Coopers Friday Footy Review - Woodsmen Finish Top of QFA Ladder

The Woodsmen took on UQ on Friday night with a significantly depleted side ahead of Week 1 on finals next week, however it was an absolute must win match as a victory would secure Top spot on the ladder and a home final, while a loss could have seen them off to an elimination final.

Despite this, the Woodies still opted to rest a number of players with niggles, while 4 or 5 others were unavailable due to other commitments, a dangerous game to play with positions in the best 22 hotly contested!

The Red Lions are always capable of a contest, with a relatively youthful side prepared to run and carry and a significant fitness advantage compared to the older more experienced Woodsmen!  UQ started brightly with some deep forward entries, but couldn't capitalise on their chances, while the Woodies managed to kick 4 quick goals to take a 20 point lead to the first break 4.1 - 25 to 0.5 - 5.

UQ enjoyed an advantage at the centre bounce hitouts, with the Woodsmen failing to get a single hitout in the first 3 quarters, yet despite this - the Woodies enjoyed complete dominance of centre clearances as a result of ground level dominance and easy sharking of the UQ taps.  Around the ground it was a different story, with some quality stoppage goals to Alec Parsons and Dylan Mudge with Magpie hit outs 'straight in their breadbasket'.

In the 2nd quarter, the Woodies put the foot down - putting on a further 5 goals to a solitary behind from UQ to take a 50 point lead into the half-time break, with Ben Ness in particular getting a strong dose of leather poisoning as he won the ball through the middle at will, while Braydon Thomas was proving dangerous up forward kicking 4 first half goals, away from his more customary position on a wing.  Another feature of the first half was the return of former skipper Sean Toohey, who came out of retirement to help out with numbers on the night, with some trademark ferocious tackles a highlight, as well as some excellent bodywork hitting up at the footy.

After half time the sting really went out of the contest as several key players were sent to the showers early, particularly some older heads with questionable soft tissue reliability! 

Ben Ness continued to rack up disposals at will around the footy, Josh and Travis Young were rock solid in defence as the Woodies worked on their ball movement from the back half and Tom Roderick was an absolute workhorse with and without the ball as he roamed the wing with great effect.

The Woodies eventually ran out 49 point winners 13.9-87 to 5.8-38, as UQ who were goalless to half-time managed to kick 5 second half goals as their season came to an end on a positive note.

The Woodsmen will now host Maroochydoore at McCarthy Homes Oval, Friday 17th August at 7:30pm with the winner straight into the Grand Final on Friday 31st August, and the loser hosting a Prelim Final on Friday August 24.

Get down to the club this Friday night to support the boys in their quest for another Grand Final berth.

PLACE PREVIEW - CLASSIC '8 POINT' GAME VS PANTHERS

The Western Magpies start finals football a month early when they meet fourth placed Morningside in a classic 8 point match in Round 17 QAFL action on Saturday. 

The prize for the winner is a shot at third place on the ladder and for the Pies a loss makes the final 2 rounds non negotiable wins.

The Pies lose Aaron Highlands to a surprising 3 week suspension but in a like-for-like swap gain Jack Goodall back from Redland.  Also returning to boost the Pies forward line are key forwards Anthony Corrie and Jake De Winter and midfielder Jono Macanawai returns after a week out due to soreness. Also out are Sam Parker and Brenton Saunders to the Reserves and Matt Davis is omitted. 

The Pies forward line looks far stronger with the inclusion of Corrie and De Winter and youngster Jack Austin returned to the team last week with an impressive 3 goals which could easily have been 5 goals. 

Goodall adds depth to the Pies and he will bolster the defence against a strong Morningside forward line. The half back line looks strong with David Lewis and Brady Allen joining Goodall, and with Luca Winton and Will Fletcher both in good form the Pies defence looks rock solid. 

Dylan Adkins has lifted in recent matches and will have another big challenge in this match and he will need a big game to give the pies in form midfield brigade of skipper Drew Mitchell, Ryan Harwood, Lachlan Woods, Ben Jaenke-Cain and Macanawai a fair crack at the football. Woods plays his 99th Senior match for the Pies and returns to the ground where his 4 last quarter goals a few seasons ago with one arm led to a famous Magpie victory over the Panthers. 

This match will be played in a finals like atmosphere and with finals intensity and with so much at stake expect the Pies to be ferocious at the contest. The Magpies recent form has been good and they will need to be at their best to overcome the in form Panthers on their home ground.

There will not be much in it but the Magpies are good enough to win and push for a double chance.

QAFL Round 17: Western Magpies v Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday, August 11th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Will Fletcher  Doug Lawrence  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Jack Goodall Brady Allen

C:   Billy Johnson Lachlan Woods  Luke Mitchell

HF: Aaron Maricic  Jack Austin  Jake De Winter

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie Riley Easton

Foll:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C: Tom Ielasi, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Lachie Dennis, Jono Macanawai

In: Jack Goodall, Jake De Winter, Anthony Corrie, Jono Macanawai

Out: Aaron Highlands (suspended), Brenton Saunders, Sam Parker (both Reserves), Matthew Davis (omitted) 

Emerg: Gerard Moore, Brenton Saunders, Sam Parker, Matthew Davis 

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Match Preview

DO-OR-DIE FOR RESERVES--ONLY A WIN WILL DO

The Western Magpies Reserves have been bolstered with several key inclusions for their do-or-die clash with the fifth placed Morningside at Morningside on Saturday.  The Pies must win to keep their finals hopes alive and this is an 8 point prelude match to the Seniors. 

The Pies welcome back Sam Parker and Brenton Saunders from the Seniors and Zach Collison and Logan Murray return from illness. 

The three young lads return to the Colts to bolster them for another big match in what is shaping as a big day of football and Sempatike Kwizera misses due to a family commitment. 

Murray boosts the Pies midfield division and Collison was in good form until he missed last week. 

Parker and Saunders add to the Pies forward power and provide classy options in front of goal. Jeremy DeRooy can clunk a  good mark and his kicking is accurate despite an unusual style--four goals last week attest to that. 

Brodie Easton and Sam Hartog were good in midfield last week and Nathan Congram always gives an honest contest in ruck.

Chris Hunt, Kurt Vine and Harry Marshall have been impressive defenders recently and will need to be to hold the Panther forwards in check.

The last time these two played, a stronger bodied Morningside brushed aside the Pies but the Magpies look physically stronger in this match and with so much on the line it's expected to be a tough battle

QAFL Round 17: Western Magpies Reserves v Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday August 11th, at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Tristan Dowdy  Harry Marshall  Kurt Vine

HB: Zach Collison Chris Hunt  Peter Kilroy

C:  Sean Mewing (Capt) Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF: Brenton Saunders Gerard Moore  Val Pope 

F:  Jordan Bonney Jeremy De Rooy  Sam Parker

Rucks: Nathan Congram Logan Murray Rory Johnso

I/C: Monty Vine, Sean McEvoy (vc), Sam DeNys, Matt Mazarolle

 In: Zach Collison, Brenton Saunders, Sam Parker, Logan Murray

Out: Sean Ryan, Zane Lovell, Chris Moloney (all Colts), Sempatike Kwizera (Unavailable) 

CFMG Capital - Colts Match Preview

COLTS BUILDING TOWARD FINALS

The Western Magpies Colts will be building towards the finals when they take on the fifth placed Morningside on Saturday morning. Morningside inflicted the Pies second and last defeat 2 months ago and the Pies will be rearing to go to re-establish their dominance as the top dog.

