CFMG Capital - Reserves Elimination Final Preview

HUNT AND MURRAY KEY INS FOR PIES RESERVES IN FIRST FINAL

The Western Magpies Reserves continue their run of do-or-die matches when they contest thn QAFL Elimination Final against old rivals Palm Beach-Currumbin at Surfers Paradise on Sunday. 

The Pies won 6 of their past 7 matches but due to a slow start to the season it was still up in the air if they would qualify for the finals until they won in the final round. The season gradually built pace throughout the year as the Pies depth is very strong, with 19 of the Reserves 22 on Sunday having Senior football experience and the 3rds playing off in a Grand Final tonight (an unable to utlise a number of players who miss out on the reserves team this weekend)

The Pies have two quality ins with vice captain and centre half back Chris Hunt returning after a missing dude to a family event last week and hard-nut midfielder Logan Murray comes back in after missing last week with a knee complaint. 

Out are Monty Vine and Tristan Dowdy, both named as emergencies. Both are nursing some sore spots and have largely been rested but both could play if there are any late withdrawals.

Hunt is a big in for coach Des Lashman as he organises the backline and ensures the defensive structure remains steady and he also takes the key opposition forward and rarely has his colours lowered. With the irrepressible Peter Kilroy on one side and Kurt Vine the other they form a sold half back line and then with Harry Marshall at fullback and Zach Collison in the pocket the Pies have a strong defensive unit that will make the Lions forwards work hard to score.

Murray adds to a strong midfield mix and with his bullocking style of play is suited to the increased intensity of finals football. The midfield looks particularly strong with Val Pope striking rare form, Lachie Dennis having a good run of high quality matches, Brodie Easton providing the link through the middle and Gareth Crawford enjoying a new lease of life and picking up a bit of zip along the way.  Add Aaron Maricic and Sam DeNys to the mix and the Pies rotations now have plenty of depth.

The ruck division also looks good with Gerard Moore turning back the clock with vintage ruckwork and Nathan Congram has been a model of consistency this year.

Up forward Jeremy DeRooy and Jack Austin provide the tall marking options and both are not afraid to hit the packs and at ground level the livewire Sam Parker and Rory Johnson have the pace and good reading of the play to create goal scoring opportunities.

The Pies have come into the finals in good form but as all know finals football is a different kettle of fish and the intensity goes up a notch and the pressure, real or imagined, can be overwhelming. How the Pies handle the pressure of the first quarter will go a long way to determining the outcome. The Pies went down narrowly to PBC in their first encounter on the coast in a match the should have won then won the easily on the return bout at Chelmer.

The Lions will be a strong unit so it will be a tough and typical finals encounter but the Pies have the side to prevail and keep the momentum going for another week.

QAFL Elimination Final: Western Magpies Reserves v Palm Beach-Currumbin  at Surfers Paradise  on Sunday, September 2nd at 11.30 am

B:  Sam DeNys Harry Marshall  Kurt Vine

HB: Zach Collison Chris Hunt (vc) Peter Kilroy

C:  Rory Johnson  Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF:  Val Pope  Jack Austin  Sean Mewing (Capt)

F:  Nathan Congram Jeremy De Rooy  Sam Parker

Rucks: Gerard Moore Aaron Maricic Gareth Crawford

I/C: Lachlan Dennis,  Matt Mazarolle, Logan Murray, Sean McEvoy

Emerg: Sempitake Kwizera, Monty Vine, Tristan Dowdy

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Woodsmen Grand Final Preview

The Woodsmen will take on Maroochydoore tonight in the QFA Friday Night Footy Grand Final in what promises to be hard fought battle.

Having met twice in the home and away season, and again in the major semi final - these 2 teams are well matched with the Woodsmen emerging victorious by 33 points in Round 5, 6 points in Round 14 and again by 6 points in the major semi final.

Fielding arguably their strongest side all year, the Woodsmen will be looking to keep a clean sheet of 4-0 in 2018 against the Roos, with one forced change to the side in Sam Banim being unavailable and replaced by Will Lloyd, while the duo of life member Gabe McKinnon and mercurial Shayne Baldwin also force their way back in after missing the first final through injury.

The Woodsmen are well rested after a weeks break, a godsend for some of the aging stars in the side, while also giving a few of the younger players a chance to recover from any niggling injuries.  With ages ranging from 19 to 39, its an eclectic mix that forms this team with a great mix of youth and experience.

Long the strength of the Woodsmen is a very stingy backline, and this week will be no different with the Woodies having a good mix of defenders able to play tall and small to counter the Roos tall forwardline, but also ready to counter attack when the chance comes.  In one pocket is Jamie Page, who plays a hard nosed defensive game, but loves to lay the foundations for attack with his run.  In the other is 'Mr Composure', Travis Young - not blessed with sublime speed, he never appears rushed, finds options via hand and foot and is superb in the air. In the key defensive posts will be Magpie stalwarts in Scotty Matthews and Gabe McKinnon, both highly experienced players who offer great footy smarts.  On one flank is the 'Minister of Defence' himself, David Jackson who at 39 plays like a 19 year old, single handedly getting the Woodies over the line in the Round 15 clash against Maroochydoore and the 2nd of the two Young brothers, Josh who is an attacking half back, brilliant in the air and not afraid to take the game on.

Across the centreline, the Woodies have the hard-working Tom Roderick, who as a first year Woodsmen has quickly become one of the more popular teammates for his supreme work ethic and team first attitude, not to mention his great skills off either foot.  On the other wing is the (former?) speedster Kiran Verma, offering plenty of chat and direction for his teammates and in the centre is the experienced Chris Judson who is an absolute wrecking ball around the contest to continually drive the Woodies forward with his unique ability to win the ball in tight.

Up forward, its a touch of class across the arc with the mercurial Shayne Baldwin on one flank, and the hard working Chris Davis on the other applying plenty of tackling pressure  to go with his pin point ball use going inside 50.  At centre half forward is the spearhead, competition leading goalkicker - Matt Hockley.  A beautiful set shot for goal, Hockley also has a strong work rate and sure hands both in the air and at ground level to be a constant threat around the goals.  Coming out of the square is the big left footer in Jason Evans, with explosive speed and strong hands he is hard to stop if the Magpies can get their delivery right, and should he bring the ball to ground he will have Ben Ness and Braydon Thomas at his feet ready to pounce.  Thomas is capable of bags of goals when he's up and going, and can also push up to the wing if needed, while Ness also forms part of the midfield rotation where he often gets leather poisoning.

Finally, the ruck division where a couple of older heads in Andrew Thomson in the ruck and Captain/Coach Chris Mihalopoulous are complimented by the superstar, Sammy Curtis.  Curtis is the king of the chase down tackle with his elite speed, but also wins the ball on the inside and outside with his clean hands and acceleration through the contest, while Mihalopoulos bodylines the footy and the experience of 300+ games sees his footy smarts play a key role at stoppages and he uses the ball beautifully. Thomson gives a good honest contest at the centre bounce, but comes into his own around the ground, usually winning plenty of ball in the back half and proving a nuisance for the opposition sitting a kick behind the play.

Starting on the bench will be the versatile Tim Green who will provide a chopout in the ruck, but can also play key position at either end of the ground.  The oldest player in the side is defender Chris La Burniy, who ironically is also probably in the best shape!  This gym junkie has great composure and can easily match up on talls or smalls thanks to his great speed, and incredible vertical leap.  Rounding out the interchange bench are Brenton Hocking, who forms part of the main midfield rotation but can easily push back or forward on the flanks as the match unfolds, while Will Lloyd will be deployed both forward and in the midfield where he can be extremely damaging around stoppages with his excellent vision and superb tackling pressure.

