by a Reserves team expected to be bolstered by a few key inclusions and hopefully a determination to right the wrongs of last week. The Seniors clash at 2 pm in what is an old fashioned "Match of the Day"  and The Woodsmen aka the Western Magpies QFA team line up at 4:45 pm.

• The Magpies Seniors defeated Labrador and what a fighting win it was. The Pies were challenged several times but fought back and this time were able to emerge victorious in a tough encounter. Coach Brydan  Morgan was wrapped in the win which he described as a dour, arm-wrestle.
• The Pies were have been robbed of at least two, and possibly three goals on Saturday with Anthony Corrie kicking one from a tight angle on the boundary for the goal umpire to signal a behind, while De winter looked to slot one clearly through the big sticks from a 45* angle after taking a mark of the year contender--both players and teammates were celebrating and opposition players were heading fro the middle, a sure sign they had kicked truly!
• The final goal called a behind was a touched call against a Liam Dwyer goal which cleared the player on the mark by a metre but he clapped and the umpire was tricked into thinking it was touched. The Tiger players tried this trick a few times throughout the game and it finally played off in the final quarter. Luckily the Pies put this behind them and booted 2 quick goals to seal the match, but the filed umpire was clearly 'sucked in' by the tactic.
• Jake De Winter has taken another hanger and that is 2 so far this season that feature in "Mark of the Day" and watch this space because the exciting Magpie forward will take a few more speccies before the season is out.

• Not to be outdone, the old General - Anthony Corrie may have missed a couple of set shots, but banged home some crucial goals at important times, including this one winding back the clock to be nominated for Goal of the Week

• The Pies took most of the Syd Guildford votes with key defenders Stephen Mills 8, Brady Allen 6 and  Luca Winton 5 votes all leading the polling. The other vote getters were Billy Johnson and Kale Reed 2 each.
• 3 out of 4 for 2 weeks in a row ain't bad but the disappointing loss from last weekend was the Reserves who coughed up a 5 goal half time lead to go down by 2 points in a loss that could be costly at season's end. Coach Des Lashman was lost for words after the game and woe betide any player who does not give 100% this weekend.
• The Colts are equal top of the QAFL ladder with only one loss and if form is any guide the Pies look to be have the measure of Morningside but as everyone knows the Panthers have been great rivals to the Pies at junior and Colts levels over many years and will lift for this clash. The Pies Colts will need to be on their guard to match Morningside
• The Woodsmen returned to the winner's list last week and are currently second on the QFA ladder and should be too strong on paper for the sixth placed Morningside. A mix of experienced veterans led by coach and 3 time Senior premiership captain Chris Mihalopoulos with a number of young players provides a good mix for the Woodies.
• Mihalopoulos has played well over 300 matches for the Pies in Senior Football
• David “Barts” Bartlett is a fixture at Chelmer and does a power of work off the field to ensure the precinct at McCarthy Homes Oval is presented at its best each week.
• Barts is a Life Member of the club and continues to give his all to his beloved Pies. He has once again manned the hamburger stand and the famous 'Barts Burgers' are well known as the best in the QAFL!
• Bart’s offsider on the BBQ is Robert Hartley who also helps out at Sherwood junior matches where his grand-son Keaton plays in the Under 14s. Robert says he helps out at the seniors to ensure his grand-son still has a club he can progress to in Senior Football. And he must have been a handy footballer in his day, playing with Sturt in the SANFL and Sandy Bay in Tasmania FL.