Coach Jake Fuentes has had to make 8 changes to last week’s lineup but has some good ins with Sean Ryan, Zane Lovell and Chris Moloney returning from a stint in the Reserves and Sam Mehari, Ryan Cherry and Dan Edwards all back after missing last week. On the debit side ruckman Samson Rya  is off to Optus Oval in Melbourne with the Queensland under 17 team to take on Victorian Country tomorrow and he will be joined by Bruce Reville, who missed the Pies last match.  Also out are the injured speedster Ritti Batilimoyo, defenders Chris Jenkins and Cooper Crowell,  half forward Abdullah Haddad and Darcy Prest returns to the Under 16s.

On the balance  the ins slightly outweigh the outs so the Pies will be stronger this week. The strength of the Pies this year is that the workload is shared and the likes of Ethan Sivijs, Charlie Thorpe, Noah Resuggan, Jacob Aurich, Ryan Cherry and Lachlan Pearson often go unnoticed but they play their role to get the job done. Chris Moloney has a big job going into the ruck after being a key defender for most of the year and will get support from Harry Keenan and the return of Dan Edwards on a wing and Zane Lovell to ruck-rover  gives the Pies midfield a boost.

The Pies will be keen to atone for their earlier loss and will be keen to consolidate top positon on the ladder.

QAFL Round 17: Western Magpies Colts v Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday August 11th at 9.30am

B:    Jacob Aurich  Harrison Radcliffe  Charlie Thorpe         

HB:  Aiden D’Rosa  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Ethan Sivijs

C:  Dan Edwards Jacob Sheath  Deng Arok

HF:  Jayden Johnson  Cameron Ferguson Sam Mehari

F: Harry Keenan  Finn Collison Lachlan Pearson

Rucks:  Chris Moloney Zane Lovell  Sean Ryan  

I/C: Noah Resuggan (Capt),  Tom Slatter, Ryan Cherry, Mitchell O’Dea

 In: Harrison Radcliffe, Dan Edwards, Cameron Ferguson, Sam Mehari, Ryan Cherry, Zane Lovell, Sean Ryan, Chris Moloney

Out: Chris Jenkins (inj), Ritti Batilimoyo (unavailable), Samson Ryan (Qld Under 17s), Cooper Crowell (Unavail), Abdullah Haddad (work), Darcy Prest (Under 16s), Oscar Prior, Edward Short (both omitted)  

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - SOLID START SETS UP UGLY WIN

The Western Magpies put on a strong first quarter to avoid the spectre of an upset loss to Labrador with a strong start, dominating general play and hitting the scoreboard early.

The Pies were able to win the ball out of the centre and with Drew Mitchell, Ryan Harwood and Riley Easton up and about early the Pies were never headed as they won in business-like fashion by 28 points, 12.12-84 to 8.8-56. 

For the second week in a row the Pies found themselves against an opponent out of finals contention intent on off the ball hits and constant niggle, rather than trying to win the game.  The Magpies were able to put this to one side and dominate the contest with 60+ i50 etnries to just 27.  However, the Pies made it tough for themselves up forward with some sloppy disposal keeping the scoreline respectable.  The win keeps the Pies in the finals hunt with three rounds to play and with a few big matches coming up. 

The Pies withstood a physical Tigers in a fiery second quarter when several spot fires broke out but it was the Pies who capitalised and a yet another late hit on 100 gamer Matt Davis resulted in a 50 metre penalty and Doc slotted the goal to kick the Pies 6 goals clear.

Labrador played a defensive game after half time flooding the Pies forward line  which made scoring difficult but the Pies held a comfortable lead to ensure the 4 points were safely in their keeping.

Aaron Highlands played a fine game at CHF negating the influence of Tigers key defender Wayde Mills, who is often the playmaker for the Tigers with his reading of the play. Riley Easton was like the Energex bunny, bobbing up everywhere in a superb display, laying tackle after tackle and giving his opposition a lesson in hard footy and non stop effort. Ben Jaenke-Cain and Drew Mitchell were on top through the middle of the ground and Will Fletcher was solid on a wing.

Doug Lawrence kept Tigers big fun forward Bryce Retzlaff to 2 goals and he received good support from fellow backmen Luca Winton and Brady Allen.

Matt Davis was good in his 100th game and Ryan Harwood was busy across half forward with 3 goals and Jack Austin celebrated his recall toe the Seniors with 3 goals. Sam parker did not look out of place in Senior football and he booted a goal on debut and showed plenty of zip.

The Magpies now set themselves for what is a classic 8 point game against Morningside at Hawthorne on Saturday.

Western Magpies  5.3-33 | 9.7-61 | 11.8-74 | 12.12-84 

Labrador                1.2-8  |   4.4-28 |  6.7-43 | 8.8-56

Goals: J. Austin 3, R. Harwood 3, B.Allen, M. Davis, A. Maricic, A. Highlands, S. Parker, R. Easton
Best: A. Highlands, R. Easton, B. Jaenke-Cain, L. Winton, D. Lawrence, W. Fletcher

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Review

PIES RESERVES ON LIFE SUPPORT AFTER LOSS

The Western Magpies Reserves are on life support after a 34 point loss to Labrador on Saturday. The Pies started brightly enough but were outplayed in the second and third quarters and try as they might in the last quarter could not narrow the gap. The Pies were defeated 14.11-95 to 9.7-61. 

The Magpies were not as strong as in recent matches with injury and unavailability in both First and Reserves stretching their playing list. Three Colts players made their debuts and all played well, with Zane Lovell named in the best players.

Gerard Moore rucked well to be the Pies best player and Sam Hartog and Harry Marshall both worked hard in defence to keep the Pies in range. 

Sean Mewing also had plenty of the ball on a wing and Brodie Easton was a good player in midfield. 

The Pies have must win match against Morningside on Saturday--a loss ends their season but a win keeps them in the finals race.

Western Magpies  2.4-16 | 3.4-22 |  6.4-40  |  9.7-61

Labrador                1.5-11 | 5.8-38 | 10.9-69 | 14.11-95

Goals: J. DeRooy 4, S. de Nys, M. Vine, M. Mazerolle, C. Moloney, V.Pope

Best: G. Moore, Z. Lovell, S. Hartog, S. Mewing, B. Easton, H. Marshall

Cross Fit Disposition - Colts Review

COLTS SURVIVE SCARE DESPITE POOR GOALKICKING

The Western Magpies Colts survived a scare and poor goal kicking to overcome a tenacious Labrador on Saturday.

The Colts had to come from behind to win by 8 points, 6-14-50 to 6-6-42. The win moves the Colts to the top of the ladder, one game clear of the second placed team 

The Pies were on top early but were challenged in the second and third quarters and trailed at three quarter time. They were able to keep the Tigers goalless in the last quarter and get their noses in front in a hard fought victory. It was a pleasing win as the Pies were missing half a dozen of their better performed players and demonstrated the depth on the Colts list. The Pies were well lead by centreman Jacob Sheath and skipper and on-baller Noah Resuggan while ruckman Samson Ryan won plenty of hit outs and possessions around the ground. Half back Jacob Aurisch was  strong defender and winger Deng Arok was busy and Harry Keenan and Lachlan Pearson both booted 2 goals.