It promises to be a great night of footy as the Woodsmen do battle with Maroochydoore who are new to the competition after winning back to back flags in the Sunshine Coast / Wide Bay League and will be looking for the 'threepeat'.

Get down to Coorparoo to support the Woodsmen in the first Grand Final of 2018 to be contested by a side from McCarthy Homes Oval.

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - PIES SAVE WORST FOR LAST TO BOW OUT OF FINALS

The Western Magpies have saved their worst performance of the year for their biggest game of the year to date to go down to a slicker Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise.  As a result, a season that promised so much has seen the Magpies drop to sixth on the QAFL ladder and out of the finals.

It was a bitter end to what could have been a great year but the Pies paid the price for several narrow losses throughout the year, any one of which could have been the one extra victory that would have secured the double chance for the Pies. The reward for winning on Saturday would have been third place but the Magpies appeared to feel the pressure of a do-or-die game and did not bring their A game on the day, while their opposition certainly did.

The Pies fought hard but went down by 21 points, 10.9-69 to 7.6-48, which was the second largest loss for the year and the Pies lowest score for the season

After starting in energetic fashion to boot the first three goals of the match, the Pies were not able to match the Demons in the midfield and the home team were cleaner in their hand and foot skills to pick their way through the Pies defence to level the scores by quarter time. 

The second quarter was an arm wrestle and scores were level at half time but the Demons were looking more dangerous when going forward and it was only stout defence from Doug Lawrence, Brady Allen and Luke Mitchell which kept them at bay. The Pies also lamented several missed goal chances with crucial fumbles and poor execution and had they converted may have edged them in front at halftime and a different mindset going into the second half. An ankle injury to Riley Easton in the second quarter took some sting out of the Pies forward pressure and his pace was missed. 

With the match up for grabs it was the home team which dominated from the outset in the third quarter, killing the Magpies around the ball as the young Surfers ruckman did as he pleased and Surfers subsequently dominated the inside 50s. The Pies just could get the ball out of their backline and when they did the Demons loose man across half back chopped the Pies attacks off. The home team held a 20 point lead at the final change which probably flattered the Pies and with only 5 goals o the board it was going to be a big ask to win from that point. 

Coach Brydan Morgan threw caution to the wind with Doug Lawrence up forward and he did provide a target and the Pies managed to narrow the gap to 16 points and give hope to an unlikely win.  However, Surfers kicked a sealer and the match finished without much sting as the Demons were finals bound and the Pies looked to 2019.

The Pies were beaten on the inside, in the air, lost the midfield contested ball and were beaten on the outside. The clean skills of just 2 weeks ago went missing under the pressure of a finals like match and perhaps the attrition of the past 6 weeks and having to keep on winning just wore the Pies down--they certainly looked tired and sore well before the siren sounded.

Luca Winton fought hard in defence despite copping a few solid knocks and Kale Reed was  busy all game. Ben Jaenke-Cain had plenty of the ball especially in the first half, Doug Lawrence was strong in defence and kept Danny Green to 3 goals  and Liam Dwyer battled hard at CHF and then when in the ruck. 

The Pies had losses of 6, 18, 12, 18, 26, 4 and 21 points and did not win any of the close matches they contested this season. In five of the losses, the game was in the balance 25 minutes into the last quarter but the Pies could not edge in front in any of the close games. The average losing margin was just 14 points in a season that leaves many thinking 'what could have been?'

Surfers Paradise 3.2-20 | 5.3-33 | 8.7-55 | 10.9-69

defeated

Western Magpies 3.1-19 | 5.3-33 | 5.5-35 | 7.6-48

Best: B. Jaenke-Cain, L. Winton, K. Reed, L. Dwyer, D. Lawrence

Goals: J. De Winter 2, W. Johnson, K. Reed, B. Jaenke-Cain, L. Dwyer, D. Lawrence

Cross fit Disposition - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES SECURE FINALS BERTH WITH SOLID VICTORY

The Western Magpies Reserves took until the third quarter to shake off a determined Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast on Saturday to secure fifth place on the ladder and an Elimination Final clash with Palm Beach-Currumbin back at Surfers Paradise next Sunday.

The Pies were guilty of playing nervous football in the first half with overuse of the football and held a narrow 1 goal lead at half time. 

Des Lashman asked his side to play simpler football and they started to be more direct and move the ball quickly into the forward line and it opened for the Pies. Matt Mazarolle played his best game this year with strong leading and marking to boot 3 goals and Jeremy De Rooy provided a forward target, while Val Pope was clean with his skills to also boot 3 goals but also pick up plenty of possessions around the ground. 

The Pies had a more comfortable 21 point lead at three quarter time and they controlled play in the last quarter to run out 28 point victors, 13.12-90 to 9.8-62. 

Gerard Moore dominated in the ruck and his work at the stoppages was first class as well as taking some telling marks, Gareth Crawford worked hard around the clinches and was strong when the game was in the balance and Brodie Easton collected over 30 possessions in the centre. 

Sam DeNys kept the Demons small forwards quiet from a back pocket and Kurt Vine continued his good form across half back with good spoiling and tackling. Monty Vine did well in ruck and then booted 2 last quarter goals to seal the contest for the Pies and Nathan Congram was solid when moved to CHB after half time. 

It's a great achievement for the Reserves to push into the finals after a difficult start to the year, but with their form recently to win 6 of their last 7, including victories over several fellow finalists - only half the battle is won with the team determined to go deep.

Western Magpies 1.2-8 | 5.6-36 | 9.9-63 | 13.12-90

defeated

Surfers Paradise 0.1-1 | 4.6-30 | 6.6-42 | 9.8-62

Best: G. Crawford, M. Mazerolle, B. Easton, G. Moore, S. de Nys, K. Vine

Goals: V. Pope 3, M. Mazerolle 3, J. DeRooy 2, M. Vine 2, J. Austin, T. Dowdy, S. Parker
 

Fitter Futures - Colts Match Review

COLTS SECURE MINOR PREMIERSHIP IN POLISHED PERFORMANCE

The Western Magpies Colts secured the QAFL Colts minor premiership for the 2nd consecutive year with a polished 59 point victory over Surfers Paradise on Saturday. 

The Pies led from start to finish and were never troubled by the Demons, winning 13.12-90 to 4.7-31.

The Pies were good with their use of the ball and their hand and foot skills were excellent, and they also maintained composure as the 2nd half descended into a particularly physical battle that unfortunately sometimes ventured outside the spirit of the game.  As a result, in a blow to the team - Abdullah Haddad is now out for the season after suffering a broken nose and cheekbone due an unsavoury incident.

In more positive news, ruckman Samson Ryan dominated at the stoppages and was effective when resting forward to boot 3 goals. Rover Sean Ryan was busy on ball and winger Dan Edwards and ruck rover Zane Lovell contributed to the Pies midfield dominance.

Before his injury, Abdullah Haddad and Sam Mehari worried the Surfers defenders with their pace and forward pressure while Bruce Reville and Jacob Sheath were their usual polished selves. 

Finn Collison booted 4 goals despite a dislocated finger a week ago and Cam Ferguson used his height and big body to advantage. 

The Pies have another week off before they take on the winner of Saturday's Broadbeach-Palm Beach-Currumbin clash. The second semi final will be at the Salk Oval at Currumbin on Saturday week at 9am

Western Magpies 13.12-90 def Surfers Paradise 4.7- 31

WESTERN MAGPIES

Best: Samson Ryan, Dan Edwards, Zane Lovell, Sean Ryan, Abdullah Haddad, Sam MehariGoals: F. Collison 4, Samson Ryan 3, Z. Lovell 2, C. Ferguson 2, J. Johnson, A. Haddad

Anytime Fitness - Colts Match Preview

COLTS LOOK TO SECURE MINOR PREMIERSHIP

The Western Magpies Colts return to the fray after another week off when they take on the sixth placed Demons on Saturday morning. The Pies will be warm favourites to win and secure the Minor Premiership as they easily defeated Surfers in an evening fixture mid-year.