NOTE: Barts informs us that Robert is unavailable this week so he is looking fior a few volunteers to help out thius saturday

• Magpies Football Director Paul Grentell commented  in the Sherwood Past Players Facebook page on the Senior win and suggested past players could catch up with some old mates by coming down this Saturday for what is shaping as a blockbuster. "This is the best opportunity to catch up with old mates, create new ones, bury hatchets and tell some tall stories!!! Been great to see all the chat about the past players who played who didn't etc and a bit of banter as well...normally this is followed by "we should catch up". Well you can at any home game or even better at the 50 years of senior footy celebration in August - See ya at the footy!"
• Paul also noted that several Reserves players have voluntered to run the water for the Seniors which is fantastic from a clubman point of view but is asking for any supporters who would like to be involved to help out with running the water on game days. If that is not your cup of tea there are plenty of roles at the club if you want to get your footy fix and be part of something big that is building at Chelmer.
• Sherwood hosted the Queensland Under 12 Carnival on the bye weekend and everyone was impressed with the Colts boys who came down to help out . Colts coaches Jake Fuentes & Kiran Verma not only have their side playing exciting football but  also emphasising to players the need to be good citizens at club and community level.
• Finn Collison, Lachlan Pearson, Aiden D'Rosa, Jacob Aurisch, Cooper Crowell and Harrison Radcliffe all came down to help out at the BBQ and Jacob and Harrison along with senior player Aaron Highlands and Senior coach Brydan Morgan welcomed the Cape York Crusaders and took them under their wing.
• Perennial helpers Rob Lawson and Bruce O'Neill also were on hand to make sure the ground and facilities were all in order for the 4 days of the carnival.
• Sherwood U16 players Darcy Prest and Jack Briskey are in the Qld State Team contesting the U16 National Championships.
• 7 of our Sherwood U12 Black team members were selected to participate in the U12 carnival-- Finn Mahoney, Kye Van Beest, Jaydon Macauley, Cooper Rowlings, , Jacob Edwards, Jed Bostock and Jed Hooper – a bright future for the WM!
• Ex Magpie Brett 'Noodles' McEvoy coached the Met North side with the help of Kiran Verma, and is also the QLD U12 coach.
• Current Woodsmen 'spearhead' Matt Hockley was also spotted watching his nephew and offering plenty of assistance where needed
• After some shuffling of divisions in the opening rounds our U12 and U14 teams have hit their straps with a number of convincing wins in the last three weeks to see them steadily climbing the ladder.  Two months out from finals and they are building nicely
• Good to see past President Mark Blackberry at the football last Saturday and he was accompanied by Richmond legend and Brisbane Lions Player Development Manager Craig Lambert. Might be interesting this Saturday if they turn up as Lambert's son is playing for Morningside
• Queensland Umpiring Legend and games record holder, Tom McArthur passed away recently. He umpired 502 Senior matches in the QAFL but he also umpired schoolboy matches on Friday afternoon at Graceville Oval from the mid 50s to the mid 80s and would often umpire 4 matches in a day. It is estimated he umpired over 1000 schoolboy matches as well.
• He played football at Western Districts before injury forced him to take up umpiring. He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame several years ago. Legend has it that some players thought he would not report players for violent conduct as he worked night shift and could not attend tribunals but he soon put that to bed by reminding players that there is such a thing as " long service leave!!"
• Players and supporters of Sherwood DAFC join all AFL lovers in recognising the enormous contribution he made to our game in Queensland. For more on Tom McArthur check out the AFLQ website.

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - PIES GRIND OUT 4TH STRAIGHT WIN

The Western Magpies added a tick their finals credentials with hard fought win over Labrador played in perfect conditions in front of a healthy home crowd at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

Labrador have played in the past four QAFL Grand Finals for two premierships and remain a formidable outfit in 2018 as key players slowly return.

In a first half where the Pies controlled the game largely and lead most of the important stats, they remained challenged on the scoreboard and on several occasions looked like they could skip away before Labrador efficiently closed the gap with accurate and clean finishing.  Midway through the 2nd the Pies controlled proceedings but missed several simple shots to have just a 15 point lead before Labrador came late with a burst of 3 goals in 3 minutes to take a half-time 1 point lead.