The Pies play the fifth placed Morningside on Saturday, with the Panthers one of only two teams to defeat them this year.

Western Magpies  3.5-23  3.9-27  4.12-36   6.14-50

Labrador               1.0-6    3.2-20   6.4-40     6.6-42

Best: Sheath, Ryan, Aurisch, Resuggan, Arok

Goals: L. Pearson 2, H. Keenan 2, A. D''Roza, J. Sheath

PLACE PREVIEW - FIVE CHANGES AS PIES TAKE ON LABRADOR

The Western magpies have had 5 forced changes for their crucial clash against Labrador at Labrador on Saturday in QAFL Round 16 action.

It is getting to the pointy end of the season and with the Pies one game out of the five, every match proves crucial in jostling for both finals spots, as well as the double chance.

Labrador are out of finals reckoning but still have some class players and at home will be a dangerous proposition for the Magpies.

The Pies forward line has taken a hit with Anthony Corrie still having one match of a two match suspension to serve, Sam Copland out with a hamstring and Jake De Winter unavailable due to family commitments.  

In comes young high leaping forward Jack Austin to full forward after a good game last week and youngster Sam Parker is rewarded with good form in the Reserves. He will add some zip and enthusiasm to the Pies up forward. Brenton Saunders also returns and Lachie Dennis gets a recall after strong form in the Reserves. Billy Johnson slots back onto a wing from the Brisbane Lions NEAFL team.

Also out are the injured Jono Macanawai who copped a blow to his knee late last week and Liam Dwyer, who tweaked an ankle (both should only miss one week) and Jack Goodall to Redlands.

The Pies on ball brigade still looks strong with Ryan Harwood, Drew Mitchell, and Tom Ielasi all in good form. 

Down back David Lewis, Luca Winton and Brady Allen were all strong last week and Luke Mitchell and Will Fletcher provided zip out of defence.

The Pies will be up for Matt "Doc" Davis' 100th Senior game for the Magpies and with so much at stake coach Brydan Morgan will stress the need for a full four quarter effort against the Tigers.  

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday, August 4th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Will Fletcher  Doug Lawrence  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Aaron Highlands Matt Davis

C:   Billy Johnson Ben Jaenke-Cain  Luke Mitchell

HF: Aaron Maricic  Brady Allen  Brenton Saunders

F:   Kale Reed  Jack Austin Riley Easton

Foll:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt)  Ryan Harwood

I/C: Tom Ielasi, Lachlan Woods, Lachie Dennis, Sam Parker

In: Lachie Dennis, Sam Parker, Billy Johnson, Jack Austin, Brenton Saunders

Out: Jono Macanawai (knee), Liam Dwyer (ankle), Jack Goodall (Redland), Sam Copland (Hamstring), Jake De Winter (unavailable) 

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Match Preview

RESERVES IN MUST WIN MATCH AGAINST THE TIGERS

The sixth placed Western Magpies Reserves have a vital match against the fourth placed Labrador at Labrador on Saturday. The Pies trail the Tigers by one game and percentage and a win in this fixture would get the Pies on level terms and in a position to continue a strong run toward a finals appearance. 

The Pies are walking a tightrope and a loss in this match does not end their finals hopes but means there is no more wriggle room and also have to rely on other results going their way.

The Pies have made 7 changes to last weeks team, all of them forced as they lose 4 to the Seniors and three to illness and injury.

To the Seniors go Lachie Dennis and Sam Parker for reward for consistent good form, Jack Austin who had a good game last week to fill a key forward position and Brenton Saunders earns a recall after a two goal performance last week.  Gareth Crawford is nursing a sore knee, Zach Collison is ill and Gabe McKinnon has a broken finger. 

The big ins are ruckmen Gerard Moore and Nathan Congram who will both also push forward, experienced half back Peter Kilroy and young midfielder Sam DeNys returns after his fill of a big AFL match in Melbourne last week.

Also coming in are three exciting Colts players in Queensland Under 17 representative Sean Ryan, classy midfielder Zane Lovell and strong defender Chris Moloney. Young Colts player Jordan Bonney also keeps his spot in the back pocket. 

Ryan is a classy rover with pace to burn, Lovell is clean in the clinches and Moloney reads the play well across half back. 

The Vine brothers Monty and Kurt have been in good form and Chris Hunt and Harry Marshall have led a solid defence

Coach Des Lashman has seen the error of his ways and moved Sean McEvoy to the back pocket where he does his best work and he will bolster the last line of defence. 

Despite the change in personnel, the Pies still have a strong side and will be keen to continue the charge towards a finals berth against a side they should have defeated earlier in the season.

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies Reserves v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday August 4th, at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Sean McEvoy (vc) Harry Marshall Jordan Bonney

HB: Kurt Vine Chris Hunt  Peter Kilroy

C:  Sean Mewing (Capt) Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF: Matt Mazarolle Jeremy DeRooy  Val Pope  

F:  Sempitake Kwizera Nathan Congram Zane Lovell

Foll: Gerard Moore Tristan Dowdy Sam DeNys

I/C:   Rory Johnson, Sean Ryan, Monty Vine, Chris Moloney

 In: Peter Kilroy, Gerard Moore, Sam DeNys, Nathan Congram, Sean Ryan, Chris Moloney, Zane Lovell

Out: Brenton Saunders, Lachie Dennis, Sam Parker, Jack Austin (all Firsts), Gareth Crawford (knee), Zach Collison (ill),  Gabe McKinnon (Finger)

Fitter Futures - Colts Match Preview

EIGHT CHANGES TO COLTS FOR TIGERS CLASH

The Western Magpies Colts will clash with the sixth placed Labrador on Saturday morning with 8 changes to last week’s winning combination. It says something for the Pies’ depth that they will still field a strong team.

Sean Ryan, Zane Lovell and Chris Moloney were all selected for the Reserves while speedster Bruce Reville has family commitments, Dan Edwards is recovering from concussion and Cam Ferguson, Sam Mehari and Ryan Cherry are all rested with a few niggles.

Included in the ins are exciting young Under 16 Queensland State player Darcy Prest while Oscar Prior slots into CHB and Abdullah Haddad goes to a half forward flank to provide the pace that Reville and Mehari gave to the Pies. Mitchel O’Dea slots into CHF and Harry Keenan returns to give Samson Ryan and hand in the ruck. Tom Slatter and Cooper Crowell also come in after working hard on the training track and Ned Short comes in for his first Colts game.

The Pies look strong with Samson Ryan in ruck and Jacob Sheath and Aiden D’Rosa in midfield joined by Chris Jenkins and with Finn Collison a target up forward and Haddad, Jayden Johnson and Crowell at ground level providing the scoring options.  

Whitlam Bishop, Charlie Thorpe and Jacob Aurich have all been in good form in defence and should be able to keep the Tiger forwards under control.

The Pies won their Round 9 encounter by 73 point but this will be a tighter contest and the Pies cannot afford any slip up as they chase a top of the ladder finish and a week off in the first week of the finals. 