The Magpies are strengthened with the return of Queensland under 17 players Samson Ryan to ruck and half forward Bruce Reville and also welcome back Chris Jenkins from injury and Abdullah Haddad from family commitments.  

Ryan will give the midfield brigade of Jacob Sheath, Sean Ryan and Zane Lovell first use of the football and  despite the predicted wet weather the Pies big  forwards in Finn Collison and Cam Ferguson will still cause the Demons’ defence some concern.  However when the ball hits the deck, Sam Mehari, Lachlan Pearson and skippe  Noah Resuggan will be ever ready to pounce.

Down back the Pies regain Jenkins who can mop up well with Aiden d’Rosa, Charlie Thorpe  and Ethan Sivijs who all provide plenty of run out of the backline. Key defenders Whitlam Bishop and Chris Moloney have been rock solid and should keep the Demons’ key forwards under wraps.

The Pies will want a tough hit out but will be hoping for a win to lock in top spot and a week off in the first week of the finals, but that does pose its own problems for coach Jake Fuentes as the Pies will only have played 2 matches in a month.  

QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies Colts v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise on Saturday August 25th at 9.30am

B:    Chris Jenkins (vc)  Chris Moloney 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:    Noah Resuggan (Capt) Finn Collison Lachlan Pearson

Foll:  Samson Ryan Zane Lovell Sean Ryan  

I/C: Jacob Aurich,  Abdullah Haddad, Bruce Reville, Ryan Cherry

In: Chris Jenkins, Samson Ryan, Abdullah Haddad, Bruce Reville,

Out: Harrison Radcliffe, Harry Keenan, Mitchell O’Dea, Tom Slatter (all omitted)

Emerg: Harrison Radcliffe, Cooper Crowell,  Harry Keenan, Mitchell O’Dea, Tom Slatter

Place Preview - Pies look to continue recent form & secure finals place

The Western Magpies are in an Elimination Final 1 week early when they take on the sixth placed Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise in the last round of QAFL home and way football this season.

The stakes are high, as the winner can grab third on the ladder and ironically a double chance the week after a virtual elimination final, while its curtains for the vanquished.

For the Pies, who are arguably the form team of the competition, a loss would be more shattering than they can imagine given the talent and desire within the group. On the other hand, a win puts them into serious premiership contention so it cannot not be any more do or die than that. The tightness of the QAFL ladder can be seen by the fact that Surfers were beaten last week by Mt Gravatt with a kick after the siren and dropped from third to sixth on the ladder. 

To add to the intrigue a potentially wet weekend has been forecast with up to 50 mm of rain forecast for the Gold Coast on Saturday and a breeze that could gust to 20 km/hr. 

One thing in favour of the Pies in that scenario is that they have some big strong bodied midfielders who can muscle their way to win the contested ball and get the Pies going. However, it will still be the smart footballers who thrive in wet and windy conditions and the Pies have plenty of those so they will be up for the challenge.

The Pies have made 2 changes to last week's team with Brenton Saunders winning promotion from the Reserves and Jake De Winter comes back in after missing last week. In a good omen for the Pies, Saunders booted 7 majors vs Surfers on this ground last year in an amphatic win.  Out go Sam Copland (hamstring) and Aaron Maricic to the Reserves.

If it is wet the Pies have plenty of small options up forward with Riley Easton on fire recently, and Kale Reed and Saunders all potent at ground level. De Winter can also excel on the ground as well as in the air and the Pies can expect Ryan Harwood and Tom Ielasi to sneak forward as well. 

Jack Goodall and Doug Lawrence hold the key defensive posts and Lawrence with get the dangerous Demons forward Daniel Green but will have Luca Winton and David Lewis to help out while the long boot of Brady Allen can be used to break the defensive lines, especially on a wet day.    

The Pies form leading into this match has been good, but they need to bring their A game on Saturday if they are to down a tough Demons outfit. The Pies are up to their necks in a chance for a flag but they must win on Saturday to remain in contention.

QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise on Saturday, August 25th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Will Fletcher  Doug Lawrence  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Jack Goodall Brady Allen

C:   Matt Davis Lachlan Woods  Luke Mitchell

HF: Brenton Saunders Liam Dwyer Jake De Winter  

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie Riley Easton

Ruck:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt)  Ryan Harwood

I/C: Tom Ielasi, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Billy Johnson, Jono Macanawai

In: Jake De Winter, Brenton Saunders

Out: Aaron Maricic (Reserves, Sam Copland (Redland) 

Emerg: Aaron Maricic, Harry Marshall, Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis, 

One 2 One Plumbing - Reserves Match Preview

DO OR DIE FOR THE RESERVES - FINALS PLACE AT STAKE

The Western Magpies Reserves must win vs Surfers Paradise today to secure a finals berth in 2018.

The Pies appear stronger 'on paper' this week than when they lost to the Demons mid year and but more importantly, the Pies are on a roll and their form is solid.

The Pies this week welcome back skipper Sean Mewing, ruckman Nathan Congram and half forward Matt Mazarolle after a week's rest and Aaron Maricic boosts the midfield after being omitted from the senior side.

Out are Brenton Saunders to the Seniors, Logan Murray injured, Chris Hunt (unavailable) and Sempatike Kwizera (Omitted). The ins largely counteract the outs but the loss of Hunt hurts the Pies as he has controlled the key defensive position. Sean McEvoy moves to CHB and has the inform Peter Kilroy on the flank and Harry Marshall again fills another important key post.

Congram adds to the Pies ruck stocks with Gerard Moore giving the Pies first use of the football in recent matches which has enabled Val Pope, Brodie Easton and Gareth Crawford to drive the Pies forward.

Crawford should relish the potentially wet conditions and will be a key player for the Pies, while De Rooy and Austin will provide solid targets regardless and Sam Parker will be electric at ground level.

The Magpies will be primed for a big effort to make sure they win to secure a finals berth.

QAFL Round 19: Western Magpies Reserves v Surfers Paradise at Surfers Paradise  on Saturday, August 25th at 11.30 am

B:  Tristan Dowdy  Harry Marshall  Kurt Vine

HB: Zach Collison Sean McEvoy Peter Kilroy

C:  Rory Johnson  Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF:  Val Pope (vc) Jack Austin   Sean Mewing (Capt)

F:  Nathan Congram Jeremy De Rooy  Sam Parker

Foll: Gerard Moore Aaron Maricic Gareth Crawford

I/C: Lachlan Dennis,  Matt Mazarolle, Sam DeNys, Monty Vine

Emerg:  Jordan Bonney

In: Sean Mewing, Nathan Congram, Aaron Maricic, Matt Mazarolle

Out: Brenton Saunders (Firsts), Logan Murray (injured), Chris Hunt,  Sempatike Kwizera (both unavailable)

Gut Feelings XIV - Collection of deep thoughts from influential minds deep inside the nest