The Pies knew they were well and truly in a contest as the Labrador midfield gained ascendancy at the contest and their key talls at both ends were threatening, with 2017 Grogan Medalist Wade Mills a constant headache with his marking prowess in defence, both chopping off Magpie attacks but also as the linkman out of trouble. The Magpies then slipped 2 goals behind in the third quarter but fought back to take 9 point lead at three quarter time after taking advantage scoring opportunities.

Early goals were the order of the day for the Pies at the start of the final quarter but it was the Tigers who booted 2 quick goals to snatch a 3 point lead and put the Pies fans on edge. With the Tiger tail wagging and tails up it looked like the match was could be slipping from the Pies grasp. But this is a resilient group who are starting to believe and they gritted their teeth, composed themselves and actually dominated the final 20 minutes to boot 3 goals and run out 16 points winners, 12.12-84 to 10.8-68.

The match was hard fought and tough affair and no more than 3 goals separated the sides during the game--the Pies 16 point margin was the equal largest for the match. 

Coach Brydan Morgan was proud of the win as the Pies were challenged by a resurgent Tigers and he commented that sometimes you have to win ugly but as long as the 4 points are pocketed that it is all that matters--and winning ugly often wins premierships!!  Morgan pointed out that Labrador came to play and their intensity was up a few notches compared to recent matches.

Morgan as rapt in the performance of key defender Brady Allen, who after starting the season in the Reserves has repaid his coach with 3 solid performances since his recall. Allen used his strength and height to win some key battles and then used his strong left foot to roost the Pies into attack.

Morgan also singled out fullback Stephen Mills, a Redland listed player, who held key forward and ex AFL player Bryce Retzlaff to 2 goals. Mills looks to be enjoying the Magpies environment and although as all NEAFL listed players he would prefer to play for his NEAFL club, he has embraced the Pies culture and is a popular player at Chelmer. 

Billy Johnson was also a key player in his first game back at the Pies after Brisbane Lions NEAFL duties and an ankle injury.and he booted 3 goals in a fine performance on the wing. His 3 goals were vital at times when the Pies were in danger of being overrun. He was able to slot back into the Pies line-up seamlessly and looked right at home at his home club. 

Kale Reed continued his good recent form to be a busy player up forward, continually harassing the tiger defenders to create a few turnovers and he booted 2 important goals as well.

David Lewis and Luca Winton were fine defenders with Lewis again marking strongly across half back and Winton mopping up well and defusing several Labrador sorties.

Anthony Corrie bobbed at crucial times to boot 3 goals, including a vintage effort collecting a groundball to turn his opponent inside out before kicking truly from the arc. Liam Dwyer worked hard in ruck and then was busy up forward to kick 3 vital goals. It should have been 4 goals as the umpire was fooled by a Labrador player on the mark clapping as the ball went past and although the kick was true the field umpire was in a terrible rush to call touched, when the Labrador player was nowhere near it!  The Pies could argue they had 2 further goals as Corrie and Jake De Winter had kicks that appeared to clearly go through the big sticks only to be ruled as behinds by the goal umpire. De Winters was especially disappointing as it followed his latest entry to Mark of the Year with plenty of hang time much to the delight of the home crowd.

Aaron Highlands also did a workmanlike job in the ruck to be named the BG Award winner for the match and half forward Riley Easton won several crucial turnovers and his tackle pressure was important for the Magpies.

The Pies are fourth on the ladder and face another big test on Saturday at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer when they host a resurgent Morningside, who demolished the previously unbeaten Mt Gravatt by 102 points on the weekend.  

Western Magpies 2.3 - 15 | 6.7 - 43 | 9.9 - 63 | 12.12 - 84

defeated

Labrador Tigers 3.1 - 19 | 7.2 - 44 | 8.6 - 54 | 10.8 - 68

Best: Allen, Mills, Johnson, Winton, Lewis, Reed

Goals: Johnson, Corrie, Dwyer 3, Reed 2, Jaenke-Cain 1