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies Colts v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday August 4th at 9.30am

B:    Jacob Aurich  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Tom Slatter         

HB:  Charlie Thorpe  Oscar Prior Ethan Sivijs

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Jacob Sheath  Deng Arok

HF:  Jayden Johnson  Mitchell O’Dea  Abdullah Haddad

F: Harry Keenan  Finn Collison Cooper Crowell

Rucks:  Samson Ryan Noah Resuggan (Capt) Chris Jenkins  

I/C:  Aiden D’Rosa, Lachlan Pearson , Edward Short , Darcy Prest

In: Tom Slatter, Abdullah Haddad, Mitchell O’Dea, Oscar Prior, Cooper Crowell, Edward Short, Darcy Prest, Harry Keenan

Out: Sean Ryan, Chris Moloney, Zane Lovell (all Reserves), Bruce Reville (unavailable), Dan Edwards (concussion), Cameron Ferguson, Ryan Cherry, Sam Mehari (all injured)  

McCarthy Homes Milestone - 100 of the best from Doc Davis

DOC DAVIS RIGHT AT HOME AT THE BERG IN A 100 SENIOR GAMES

Matthew "Doc" Davis says he is right at home at Chelmer as he celebrates his 100th Senior match for the Magpies when they take on Labrador on the coast on Saturday.

As Doc recalls it, there are four events that made him know that the Western Magpies and the "Berg" was his real home.

He said he was welcomed with open arms when he moved across as a 15 year old in 2005. 

When he was selected in the Queensland Under 18 team in 2007, he was required/forced to play for a QAFL club and had to move to Mt Gravatt.  A common theme that robbed the Magpies of talent regularly in that era!  He then headed south to the VFL with Coburg in 2008 and on returning from Coburg to Brisbane in 2009 he was pushed to join Aspley by the powers that be at AFLQ (despite playing in the same competition as the Magpies) and he says playing against the Magpies for the first time that year was the hardest thing he has done in football. When he decided to return to the Nest in 2014 he says it was one of the happiest days in his life and he says he still loves it at the Magpies as can be seen when he does his little cameos for Magpies TV with his mate Bryce Crossley.

Doc was a member of the Magpies Colts team that won the Premiership in 2005 under Alan Hagley but there was only one problem--he missed the Grand Final with a broken arm.

He graduated to the Seniors in 2006 under Paul Grentell and was in the Pies' Premiership team as a 16 year old when they defeated Noosa at Carrara. He injured an ankle early and spent a bit of time on the bench but he says he can still remember every moment like it was yesterday and cherishes every one of them. He says he has not had much luck with finals!! In his early years he was a high leaping forward and entertained the Chelmer faithful with some hangers in his youth--he laments the fact the a few extra kilos now means he is flat out getting off the ground anymore!! 

He played for Queensland Under 18s in 2007 and acquitted himself so well he attracted the interest of Richmond and moved south in 2008 and did the pre-season with the Tigers and although not a listed player he trained with them throughout the season under Terry Wallace and was a full time footballer as he was on a retainer from Richmond. He played most of the year at Richmond Reserves club Coburg in the VFL under Jade Rawlings, who he rated highly. He also got on well with Wallace. 

The Tigers let him go in 2009 and he returned to Brisbane and was pushed to join Aspley where he played for 5 years, 2 in the QAFL and 3 in the NEAFL. He says he did not sleep in the week before his first match against the Magpies (the Pies and Aspley were both promoted to the QAFL in 2009) and was warned before the match by Pies coach Paul Grentell that he better not forget his mouth guard!! He says he was pummelled a bit in the game and David "Hammers" Hamill knocked him over several times and suggested he would be lucky to get off the ground alive!! He managed to survive the ordeal and continued at Aspley for another 4 years-- he says it was OK but he suggested they were still not the most enjoyable years. 

Doc rejoined the Pies in 2014 and as he says he was immediately at home and loving football again. He had a good season in 2014 and was on fire on a half back flank in 2015 under Glenn Humphrey until he badly sprained his ankle with 6 games to go. He struggled to overcome the injury, which likely cost him a Bill Peirce Medal as he was leading the count when he was injured.  He was still good enough to named on a back flank in the QAFL Team of the Year in 2015. 

He has been an integral part of the Pies line up in the past few seasons and after a number of years on a back flank he has moved to the wing where his strong marking has proved a channel out of defence for the Pies.

The Doc has also decided on a change of career and is studying to be a primary school teacher which he does full time but also gets on the tools in his trade as a carpenter. So if he is bit tired at training give him a bit of slack as he is having some big days studying and also on the tools.

When asked who were the best players he played with and against he nominated only one player to fill both –Val Pope. “I played a lot of footy with Popey and he’s never had a bad game. I unfortunately played on him one day at Aspley and he kicked 6 goals on me, but I don’t talk about that game too often. After breaking my arm a few weeks out from winning the Under 18s Grand Final, Val gave me his medal during the celebrations which is something I will never forget. I’d probably give it back to him if it wasn’t for the 6 goals he kicked on me!”.

There are many people I could thank over the journey but I can narrow it down to a few. Those who know me know I am a committed Christian and acknowledge God where I can. Mum and Dad have been the biggest contributors and have been there for the celebrations as well as the down times footy can bring. Dad grew up as a fairly  passionate Port Adelaide local and AFL has always been in my blood, that is why I play AFL and love it. Paul Grentell had faith in me at a young age , introducing me to Senior football at 16 years old and playing me in a winning Grand Final which is one of the reasons I love this footy club so much. Recently, Brydan Morgan has re-invigorated my love for the game. He has changed the way I play footy and he coaches a style of footy I really enjoy and relate to, while being a good mate off the paddock as well.”

Congratulations to “The Doctor” on a career well played and he is deserving of all the accolades he receives on his 100th Senior match for the Magpies and in reality he has likely played over 200 matches in Senior football over the journey, which shows his resilience and toughness. He reckons another flag is not too much to ask and he thinks if the Pies make the finals they can go all the way.

Gut Feelings XI - a collection of deep thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest!