• If you visit the Sports Bar in the club have a look down the back where 4 new honour boards have appeared. 
• The honour boards are for "Clubman of the Year", "Seniors Most Consistent and Rookie of the Year", "Coach of the Year"  and "Club Patrons and the VFL/AFL Players" the club has produced. If you get a chance have a look as the Magpies start to fully document their history.
• The honour boards have been made possible by the work of Ink Creations and their Director Craig St John. The Selvage family also made a significant contribution last year to ensure the Honour Boards were commenced. 
• The Commemorative guernseys were worn by the players in the two victories over Sandgate. Over 50 guernseys have been sold with another 20 people expressing interest in purchasing a guernsey.
• Orders with preferred numbers will be taken up to Friday September 7th and must be paid for otherwise the requested guernsey will not be ordered. 
• Currently there are 16 guernseys available if anyone is not concerned about the number—if the Guernsey is to be framed then the number will not be seen. 
• Payment options will be put up on facebook and club websiteF early next week, apologies if you are yet to receive a reply to email enquiry
• Both the Seniors and Reserves face do or die matches this weekend  and for the Seniors a victory can have great rewards of a possible second or third place finish and the double chance. The Reserves must win but can go no higher than fourth.
• The equation is quite simple for both teams--win and go on in the finals, lose and it is Mad Monday a few weeks earlier than would have been hoped for!!
• Lachlan Woods was among the better players for the Pies in their win last week and his form since his return from injury mid-year has been right up there. He has been among the best players in the past half a dozen matches and his presence in the midfield has certainly been one of the reasons that the Pies are firing at the right end of the season. Wood-duck deserved all the accolades he received last week in his 100th Senior match for the Pies. 
• The Reserves are coming home with a wet sail but there can be no slip ups against Surfers Paradise. The Demons upset the Pies earlier in the season but have struggled since, but coach Des Lashman will have his team on guard for an ambush and hopefully there will be no upset this weekend. His team is much stronger this week than 8 weeks ago and should get the job done.
• The Colts. will be refreshed after another week off and should have too much firepower for Surfers Paradise on Saturday. A Pies win will stitch up top place on the ladder but the worry for coach Jake Fuentes should the Pies finish on top is another week off and only 2 matches in a month. I suspect that next week there will be some vigorous practice match simulation at training to keep the lads match fit.
• The Woodsmen survived a tight Second Semi Final to squeeze past the second placed Maroochydore before a good sized crowd at McCarthy Homes Oval on Friday night. 
• The Woodsmen will again take on Maroochydoore next Friday 31st August at Coorparoo after they defeated Jimboomba this evening.
• Tim Green celebrated his 100th game for the Woodsmen last week, and while many talented players have played for the Woodsmen over the years, sometimes to the frustration of the odd Senior or Reserves Coach, keen observers will tell you that 'Greeny' is one of the few that really could have cracked it at Senior level in his day had his work commitments allowed it.
• The recent form of Ryan Harwood must put him in contention for the Syd Guildford Medal for best player as judged by the QAFL coaches in each match. Harwood has been superb this season but he must have polled quite a few votes in the past 4 matches when voting has not been published to be right up there. The winner will be announced at the QAFL Grogan medal night on the Sunday after the Preliminary Final on September 16th.
  • Riley Easton will be a serious contender for the QAFL Rising Star Award after some brilliant football in the past 6 weeks. He has been a dynamo in the midfield and across half forward and his  pressure stats --if analysed-- would be off the radar. He has bounced back in a big way after doing his ACL 2 years ago as a 16 year old and has been rewarded for his determination and persistence to now be one of the first picked after being on the fringe earlier in the year. 

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - MAGPIES IN SCRAPPY WIN OVER HAWKS

The Western Magpies moved to fourth on the QAFL ladder with one round remaining after a workmanlike victory over the last placed Sandgate in front of the Pies' 50th year of senior football celebration crowd.

The scoreboard will show a 62 point victory but the Pies were made to work hard for the 4 points by a determined and far from intimidated Hawks team. The Hawks made the Pies fight for every goal in the  16.23-119 to 8.9-57 victory.

The match was played in blustery conditions which made attractive football difficult and the Hawks certainly came to play.

It was the Magpies stronger bodies and extra class that enabled them to run out comfortable victors. The Pies goal kicking accuracy again let them down highlighted by a 2.9 final term. 

Riley Easton had another good match winning plenty of football in the middle of the ground and across half forward and continually harried and harassed his Sandgate opponents into errors which resulted in turnovers. By the end of the match he was certainly a fan favourite with the celebratory crowd

Dylan Adkins played his best game for the Pies in ruck and his recent form has been improving every week leading up to this game.

Midfielders Jono Macanawai and Drew Mitchell were strong at the contest all day and provided overlap run through the middle of the ground. However, Mitchell blotted his copybook with 1.6 on the scoreboard. Ryan Harwood won plenty of hard ball gets and his pace was used to advantage to break away and set the Pies goalwards. He will go close to winning the QAFL Syd Guildford Award as his recent form has been superb. 

Luca Winton was again a tower of strength in the back half and his reading of the play and clean ball handling skills were a highlight. He and Harwood have been the recruits of the year.

Sam Copland had his third 5 goal haul for the season to be leading goal kicker on the day.  

Lachlan Woods was his usual hard at it self with several strong tackles in his 100th Senior match for the Pies. 

Despite the win the Pies face a virtual elimination final when they play Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast on Saturday. The way the ladder is, the winner may grab third place and the loser almost certainly will miss out.

The Magpies form in strong, and it is an incredibly tight and committed playing and coaching group.  With the double chance up for grabs, and the ability for all senior sides to bring home some silverware - the vibe is fantastic at McCarthy Homes Oval as we come into the game against Surfers.

Western Magpies 4.5 - 29 | 11.10 - 76 | 14.14 - 98 | 16.23 - 119

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 2.1 - 13 | 5.5 - 35 | 7.6 - 48 | 8.9 - 57

Best: Easton, Adkins, Macanawai, Harwood, Winton, D.Mitchell

Goals: Copland 5, Johnson 3, Woods, Harwood, Goodall, Easton, Corrie, Jaenke-Cain, Ielasi, D.Mitchell 1

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Review

PLANETS BEGIN TO ALIGN FOR RESERVES AS BIG WIN PUSHES THEM INTO 5

The Western Magpies Reserves have moved into fifth place on the ladder after a big win over Sandgate on Saturday.

The Pies were keen to boost their percentage to enable them to go past Morningside which they achieved but the equation is now much simpler after the Panthers went down to Labrador.

The Reserves, like the Seniors, simply have to win to secure a finals berth-- a loss and they miss out. 

The Pies won by 161 points, winning 26-22-178 to 2-5-17 and boosted their percentage from 106 to 123.8%.

The Magpies largely controlled proceedings all match.

It was the veterans who put a show, with Val Pope back to vintage form with a skip in his step as he reminded everyone of his skills and one touch football. 

Gareth Crawford returned after a two week break to win plenty of ball around ground and Gerard Moore again dominated in ruck giving vintage silver service to his on-ballers.

Peter Kilroy ranged up and down the ground to continually drive the Pies forward, while Sam De Nys was everywhere.

Brodie Easton had leather poisoning in the centre and Jeremy DeRooy finished the day with 5 goals and some strong marking late in the game. Sam Parker bobbed up with 4 goals, Jack Austin bagged 3 goals and Brenton Saunders was also in good form with 3 goals. 

The only dampener for the Pies was a knee injury to ruck-rover Logan Murray.

The Reserves will be further strengthened next week in a must win match with the return of Sean Mewing and Nathan Congram and one from the Seniors to make way for the return of Jake De Winter. This team is getting stronger and stronger and they are more than capable of four wins, all in elimination matches, to reach the Grand Final and then who knows!!!

Western Magpies.   7.6-48 | 11.11-77 |  19.16-130 | 26.22-178

Sandgate.                1.1-7  |  1.4-10 | 1.5-11 | 2.5-17

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: J. DeRooy 5, S. Parker 4, V. Pope 3, J. Austin 3, B. Saunders 3, G. Crawford 2, G. Moore 2, L. Dennis, B. Easton, P. Kilroy, R. Johnson
Best Players: V. Pope, G. Crawford, B. Easton, G. Moore, P. Kilroy, J. DeRooy

Coopers Friday Night Footy Review - Woodsmen progress to Grand Final in tight win

The Woodsmen have progressed to the QFA Friday Night Competition Grand Final with a tight 6 point victory over Maroochydoore on Friday night at McCarthy Homes Oval.