• 3 out of 4 ain't bad with the Seniors, Reserves and Colts all having comfortable wins over old rival Wilston Grange with the QFA ladder leaders The Woodsmen losing to their great rivals Zillmere in a flat performance on Friday night, perhaps a symptom of knowing they are almost guaranteed top spot
• The Colts are clear second on the ladder and The Woodsmen still hold first spot with 2 rounds left.
• The Seniors and Reserves are both one game outside the five but are playing well enough to push for a finals spot
• The Seniors had an ugly win in a scrappy match which did not reach great heights and you could be forgiven for thinking the Pies played poorly, but in fact Grange played a negative brand of football designed purely to limit the margin of defeat
• A win is a win and the 4 points keep the Pies in the finals race. Grange coach Nathan Clarke, who also coached the Pies in 2016, played 2 players behind the ball from the first bounce and keep it a tough, tight contest. Pies coach Brydan Morgan decided to man them up so it was crowded Pies forward line. Morgan asked his players to "navigate" through the congestion and they managed to do it often enough to record a solid 40 point victory.
• Jack Goodall again starred and he can play back, forward, ruck and now on a wing! Goodall first played with the Pies 5 years ago after he joined Redland and was drafted to the Pies when not selected in the NEAFL team. Jack was a shy boy from Mackay and he would even admit he struggled to fit in at the Pies --after all it was not his choice to play at Chelmer. But over the years Jack has become a fine player and a valued teammate and is enjoying his time with the Pies. 
• Redland teammate Liam Dwyer is another who has fitted in to the Pies and enjoys playing in the black and white. One thing about Liam is that he gives everything he has got  and he works hard whether up forward or in the ruck. He was the Magpies best forward against Grange with three goals and also played well when he had a run in the ruck. Big stretch always looks like he is enjoying himself.
• The BG Award is a much prized award for the Magpies and is awarded to the player who puts his body on the line, gives his all for his teammates and shows "Courage and Commitment", just like Brett Gwyther, who the award is named after. BG thought nothing of backing into the pack, taking on players much bigger than himself and was as tough as they come. He played in the 2006 premiership and was the fittest player in the preseason in late 2006 when he fell ill and he passed away in early 2007 with cancer. His passing shattered the club and in his honour the BG Award was commenced. The club regard this so highly there is an honour board for the BG Award and an image of BG is featured at the end of the Sportsmens Bar at the club.  
• Jake De Winter was held to 2 goals on the weekend to take his tally to 38 goals but closed on leader in ex Magpie Matt Fowler on 40 goals. 
• The Reserves had a good win and while the team has a sprinkling of seasoned campaigners it was the youngsters who led the way in the win over Grange. Young speedster Sam Parker was in scintillating form and used his pace to create havoc up forward for the Pies and he finished with 4 goals. Monty Vine has found it difficult to establish a permanent place in the side but in the absence of 2 regular ruckman Monty lifted and rucked for most of the match in a lion-hearted effort to be a key player in the victory.  Monty's brother Kurt has had several good matches in a row playing across half back. He is not afraid to leave his man to get to a contest and he has developed into a reliable rebounding defender.
• The Colts were very impressive in their 31 point win over the Gorillas. Under the lights in front of a good crowd, the Pies were on fire early with clean use of the ball to quickly open up a 4 goal lead. The Colts use of handball in close and then to spread the ball was first class. It was the Pies fleet footed brigade who did the damage with Sam Mehari, Bruce Reville, Sean Ryan and Dan Edwards leading the way. Big forwards Cam Ferguson and Finn Collison were not at their best but they bring the ball to ground to give their smaller teammates opportunities. 
• Colts are second on percentage but with ladder leaders Broadbeach only having 2 more matches to the Pies 3,  the Magpies have every opportunity to finish on top of the ladder. 
• The Pies Bruce Reville and Samson Ryan are in the Queensland in Qld Under 17 team to play Country Victoria next weekend at Ikon Park (Princes Park, Carlton). Both were good players for the Pies Colts in their strong win over fellow finals contender Wilston Grange last week
• The Club will celebrate the 50th year of Senior football with Sherwood fielding its first Senior team in 1968. 
• 2018 is also the 20th year of the Western Magpies ,which was formed in 1999 with current Reserves coach Des Lashman the inaugural Western Magpies coach. The 50th will be celebrated when the Pies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday August 18th. All past players and officials are invited to Chelmer to watch the Magpies in action, with the Reserves starting at 11.30 am.
• The celebrations will commence at 6.00 pm in the Sports Bar area and will cost $25 per head for finger food. There will be a couple of speeches and then all attendees can then mingle and reminisce to their hearts content. 
• To celebrate the 50th, the club has a commemorative guernsey with every player and coach of the club to play one match in either the Seniors, Reserves , Thirds and/or Woodsmen. There are 980 names on the guernsey and it will be worn by both the Seniors and Reserves in their matches and will be available for sale for $100. If demand is great enough more guernseys with preferred numbers can be ordered. 

• More information about ordering your guernsey and RSVP will be posted on the club's website and facebook page in coming days.   

MCCARTHY HOMES QAFL MATCH REVIEW - PIES POCKET AN UGLY 4 POINTS

The Western Magpies have had a hard fought 40 point win over Wilston Grange to close the gap on the QAFL top five. The final score at McCarthy Homes Oval 14.8-92 to 7.10-52 in what was a dull affair.

The match never reached great heights and was a congested slog as Wilston Grange played 2 extra players in defence to limit the Pies scoring and the home team found it hard to get space up forward against a negative opponent.

However to paraphrase Steve Waugh "a bad win is much better than a good loss!".

The Gorillas certainly came to play and had the Pies on the back foot in the first quarter booting 3 early goals to have a 14 point lead mid way through the quarter, as the Pies took time to re-adjust against an 8-9 man defence and a midfield intent on the man, not the footy.

The Magpies then settled and through hard work from Ryan Harwood, Liam Dwyer and Captain Drew Mitchell, the Pies wrested back control to take quarter time lead.

The second quarter was an arm wrestle but then the Pies booted late goals to have a 4 goal half time lead, highlighted by defender Luca Winton slotting his first goal for the Pies. Coach Brydan Morgan asked his players at half time to think through the Grange defensive crowd and to "navigate their way goalwards".  It was also important to maintain discipline and not get sucked into the off the ball niggle against an opponent with nothing to play for.

The Pies then did what good sides do and dominated early in the third quarter with a further three goals to have a 7 goal  buffer by midway through the third quarter. The Pies could not extend their lead and settled for a hard fought 40 point win, ugly but successful.

David Lewis and Luca Winton continued their good partnership to control across half back and Liam Dwyer worked hard all game whether across half forward or in ruck. He lead hard when at CHF and was rewarded with 3 goals. 

Aaron Highlands started at centre half back but was a fine player when moved into the ruck and Jack Goodall was played well whether on a wing, across half forward or when in defence for a period. His marking  and non stop work was a highlight. 

Midfielders Ryan Harwood, skipper Drew Mitchell and Ben Jaenke-Cain were also busy in a tough midfield battle. 

The Pies turn their attention to Labrador on the coast next Saturday and must be tuned in to prevent an upset which would derail their season. Despite being one game outside the five, the Pies could easily still finish in third place but any slips could also see them miss out on the finals, such is the logjam from 3-6 on the ladder.

Western Magpies   4.2-26   8.4-52  11.7-73  14.8-92

defeated

Wilston Grange      3.3-21   4.5-29   5.8-38   7.10- 52

Best: D. Lewis, L. Winton, L. Dwyer, B. Jaenke-Cain, D. Mitchell, J. Goodall

Goals: L. Dwyer 3, J. De Winter 2, R. Harwood, L. Winton, T. Ielasi, R. Easton, S. Copland, K. Reed, D. Adkins, D. Mitchell, L. Woods
 

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES STILL IN FINALS RACE AFTER ANOTHER STRONG WIN

As expected the Pies Reserves proved too strong for the eighth placed Wilston Grange with a 45 point victory, winning 16.12- 108 to 10.3-63.

The Pies started strongly despite the late withdrawals of Peter Kilroy-- with soreness and Logan Murray with illness. Their places were filled by club stalwart Gabe McKinnon, who had played for the Woodsmen on Friday night, and young Colts utility Jordan Bonney.

With young livewire forward Sam Parker creating spark across half forward and Jack Austin looking dangerous in the air the Pies were able to boot goals regularly to establish a good early lead which they consolidated throughout the match. 