In what was a tight match, with the lead never being greater than 12 points, the Woodies recovered from a slow start to hold on for a narrow victory.

It was a frenetic opening 10 minutes with the Roos zipping the ball around, running hard and managing to camp themselves in their attacking 50 to apply pressure to a shell-shocked Woodies outfit.  The Woodsmen defenders were tackling, spoiling and defending well, but when they won control of the ball the decision making was slow and poor as they looked to kick to short contests, often waited for spare men that weren't there and turned the ball over several times with short kicks.  In the end, a goal to the Roos was the ultimate circuit breaker, finally allowing the Woodsmen to get out of their defensive 50 and settle into the game.  However, the Roos were still willing to run harder and spread and seemed to outnumber the Woodies at every contest as their flankers often pushed up to stoppages to gain control and neutralise the strong Woodies on-ball division.  The quarter time siren couldn't come quick enough and the the Woodsmen were perhaps fortunate to be down by just 8 points after struggling to control the ball for any significant period.

After some frank quarter time discussions and a reset, the Woodies came out strongly in the second quarter, missing two relatively simple set shot opportunities before kicking 3 quick goals in a 4 minute burst to take control of the game.  Hockley and Evans were proving a handful in the air, while the dangerous Banim also hit the scoreboard with some trademark crumbing work.  Ben Ness was carrying on his form from the previous week, getting a severe case of leather poisoining, Judson was typically strong in tight, while Roderick's work rate continued to be a huge plus for the Woodies as he relentlessly patrolled the wing.  Thomson and Green began to get on top in the ruck, particularly around the ground - however the Roos responded by sending their ruckman deep forward where he proved difficult to contain, managing to kick 2 quick goals inside 2 minutes to level the scores.  In a quarter where the Woodies enjoyed huge advantages in possession and field position, this could have been a killer blow - however another thrust forward and the ball landed in the dangerous hands of Banim, who once again made no mistake as he gave the Woodsmen a 6 point half-time lead.

The 3rd quarter proved to be somewhat of an arm-wrestle, with the Woodies enjoying dominance in field position but failing to create much opportunity as the Roos showed strong defensive attributes, as the ball was continually pushed forward for the Woodies.  With the Woodies talls set up down the line, the Roos repeatedly kicked to their advantage allowing the Woodies to control the ball, but unfortunately unable to influence the scoreboard too much.  Mihalopoulos on-ball was becoming influential but a series of simple skill errors continually cost the Woodsmen scoring opportunities before a rare push forward resulted in a goal against the run of play for the Roos, who were able to capitalise on a rare deep entry through their hard running and work-rate to create a much needed goal.  However, the Woodies responded almost immediately as Mihalopoulos sharked a centre tap, got it forward quickly before Davis was able to finish neatly with a checkside for the Woodies to regain a 7 point buffer going into the last break.

The final quarter started poorly for the Woodsmen, with another simple opportunity gone begging before the Roos pushed forward to kick 2 quick goals and take a decisive lead at the 10 minute mark of the final term.  However, once again the Woodsmen responded with some clean work out of the middle resulting in a mark and another goal to Evans  who was proving a handful coming out of the goalsquare, particularly as players tired and the arcs had a little more room to move for the talls.  Holding a narrow 2 point lead the Woodies again won a crucial centre clearance to get the ball forward and again Evans marked about 30 out on a slight angle with a chance to put the Woodsmen ahead by more than a straight kick.  However the resultant shank was marked next to the behind post by the ever alert Hockley, a Roos player who was eager to prevent Hockley opening up the angle encroached on the mark to put Hockley on the goal line for a certain goal and an 8 point lead.

With at least 5 players now suffering from cramp, the Woodies had to hold on for a desperate last 5 minutes.  Hockley went deep in defence, while Green and Thomson shared ruck duties with one floating across the defensive half.   The Roos pushed the ball deep forward multiple times, but couldn't really gain clean possession as the Woodies clogged up the defensive 50, forced repeat stoppages and locked the ball down.  A rushed behind gave the Woodies clean possession and the ability to reset before yet another simple skill error set hearts racing, however as the Roos pushed forward again the siren sounded with the Woodsmen holding a 6 point margin to progress to the Grand Final on Friday August 31 at Coorparoo.

Scores:

Woodsmen 0.1 - 1 | 4.3 - 27 | 5.5 - 35 | 7.6 - 48

defeated

Maroochydoore 1.3 - 9 | 3.3 - 21 | 4.4 - 28 | 6.6 - 42

Best: Ness, Thomson, Mihalopoulos, Roderick, Davis, Judson

Goals: Evans 3, Banim 2, Davis, Hockley 1

Photo Gallery

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES ON GUARD AGAINST HAWKS OUTFIT

The Western Magpies will be warm favourites when they host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer as the Pies wear their Commemorative Guernsey to celebrate 50 years of Senior Football and ex-captain Lachlan Woods 100th Senior match.  

The Pies are coming off a huge win over Morningside while Sandgate are last on the ladder with one win for the season. That said the Pies need to be on guard for an ambush as the Hawks have upended several favourites in recent seasons, defeating eventual Premiers Palm Beach in the final round last year and knocking Morningside out of finals contention the year previously, so the Magpies will be keen not to become another Hawks casualty.

As Assistant Coach Michael Nixon said last week as many of the Pies players turned their attention to the Surfers Paradise match, "it won't matter what happens against Surfers if we don't beat Sandgate". 

The Pies still look very strong with the inclusion of Matt Davis from illness and the Redlands listed pair of Sam Copland and Liam Dwyer from injury

Jake De Winter is unavailable for a wedding and Lachlan Dennis and Jack Austin were the unlucky two to be squeezed out after doing their jobs in the past 2 victories. Copland is almost a straight swap for De Winter and Dwyer is a straight swap for Austin, while Davis replaces Dennis.

The pleasing part of the Pies recent matches as been the evenness of the contribution from all players and the pressure they have applied all match. 

The backline has been miserly lately with Brady Allen, Luca Winton and David Lewis generally controlling proceedings and in recent matches Ryan Harwood as acted as a sweeper/quarterback to launch the Pies into attack from the half back line. Doug Lawrence got his mojo back last week and Jack Goodall can basically play anywhere and generally does it well.  

Jono Macanawai was another who got his mojo back last week after a number of flat performances and a week off a fortnight ago did him the world of good. Woods has been on fire in recent matches and Drew Mitchell and Ben Jaenke-Cain have been their usual consistent contributors.

Copland has several 5 goal hauls for the Pies this year and will be keen to get another handful while Riley Easton and Kale Reed have provided the forward pressure. Anthony Corrie will also look to hit the scoreboard after a strong return to the side last week. 

The Magpies cannot afford any complacency in this match and coach Brydan Morgan will have stressed to his players the need to focus on the Hawks before they can turn their attention to next week's match. And the Pies should  be eager to chair 100 gamer Lachlan Woods off the ground as a winner.

QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies v Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, August 18th at 2.00 pm.  

B: Will Fletcher  Doug Lawrence  Luca Winton

HB:  David Lewis  Jack Goodall Brady Allen

C:   Matt Davis Lachlan Woods  Luke Mitchell

HF: Aaron Maricic  Liam Dwyer Sam Copland 

F:   Kale Reed  Anthony Corrie Riley Easton

Foll:   Dylan Adkins Drew Mitchell (Capt)  Ryan Harwood

I/C: Tom Ielasi, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Billy Johnson, Jono Macanawai

In: Matthew Davis, Sam Copland, Liam Dwyer

Out: Jake De Winter (unavailable), Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis (both Reserves)

Emerg: Harry Marshall, Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis, Brenton Saunders 

Cross Fit Disposition - Reserves Match Preview

The Western Magpies Reserves must be ruthless against the winless Sandgate today at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer to keep them in the race for a final five berth. 

The Pies will start favourites but coach Des Lashman will stress the need to be hard at it all match to try to close the 15 percent gap that separates them from Morningside, both on 28 points. 

The Pies have been strengthened by the inclusion of the unlucky Lachlan Dennis and Jack Austin, both squeezed out of the Seniors by returning players, Gareth Crawford, the joint Bill Peirce Medallist of last year returns after a short holiday and lively forward Sempitake Kwizera comes back in after missing last week with illness. 

Out goes skipper Sean Mewing with family commitments, while Nathan Congram has been rested and Jordan Bonney and Matt Mazerolle have unluckily missed out, showing the enormous depth at the Magpies this year with the 3rds securing a Grand final berth last night.

Chris Hunt has been rewarded for a fine season with the captaincy for the match and he and his fellow defenders have been miserly recently.

Gerard Moore was superb in ruck last week and Val Pope returned to the form we all know he is capable of.  Dennis and Crawford boost the midfield and with Brodie Easton and Logan Murray form a powerful midfield unit and Austin gives the Pies another tall target up forward to complement the strong marking Jeremy DeRooy. 

At ground level the Pies have plenty of goalscoring potential in Sam Parker, Kwizera and Brenton Saunders.

The Pies should win well and will have one eye on the Chelmer scoreboard but the other eye will be on the Labrador v Morningside match as that game has a big bearing on the Pies' season.

QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies Reserves v Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, August 18th at 11.30 am

B:  Tristan Dowdy  Harry Marshall  Kurt Vine

HB: Zach Collison Chris Hunt (Capt) Peter Kilroy

C:  Rory Johnson  Brodie Easton  Sam Hartog

HF: Brenton Saunders Jack Austin  Val Pope (vc)  

F:  Sempatike Kwizera Jeremy De Rooy  Sam Parker

Rucks: Gerard Moore Logan Murray Gareth Crawford

I/C: Lachlan Dennis,  Sean McEvoy (Capt), Sam DeNys, Monty Vine

Emerg: Matt Mazarolle, Jordan Bonney

 In: Jack Austin, Lachlan Dennis, Gareth Crawford, Sempatike Kwizera

Out: Sean Mewing (unavailable), Nathan Congram (rested), Matt Mazarolle, Jordan Bonney (both omitted )

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

• Sherwood and the Western Magpies will celebrate 50 years of senior football this Saturday, August 18th when the Magpies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer.
• The celebrations will be semi-formal with several speeches and finger food and will commence at 6 pm in the Sports Bar at the club. Cost will be $30 per head which includes food and a drink or two.
• The club has a Commemorative Guernsey with the names of all players and coaches to have played or coached a game in Seniors, Reserves, Thirds and Woodsmen  and will be worn during the Seniors and Reserves matches. The guernseys are for sale at $100 each and can be purchased at the reunion.

• The club is in a position to order more guernseys if required.
• Ex players who are returning after many years will notice the club's new Honour boards which were erected last year. You might notice a few gaps in the record and the club hopes ex-players will recall who won what and when, especially in the Reserves and Western Warriors days. Please let Greg Thompson or Kevin Kluver know if you can fill any gaps.  
• Plenty of discussion between AFLQ and QAFL Clubs about a QAFL salary cap and revised player points system in 2019.  Labrador Tigers were quoted in the Courier Mail as being opposed to the proposed $70k cap in 2019 and $60k in 2020 but would settle for an $80k cap.  No doubt all clubs have their challenges, but as a known footy nursery - the Magpies will not be impacted
• Luca Winton might feel aggrieved from the Pies report on the club's Facebook page  of the win over Labrador as co-defender Doug Lawrence was credited with keeping Tigers star forward and ex -AFL player Bryce Retzlaff to 2 goals when in fact it was Winton who kept the big full-forward quiet. It is no surprise he did the job as Winton has been a sensational pick-up for the Pies and has not had a bad game this year.  He would be well in the mix in the Pies' Bill Peirce Medal voting.
• Well, well the practice of jumper punches and blocking well off the contest and holding off the ball, which Gut Feelings thinks is a blight on the game, has come home to roost.
• The Seniors had a grinding win against a negative opponent last week and unfortunately the niggle cost the Pies their young key position player Aaron Highlands who was reported for striking. Vision shows a forceful push during the mid second quarter push and shove and Highlands was offered 2 weeks with 1 week for an early guilty plea. The club decided to go to the AFLQ Tribunal but he was found guilty and then given 3 weeks!! Interesting !!!  gut Feelings can only assume there was some vision not available to the rest of us!
• Senior coach Brydan (or should that be Bryan?) Morgan was quoted in the Quest Newspapers Westside and South-West News about how even the competition is and the Pies "could finish from third to sixth, we just need to keep winning. We can finish in third and are more than capable of winning our two remaining matches.
• The Reserves remain on life support after another close win over Morningside on the weekend keeps their finals aspirations alive.  Having now beaten all other finals contenders, if they get there - nobody will want to play them!
• The Pies Colts won a tough contest against Labrador to go a game clear on top of the QAFL Colts ladder, before easily accounting for Morningside to consolidate tops spot ahead of their bye. The Colts depth was again on display as they had a number of key players out but still were able to come up with consecutive wins.
• The Magpies had a big day out last Saturday with victories in all grades on the day over Morningside. The seniors had a 101 point victory, a margin that no-one saw coming, The Reserves held on for a 4 point victory to keep their finals hopes alive and the Colts had a comfortable 44 point win to stay on top of the ladder. And to round out the weekend, the Woodsmen secured top spot on the ladder and a home Second Semi Final tomorrow night
• The Pies inflicted the worst defeat on Morningside in living memory with as comprehensive a victory as you could imagine. Panthers coach Steve Wildschutt said his side were beaten in every facet of the game and Magpies coach Brydan Morgan said he thinks his team has finally realised how good they are and what they are actually capable of when they click into gear.
• The Pies won all the stats that matter but for Morgan it was the contested football which included the defensive running, the tackling, the pressure at the contest and smothers that pleased him the most. 
• The Reserves had a narrow win that keeps their season alive, although they still need results to go their way. The Pies are still in sixth place trailing Morningside on percentage. Both clubs play cellar dweller Sandgate and the Pies have Surfers paradise while Morningside have a tough assignment at Labrador. It could be that all three clubs finish on the same points and percentage will be the decider.
• The Colts were tradesmanlike in a comfortable victory which cements them at the top of the ladder and a guaranteed rest in the first week of the finals. The Pies enjoyed getting one back on Morningside as the clubs have had a healthy rivalry at Colts level for many years and also have had many a battle over many years of junior football. 
• The Woodsmen are in the Second Semi Final in QFA Friday Night Footy after a strong win over Queensland Uni last Friday night which secured them top spot and a home semi final tomorrow night. The match commences at 7.30 pm at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer 

• The Woodsmen's Matt Hockley has kicked 50 goals to win the Division 4 goal kicking by a fair margin. Hockley has been a classy player for the Pies since crossing from Springwood 9 years in 2013. He captained Springwood as a 20 year old to underline his class and leadership abilities and played Seniors for the Pies and he still shows the way at the Woodsmen. 
• Club Legend Chris Mihalopoulous also plays for the Woodsmen and was the 2017 competition leading goalkicker, he's also joined by multiple Senior Premiership teammate Chris Judson and two current footy club Directors in President Andrew Thomson and Director Mitchell Merritt
• Gut Feelings understands it was a firey selection debate this week at the Woodsmen, showing there is depth at all levels of senior footy in 2018!
• Premiership players Val Pope, Gerard Moore and Sean Mewing turned back the clock on Saturday as all three were in magnificent form and were influential players  in the Pies win.
• Pope won plenty of contested football and has regained the form many Pies supporters recall from his heyday, Moore dominated the ruck and was a steadying influence in the tense final quarter and Mewing mopped up brilliantly across half back and on a wing then used his long left foot to devastating effect.  
• Jake de Winter booted 4 goals to go to 42 goals for the season and he now trails ex Magpie and current Broadbeach full forward Matt Fowler by 10 goals.  