Monty Vine was asked to ruck all game and he did a great job to be the Pies best player and midfielder Lachie Dennis continued his good recent form to be a ball magnet, while Rory Johnson also found plenty of the ball as he continues his improvement each game since returning from injury.  

Kurt Vine was solid across half back with good reading of the play and Tristan Dowdy mopped up well in the last line of defence. 

The Pies must keep winning to keep their finals hopes alive and they should have defeated their next opponent Labrador earlier in the season. The Tigers will be a challenge but the Pies now have the side to continue their winning streak.

Western Magpies 4.4-28 | 7.5-47 | 11.8-74 | 16.12-108

defeated

Wilston Grange 0.0 | 4.0-24 | 6.3-39 | 10.3-63

Best: M. Vine, S. Parker, L. Dennis, T. Dowdy, R. Johnson, K. Vine

Goals: S. Parker 4, J. Austin 3, J. DeRooy 2, B. Saunders 2, L. Dennis, S. Kwizera, R. Johnson, M. Mazerolle, G. Crawford
 

Arabon Financial - Colts Match Review

COLTS CONSOLIDATE SECOND ON LADDER

The Western Magpies Colts consolidated in second place on the QAFL ladder when they comfortably disposed of the third placed Wilston Grange on Saturday evening at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer. 

The Pies were on song from the first bounce , kicking 5 first quarter goals to establish a good early lead which was never really challenged by the Gorillas. The only negative was the Pies poor kicking for goal after quarter time as they won 9.17-71 to 6.4-40, kicking 4.12 after 1/4 time.

The Pies impressed with their ball use except in front of goal. They moved the ball quickly by hand and foot and their use of handball in close then to spread the ball was impressive.  Of particular note was their ability to lower their eyes and find shorter targets when available, whilst finding the talls on the move or one out with a kick to advantage.

The Pies mosquito fleet of Ritti Batilimoyo, Sean Ryan, Dan Edwards, Bruce Reville and Sam Mehari created plenty of havoc and opened up space for the Pies. Midfielder Zane Lovell continued his recent good form and defenders Aiden D'Roza and Chris Moloney held the Grange forwards in check. Ryan Cherry had plenty of the ball in midfield to also continue his recent good run of form and ruckman Samson Ryan again had a good game. .

The Pies are now in the box seat to finish on top of the ladder if they hold their current form and win their remaining matches.

Western Magpies 5.5-35 | 6.12-48 |8.14-62 | 9.17-71

defeated

Wilston Grange 1.3-9 | 5.3-33 | 5.4-34 | 6.4-40

WESTERN MAGPIES

Best: Z. Lovell, A. D'Roza, R. Cherry, S. Ryan, C. Moloney

Goals: S. Ryan 2, R. Batilimoyo 2, D. Edwards, C. Ferguson, F. Collison, S. Ryan, L. Pearson
 

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIE FORM BUILDING FOR MUST WIN MATCH

The Western Magpies take on Wilston Grange in a cross town battle when the two rivals clash in QAFL Round 15 at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Magpies haven't played a bad game all year, but find themselves 5 wins and 6 losses and sitting 6th on the ladder thanks largely due to an inability to win the close ones, with the average losing margin just 13 points this year and in 2017/18 the team is 0-7 in games decided by 15 points or less.

While stats like that can look disappointing, the tide inevitably turns and the Magpies will be on the right side of the ledger in some big games!

The Magpies welcome back Doug Lawrence from Aspley, Sam Copland from Redland and Brady Allen from injury. Ironically Lawrence and Copland opposed each other last week in the NEAFL.

Out are Anthony Corrie to suspension while Brodie Easton and Brenton Saunders go back to the Reserves.

Copland is a straight swap for Corrie and with the in form Jake de Winter forms a potent two pronged attack. Jack Goodall has been named in defence but with Allen and Lawrence coming into the side he may find himself more forward after a three goal effort last week.

Ryan Harwood has been a stand out in recent matches and Drew Mitchell has been consistent ball winner in the last few weeks. Luke Mitchell has provided run and carry out of defence to give the Pies some spark, Tom Ielasi was back to his best after a lay-off and Riley Easton has been sensational with his defensive work in midfield and up forward.

Coach Brydan Morgan knows his side is on a knife edge on the win-loss column and the Pies cannot afford any slip ups. They will need to be on song to deflect the expected Gorillas challenge and if form and ladder positions is any guide the Pies should be able to safely pocket the four points.   

QAFL Round 15: Western Magpies v Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, July 28th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Doug Lawrence Jack Goodall  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Aaron Highlands Matt Davis

C:   Ben Jaenke-Cain Jono Macanawai Luke Mitchell

HF:  Jake De Winter Liam Dwyer Brady Allen

F:   Kale Reed  Sam Copland  Riley Easton

Ruck:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt) Ryan Harwood

I/C:  Will Fletcher,  Aaron Maricic, Tom Ielasi, Lachlan Woods

In: Doug Lawrence, Sam Copland, Brady Allen

Out: Brodie Easton, Brenton Saunders (both Reserves), Anthony Corrie (suspended) 

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Colts Match Preview

COLTS IN ANOTHER CRUCIAL TWILIGHT MATCH

The Western Magpies Colts sit second on the ladder on equal points with the ladder leaders and they have another battle for top spot when they host third placed Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday evening.

The Pies were good in disposing of another finals contender in PBC last week and will be keen to further enhance their premiership credentials against another contender.

The Pies welcome back a couple of speedsters in Sam Mehari and Ritti Batilimoyo and classy midfielder Jacob Sheath returns to bolster the engine room.

With Finn Collison in season best form last week with 7 goals and Cam Ferguson also doing his bit at CHF the Pies have some big forward targets and if the ball hits the ground then Mehari, Lachlan Pearson (4 goals last week)  and Queensland Under 17 representatives Bruce Reville and Sean Ryan can be dangerous.

Samson Ryan is a fine ruckman who will give Zane Lovell, Dan Edwards and Sheath plenty of chances to drive the Pies forward and the defence headed by Whitlam Bishop, Chris Moloney and the returning Charlie Thorpe  has been rock solid in most matches this year.

The Magpies will be challenged by the Gorillas and there was not much in their first clash this year, so expect a hard fought contest.

QAFL Round 15: Western Magpies Colts v Wilston Grange McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday July 28th at 9.30am

B:    Chris Jenkins (vc)  Chris Moloney  Aiden D'Roza         

HB:  Charlie Thorpe  Whitlam Bishop (vc)  Ethan Sivijs

C:  Ritti Batilimoyo  Zane Lovell  Dan Edwards

HF:  Bruce Reville  Cam Ferguson Sean Ryan

F:  Noah Resuggan (Capt)  Finn Collison Sam Mehari

Rucks:  Samson Ryan Jacob Sheath Ryan Cherry  

I/C:  Lachlan Pearson , Deng Arok, Jayden Johnson, Jacob Aurich

In: Charlie Thorpe, Ritti Batilimoyo, Sam Mehari, Jacob Sheath

Out: Harry Keenan, Tom Slatter, Cooper Crowell, Abdullah Haddad

Sci-Fleet - Reserves Match Preview

The Western Magpies Reserves again look strong coming up against Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer today. The Magpies will be looking to maintain their momentum and will be looking to keep their season alive with another win to underline their good form.