McCarthy Homes Milestone - Lachlan Woods Notches 100th Senior Game

Lachlan Woods will play his 100th Senior match for the Western Magpies when the Pies host Sandgate on the weekend of the club's celebration of 50 years of Senior football.

Woods is in fine form leading into the match, being named in the best players in recent matches for his strong work in the clinches and hard ball gets. That is no surprise as                 Woodsy has been noted for his attack on the ball and ball carrier and is renowned for his ferocious tackling and fearless style of play. He throws himself at the contest with no thoughts for his own safety and that is why his teammates love him --there in no backward step in the Pies Number 27!! 

No 27 has an illustrious history at the Pies, being worn by 10 year skipper, 3 time premiership captain and 200 Senior game player Chris Mihalopoulos. Micka bequeathed the no 27 to Woodsy and he wore it proudly as a co-captain for a further 4 years from 2013 to 2016, leading the Pies to 2 finals series in that time. 

Due to work and other commitments, Woodsy had a year off senior footy in 2017 - spending the season with the Woodsmen playing about 10 games and gaining plenty of wise words from his older teammates who immediately encouraged him back to QAFL Footy in 2018.

He was able to devote more time to training this year and after a late start to the season then a foot injury, he fought his way back into the Seniors mid way through the year and now would be one of the first players penciled in at selection each week.

Woodsy started at Auskick in Gladstone at Boyne Is-Tannum Sands (BITS) as an 8 year old due to the influence of his step-father Kent Honour, who had played as a junior at Sherwood. His family moved to Brisbane as a 9 year old and it was only natural he join the Magpies and some of his coaches included Chris Fozard, Des Lashman, Chris Arnold  and Tim McEvoy. He played in an Under 12 premiership under Chris Arnold  and then played in an Under 16 Flag under Des Lashman.

He started playing some Reserves matches in 2010 under Peter McClennan and recalls his first training run for the Seniors. The players trained in club jumpers and they were hanging on the fence and players grabbed their guernsey as they ran onto the ground. He says " I grabbed the first guernsey as I did not have a number and later on I got a tap on the shoulder--I had taken No 4 and Val Pope wanted his jumper back--I quickly ripped it off and gave it to him and then had to get another guernsey. You realised quickly that you had to earn your stripes at the Magpies".

He earned his stripes pretty quickly and graduated to Seniors and  played on a half back flank in the Pies 2012 Senior premiership triumph over Palm Beach-Currumbin, by then coached by McClennan. The Pies half back line of Woods, Ed McDonnell and another youngster Conrad Hudgton was superb that day and Woodsy reckons he was best on ground in the first half!! 

His teammate in that side was Tim McEvoy, who had coached him as a junior. He rates T-Mac highly and says while he was not the flashest or best player, but he absolutely loved playing next to him. " T-Mac never let you down and I learnt so much off him as a junior then as a Senior teammate. He was and still is a mentor and a good mate on and off the ground".

Another mentor who had a major influence on him was Peter McClennan, who coached him as a young player starting out in Senior Football. "Peter was not only a football coach but he has been a life coach to me who has helped me when I started my personal training business and always had time for me in all aspects of my life". 

Paul Grentell also influenced him when he was a teenager and Craig St John showed faith in him when he was appointed co-captain of the Magpies Senior side with Gerard Moore as a 21 year old in 2013, so he has had many great role models at Chelmer. 

The Pies win over Morningside on Saturday (he was among the best players) recalls the first win the Pies had over the Panthers for many years in 2015 when he had injured his shoulder badly in the third quarter. It was a tight contest with finals on the line so coach Glenn Humphrey asked Woodsy if he was OK to go on early in the last quarter. Woodsy, despite being seriously winged, gave the only reply anyone knows he would give and that was "yes". In a masterstroke, Humphrey put him in the goal square and told him not move too far. His opponent gave him little respect as he only had one arm working and Lachlan snagged four last quarter goals to lead the Pies to a famous victory.

He says he has loved playing with his teammates over the years and it wouldn't matter if it was table tennis or soccer if he was with his mates. That said he says he is "more Black and White than you could ever know" and loves the club. 

He still stays in contact with his father Dale, who was a rugby league player but takes an interest in his games. " It was from my Dad that I suppose I developed the physicality to my game".  

His Mum Melissa has been his greatest supporter over the years and his girlfriend Kaitlyn, who is a paramedic, also has given great support. He says she has helped patch him after most matches and as all Pies supporters know there would not be one game he does not need patching up!!

He is loving his football now under Brydan Morgan and believes the flag is there for the taking--the Pies just need to win their last 2 matches to secure a finals spot. One thing is for sure-- the Magpies No 27 will leave nothing in the tank in the Pies quest for their first ever top level QAFL premiership.

Congratulations to 'Duck' on 100 Senior games, a genuine heart and soul player, a natural leader and a player the Magpie fans and players love to see pull on the #27.

SHERWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SENIOR FOOTY

Sherwood Football Club (incorporating the Western Magpies) will celebrate 50 years of Senior Football this Saturday when the Magpies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer.

The Magpies are hosting a function after the match and have designed a Commemorative Guernsey with the  names of every person to have played or coached for the Pies in all senior grades of the club. The commemorative Guernsey will be worn by the Senior and Reserves players in Saturday’s match against Sandgate. The guernsey will be available for purchase at $100 each.

Sherwood Districts Australian Football Club formed in 1956 and played junior football until it was decided that there were so many players wanting to continue to play on that it was decided to field senior teams.

Sherwood formed a team in 1968 and played in the Metropolitan league as it was known then, finishing 5th in its first season and runners up the following year.

Sherwood joined the SQAFA when it was formed in 1970 and won the Premiership that season and again in 1973.

Sherwood then went on a Golden run to win eight premierships in a row from 1975 to 1982. The Reserves competition was formed in 1972 and Sherwood also won five premierships in the SQAFA.

Some of the great players  of that era were Rob Blank, Ziggy Mateja, Gary Glazebrook, Dennis Hogan,  Warren Selvage, who played in all 8 premierships and coached 2 of them, current Reserves coach Des Lashman who played in 6 premierships,  Greg Butler, Ian Anderson, Craig St John, Grogan Medallist and 7 time club captain Bill Peirce, 100 goal full forward Alan Giffard and 3x time club Best and fairest Steve Rippon.  Among the Pies coaches were VFL legends Les Foote and John Rantall , while Queensland legend Lindsay Jacob was regarded as one of the best coaches at the club. Club doyen Kevin Kluver also coached the club for a number of years.

Sherwood then joined the QAFL in 1983 and retained their Magpie moniker after a coin toss to decide with the Southport Magpies, now known as the Southport Sharks as a result.  The Magpies did not meet the same successes and in 1988 joined the Gold Coast league for 3 years.

In 1991 Sherwood and Western Districts amalgamated to form the West Brisbane and they won the 1996 QAFL premiership.

Sherwood Football Club were again fielded as a standalone side in 1999, but were now known as The Western Magpies  and played for 2 seasons in the Sth Qld League before promotion to the QAFL. The club was competitive without making finals and after 5 years, just as they were coming good, AFLQ decided to relegate the Magpies to QAFL Division 2 despite having 2 players drafted by the Brisbane Lions (Marty Pask and Pat Garner), 1 to St Kilda (Ed McDonell) and Reserves and Colts being regular finalists, including multiple Division 1 Colts Premierships and a Reserves Premiership, showing the club was building nicely.