The Pies in and out ledger is probably balanced out with big men Gerard Moore and Nathan Congram both missing with work commitments and midfielder Sam Denys unavailable. 

In are Brodie Easton and Brenton Saunders from the Seniors and forwards Jeremy DeRooy and Matt Mazarolle, both back in after being unavailable last week.

The Pies should win the midfield battles with Easton joining Logan Murray, Gareth Crawford and Lachie Dennis to form a high class foursome.  

Jack Austin and DeRooy provide the forward targets with the dangerous Val Pope and Saunders to prove troublesome for the Gorilla defenders.

Harry Marshall has returned to form and Kurt Vine's  attack on the football last week was superb and Peter Kilroy was, well, Peter Kilroy.

Coach Des Lashman will be stressing the need for another good start but also to win the third quarter, an area the Pies have struggled with this season. 

Again, the Pies will need to be switched on from the first bounce to ensure they put the Gorillas challenge to bed early and win to keep in touch with the top five.  

QAFL Round 15: Western Magpies Reserves v Wilson Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday July 28th at 11.30 am. 
 

B:  Kurt Vine Harry Marshall Sam Hartog

HB: Zach Collison  Chris Hunt  Peter Kilroy

C:  Sean Mewing (Capt) Brodie Easton  Sean McEvoy (vc) 

HF:   Val Pope Jack Austin Brenton Saunders

F:  Sempitake Kwizera Jeremy DeRooy Sam Parker

Rucks: Monty Vine Logan Murray Gareth Crawford

I/C:  Tristan Dowdy, Matt Mazarolle, Lachie Dennis, Rory Johnson

REGIS AGED CARE GUT FEELINGS XI - A COLLECTION OF DEEP THOUGHTS FROM INFLUENTIAL MINDS DEEP INSIDE THE NEST

• Three out of four ain’t bad but the crucial loss was in the Seniors, who went down by 4 points to the ladder leaders Palm Beach-Currumbin. It was a match the Pies could have won but they after a good early lead before PBC took control, however with PBC reduced to 18 men for the final quarter the Pies had a chance to pinch it and fell short by a single kick.
• Form this year suggests any of the top 6 are good enough, but you have to get there first and be part of the top 5!
• The run home of the top six clubs is listed below. The Pies are the only club not to have a bye so have an opportunity to claw back 4 points on the other clubs and then it comes down to just winning games of footy.  The final amtch of the year vs Surfers could be for a double chance, or it could be for 5th spot.  Only time will tell!

PBC--44 pts-- Broadbeach (h), bye, Surfers (h), Grange (h), Mt Gravatt (h)

Broadbeach-- 36 pts-- PBC (a), Sandgate (h), Grange (a), bye, Labrador (h). 

Mt Gravatt--32 pts-- Sandgate (a), Morningside (h), bye, Surfers (h), PBC (a)

Surfers Paradise--28 pts-- bye, Grange (a), PBC (a) Mt Gravatt (a), Magpies (h)

Morningside--28 pts-- bye, Mt Gravatt (a), Magpies (h), Labrador (a), Sandgate (a)

Magpies-- 20 pts-- Grange (h), Labrador (a) Morningside (a), Sandgate (h) Surfers (a)

• The match against PBC was held up for 30 minutes in the third quarter when a young Lion player suffered a severe concussion in a collision. The medical staff of both clubs were fantastic in the management of the player as his injuries were such that they decided to wait for an ambulance. The player was transported to PAH and was allowed to leave then next day after being admitted for observation overnight and cleared of any spinal injuries.
• Jake De Winter is still second on the QAFL goalkicking ladder with 36 goals, trailing leader Broadbeach’s Matt Fowler on 39 goals. 
• Ryan Harwood leads the Pies Syd Guildford best player voting with 31 votes in eighth place behind leader Campbell Wearne of Morningside on 51 votes. Voting goes silent for the last 5 rounds and with 10 votes per game on offer, Harwood is not out of the running.
• On Saturday Harwood polled 6 votes with Tom Ielasi 4, and Jake De Winter 1. 
• The Reserves held on after a good first half but faltered in the third quarter before regaining their composure to claim a vital victory. The Pies Reserves have faltered several ties after half time this year and the question has to be asked what coach Des Lashman says at half time!! They are still a chance for finals but cannot afford any slip-ups, certainly once they get there - nobody will want to play them!
• The Colts disposed of fellow finals contender PBC in emphatic fashion with Finn Collison leading the way with 7 goals. The second placed Colts have another challenge on Saturday against third placed Wilston Grange, but have an embarassment of riches at their disposal talent wise, we don't envy the Colts match committee!
• The 2008 reunion was  a great success with 19 of a possible 22 players attending. The reunion was organised by 2008 premiership captain and current Woodsmen coach Chris Mihalopoulos , 2008 premiership coach Paul Grentell, and Tim McEvoy, who was a member of the leadership group in 2008. 

Standing: Quentin Johnson (Assist coach), Sean Mewing, Chris Judson, Val Pope, Matt Thompson, Todd Dunn, Jim Rozynski, Gerard Moore, Luke Scott, David Hamill, Jack Burford, Matt Vowles (2008 President) Greg Friis, Simon Mapplebeck (2008 committee), Ian Carroll, Tim McEvoy, Mark Dowley (vc).

Seated: Adam Gillespie, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Matt Skubis, Chris Mihalopoulos (Capt.)  Richard Wenham, Hayden Dowley (Assist Coach), Paul Grentell (Coach) 

Absent: Matt Fowler, Joshua Barton (Sale, Vic), Ben Heffernan-Roper

• Of the reunionees a number made a big effort to travel back to the reunion. The travellers were  Matt Thompson (Canberra), Todd Dunn (Narrabri),  Simon Mapplebeck (Middlemount), Ian Carroll (Bowral), Adam Gillespie (Paraburdoo (WA), Richard Wenham (Melbourne), Matt Skubis (Melbourne) and Jack Burford all the way from Kilcoy, 
• Of the 2008 team, those currently playing include Sean Mewing, Gerard Moore, Chris Judson, Val Pope, Tim McEvoy (occasionally), Ben Jaenke-Cain and Chris Mihalopoulos at the Magpies, Matt Fowler is at Broadbeach, Greg Friis is at Springwood, Jim Rozynski and Luke Scott travel down to Mitiamo near Bendigo in Victoria and Matt Thompson is at Ainslie in the ACT. 
• A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Life memberships to Adam Gillespie and Ben Jaenke-Cain. Adam played 179 Senior Games for the Pies and was presented his badge by club doyen Kevin Kluver. Ben recently played his 150th Senior Game and his 2008 coach Paul Grentell presented his badge.  More details on these two new life members will be published in teh coming week
• Paul Grentell spoke about the 2008 premiership and in a lighter moment said there we three things he did not think he would ever see-- Mika owning his own Real Estate business, Val pope playing Reserves and Mick Ford joining the Victoria Police. It was good to see Mick make the journey as he was the ultimate team man and he recently coached Tyrendarra near Warrnambool to a flag and is famous in country Victoria for one of the great three-quarter time sprays ever—check YouTube for a look!! 
• Paul Grentell spoke of the 2008 flag and that his players were prepared to do the small things to achieve victory. They trained 3 times per week and made sure they did all the small things to be prepared. 
• PBC that year had x2 ex-WAFL  and x3 ex-SANFL recruited players in their team but Paul had faith in his side. He believed his team were fitter and faster and would wear the Lions down the longer the game went. The huddles at the breaks were huge and he said you could feel the energy from the magpie army. With Ian Carroll in ruck with a broken cheek, Sean Mewing a broken eye socket, Todd Dunn a broken nose and Tim McEvoy shoulder busted up again, he asked for a big effort and he got it as the Pies triumphed in a classic.
• And how could the Pies lose? --Ian "Easy" Carroll consulted a fortune teller in the week leading up to the match and was told the Pies would win!! 
• Club President in 2008, Matt Vowles recalled how the PBC president, apparently not the friendliest bloke,  would give him a hard time at league meetings, suggesting the Pies should not even be in the competition and would be easy fodder for the Lions. Matt said when the siren sounded it was the sweetest of sweet victories!! 
• Warren Selvage played in 9 Sherwood premierships and spoke about the 1978 flag. He praised captain-coach Lindsay Jacob who was a born leader and as tough as they come. The Pies were a young team but were fit and stuck together off the field.  In one of the matches during the season against Mt Gravatt, the scores were disputed and the Mt Gravatt goal umpire had the Vultures winning by a point and the Sherwood goal umpire had the Pies up by a point. It was proposed the match be replayed during the week and the Pies were unanimous they would play Mt Gravatt anywhere at anytime. Mt Gravatt declined the offer and the match was awarded to Sherwood. 
• Only Des Lashman, Warren Selvage, Paul Hope, Bill Peirce and John Judson attended from the 1978 flag. Maybe the reliance on Facebook to get the message out may not reach some of the older brigade who need more old fashioned contact methods like a phone call, letter or newspaper article to be notified of events.  Or perhaps having won 9 Premierships together, the reunions are too often?!
• Father and son John and Chris Judson celebrated their respective premierships and if not mistaken may be the only father -son premiership duo at the Magpies. 

Chris  & John Judson - both Magpie Premiership players multiple times.

• The Woodsmen enjoyed a solid win against tough opponents in Jimboomba on Friday night.  Having lost their opening 3 games, the Redbacks were on a 9 match winning streak and looking to make it 10 before top placed Woodsmen knocked them off.
• Irishman Sam Banim playing for the Woodsmen has kicked at least 5 goal of the year contenders this year and just knows where the big sticks are, he can do it all at ground level with dribbles, checksides, snaps and everything in between.  His latest effort wasn't even a surprise to his teammates as he casually slotted a checkside from the boundary line much to the disbelief of the opposition and crowd.
• Due to his work as a paramedic, Banim can't commit fully to footy, but if he did - he'd be moving up the ranks pretty quickly!
• With 3 rounds to go, the Woodsmen look unassailable at the top of the QFA Ladder, so start making plans for a big home final in a months time, would be great to get the Magpie army behind the boys!

McCarthy Homes Match Review - 4 point loss a very costly 4 points!

The Western Magpies have again lost a close game, this time a 4 point loss to ladder leaders and defending Premiers Palm Beach Currumbin Lions at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer.

The 4 point loss was a costly one for the Pies as the 4 points they have missed on the ladder means it is do or die football for the remaining 5 rounds in a very even QAFL season. 

Before a supportive reunion crowd, the Magpies had them roaring as the they kicked the first 4 goals of the match in a free-wheeling opening 20 minutes. Jake De Winter had 3 of the goals by quarter time and with the Pies controlling the game it looked as if they would skip away. But as is the Pies want this season, they have failed to put their opponents away when they were well on top.

A quality opponent like PBC won't let you dominate for extended periods, but its important to stem the flow when they get on top and equally as important to cash in when you have the ascendancy yourself.  However, the Lions booted the next 7 goals and 12 of the next 13 goals throughout the second and third quarters to take a 39 point lead half way through the third quarter. 

Coach Brydan Morgan was not happy with his team's work-rate and at half time asked his players to tighten up, go more man-on-man and try to wrest control in the contested football stakes. His players responded and the Pies started to claw their way back into the contest. A sickening head injury to a PBC player halted the game for over 20 minutes while an ambulance arrived and the game was almost called off before getting back underway.  (the player in question is ok and was tended to by Magpies club Doctor, Dr. Greg Thompson) The move of Jack Goodall forward was a masterstroke as he provided a target and was able to boot 3 goals to get the Pies back into the contest. 

Trailling by 23 points at the last change and needing the first goal of the last quarter, the Pies soon found themselves 29 points down and a mountain to climb after the PBC Ruckman took possession from a throw in and kicked truly. The Lions were down to 18 fit players and played behind the ball in scenes reminiscent of the 2008 Grand Final but despite attack after attack the Pies could not repeat 2008 and were unable to reel in the ladder leaders. 

The Magpies had opportunities enough to win the game but often kicking targets were missed or the Lions were able to intercept and defuse promising Pie attacks. Decision making and basic skill errors were a problem throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and then in the last when the game was there to be one - the Pies looked almost 'gun shy' to take their chances after the error riddled previous 2 quarters.

Luke Mitchell continued his good run of form to be a solid rebounding defender while his ground level mop up work deep in defence was a highlight. Jack Goodall started at CHB but he sparked the Magpies comeback when moved the CHF.

Riley Easton harassed and harried all day for another 10 tackle game and found enough of the football as well to be named the BG Award winner for the match. Tom Ielasi slipped straight back into footy mode after a month out with a polished display and he also shut down one of the Lions key players in a good allround performance. Ryan harwood was again hard and tough in the clinches and gave the Pies plenty of drive and booted a great last quarter goal to get the Pies firing. Jake De Winter was always dangerous up forward and he got off the leash early with 3 goals and then did not get many opportunities in the second and third quarters before kicking a further 2 goals in the last quarter to have the Magpies faithful roaring encouragement.

It wasn’t enough however and the Magpies again rue another one that got away.  There is a distinct lack of killer instinct in this 2018 Magpie outfit and they need to find another level to start winning the close ones.  Nobody who watches this side play football would question their effort or desire, however a willingness to step up when the chips are down needs to be developed in the playing group to tun close losses into close wins.

PBC coach Chad Owens rated the Pies as good as any side the Lions have played this year but while that is nice to hear it does not bring the four points the Pies craved. Honourable losses are mounting but they mean nothing as far as getting to the finals are concerned. 

The Magpies can get one back on Saturday when they host Wilson Grange while many of their finals rivals have a bye. The Gorillas will be a tough challenge and a dangerous opponent in a game the Magpies cannot afford to lose.

Western Magpies 4.0-24 | 5.3-33 | 9.4-58 | 13.7-85

Palm Beach Currumbin 2.3-15 | 9.5-59 | 12.9-81 | 13.11-89

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: J. De Winter 5, J. Goodall 3, A. Corrie 2, R. Harwood, R. Easton

Best Players: J. Goodall, R. Harwood, T. Ielasi, R. Easton, L. Mitchell, J. De Winter