The Magpies won Premierships at this level in 2006 and 2008 under Paul Grentell  and 2012 under Peter McClennan. There was a 2 year stint back in the QAFLState League in 2009-10 (which was at the time equivalent to the current NEAFL level) that was unsuccessful and the Pies reluctantly returned to the Pineapple Hotel Cup on the formation of the NEAFL in 2011.

Chris Mihalopoulos has played over 300 games for the Magpies and captained  the club for ten years for three premierships (likely close to 500 if you include junior games). Other players to shine during the early years of the Western Magpies were Michael Blackmore, Dean Parkin, Matt Taylor and Scott Hedley.  

With several ex-QAFL clubs dropping out of the NEAFL in 2014, the Magpies again joined the QAFL top level and have been successful since then without adding to the premiership list. The Pies have figured in the top 3 twice in 4 completed QAFL seasons and are now holding down fifth place on the ladder in a tight 2018 season.  More recent champions have been Val Pope (three time Bill Peirce medallist), Jim Rozynski, Tim McEvoy, Ed McDonnell, Ben Heffernan-Roper, Luke Scott and 2015 Grogan Medallist Callum Carseldine.

Of the current players skipper Drew Mitchell, 150 game player Ben Jaenke-Cain, Matt Davis, Lachlan Woods and Anthony Corrie are leading the Pies charge up the QAFL ladder

The Magpies have had 11 players picked or drafted to VFL/AFL clubs. 

SHERWOOD DAFC SUMMARY  1968- 1990

1968 -- 5th Metropolitan League

1969 -- 2nd Metropolitan League

1970 -- PREMIERS SQAFA

1971 -- 3rd SQAFA

1972 -- 3rd SQAFA

1973 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Under 17s

1974 -- 3rd SQAFA

1975 -- PREMIERS SQAFA

1976 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers Reserves and Under 17s   

1977 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Thirds

1978 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves and Under 17s.  

1979 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves and Under 17s

1980 -- PREMIERS SQAFA

1981 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves and Under 17s  

1982 -- PREMIERS SQAFA, Premiers in Reserves

1983 -- 7th QAFL

1984 -- 8th QAFL

1985 -- 9th QAFL

1986 -- 5th QAFL

1987 -- 8th QAFL

1988 -- 6th Gold Coast AFL

1989 -- 5th Gold Coast AFL

1990 -- 3rd State Association

WEST BRISBANE  1991-1996

1991 –

1992--

1993 –Premiers --Under 17s

1994 –

1995. --  Premiers Under 17s

1996 -- PREMIERS QAFL, Premiers --Under 18s

1997 --

1998 –  Premiers --Under 18s

WESTERN MAGPIES AFC SUMMARY  1999-2018

1999 -- 5th QSFL

2000 -- 5th AFL Sth Qld;  Premiers Under 18s

2001 -- 9th QAFL

2002 -- 9th QAFL

2003 -- 8th QAFL; Premiers Under 18s

2004 -- 8th QAFL

2005 -- 3rd SEQAFL Div 2;  Premiers Reserves and Under 18s

2006 -- PREMIERS SEQAFL Div 1, Premiers in Reserves

2007 -- Runners Up SEQAFL Div 1; Premiers in Reserves and Thirds

2008 -- PREMIERS SEQAFL Div 1

2009 -- 12th QAFL; Premiers Woodsmen

2010 -- 12th QAFL; Premiers in Under 18s

2011 -- 3rd SEQAFL Div 1;

2012 -- PREMIERS SEQAFL Div 1

2013 -- 3rd SEQAFL Div 1

2014 -- 8th QAFL; Premiers Woodsmen

2015 -- 4th QAFL;  Premiers in Under 17s 

2016 -- 3rd QAFL 

2017 -- 6th QAFL

Significant club history was lost in the 2011 floods, so unfortunately not all records are available as a result.

MCCARTHY HOMES MATCH REVIEW - PIES SET RECORDS IN PANTHER DEMOLITION

The Western Magpies have enjoyed a day out at Jack Esplen Oval, coming home with the chocolates in all 3 grades after convincing wins in the Colts and Seniors, and a nailbiter in the Reserves. This was a return of the 'favour' from earlier in the year when the Magpies took on the Panthers in 4 grades, with only the Woodies prevailing on that occasion after the Colts played their worst game of the year, the Reserves soundly beaten and the Seniors kicking themselves out of it to go down by 18 points.

This Senior win moves the Magpies to fifth on the ladder and with a real chance to grab third place on the ladder, with the Pies being masters of their own destiny coming home in the pursuit of a double chance.

The Seniors were on song from the first bounce and blew Morningside away with an impressive first quarter.  Despite some inaccurate kicking, the Pies peppered the southern end of the ground kicking 6.8 - 44 to 0.2 - 2.  Such was the Pies dominance, they could have gone scoreless in the final 3 quarters and still enjoyed a 5 point win!

In the midfield, Dylan Adkins was competing hard against a strong 3 pronged Panther ruck division, and was ably supported by lionhearted Jack Goodall who would haven been giving away 20+ kg in a few centre bounce contests!  Up forward, the Pies relished the return of Anthony Corrie as he roamed the forwardline with great purpose, hitting the scoreboard himself and bringing teammates into the game, while Billy Johnson showed his versatility having a superb game up forward, whilst also roaming up the ground.  Johnson barely wasted a disposal in general play with several goal assists, whilst also kicking 3 himself which could have been 6 or 7 had he finished cleanly.  Reed was busy to kick 3 of his own, while De Winter again showed he knows where the big sticks are, finishing with 4 goals despite carrying a niggle and not having his usual 'zip'.

Kicking into what appeared to be a strong breeze after the Magpies first quarter demolition, the Magpies outscored the Panthers in the 2nd term to hold a 49 point half-time advantage, 10.10 to 3.3.  Interestingly, the Pies kicked an identical 2nd half score again peppering the goals to register 10.10 and finish with 20.20 - 140 to defeat the Panthers by 101 points, who finished with 5.9-39. 

Other pleasing aspects for the Pies was their dominance of inside 50s-- at half time it was 37-10 --and also despite controlling the football for a majority of the day the Pies had more tackles then the home team and had at least 10 smothers in the match. The Magpies swarmed at the contest, ran hard to space and their inside work with handball was impressive. The pressure they applied all match was suffocating for the Morningside players. Some poor finishing with missed targets and at goal were the only negatives from the victory. 

The Magpies did not have a poor player and dominated the midfield with Tom Ielasi not wasting a possession in a classy display, Lachlan Woods continually applying pressure and winning the hard ball and Jono Macanawai looked a new player after a rest last week. Ryan Harwood had leather poisoning, particulalrly marshalling the troops off half-back and Lachlan Dennis was dynamic on a wing and he reaped the rewards of a solid block of hard work in the reserves, where he worked on his game to earn a recall.

Brady Allen lost a couple of early contests, before he really put his head down and dominated his opponent for the next 3 and a half quarters, taking several intercept marks, winning one on one battles and then using the ball brilliantly from the back half to launch several attacks.  the defensive unit collectively had a day out, with winners in every position.  Luke Mitchell's run and carry from defence was also again a highlight.

The Magpies have their destiny in their own hands now as 2 wins get them in the finals and likely a double chance with a third placed finish. The Pies host Sandgate at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday in a celebration of the 50th Year of Senior Football then travel to Surfers Paradise for a crucial winner-take-all clash in the final round of the season.  While the Magpies enjoyed comfortable victories last start against both sides, there will be no way the side loses focus going into a crucial fortnight of footy.

Western Magpies                         6.8 |  10.10 | 16.17 | 20.20 - 140
Morningside                                  0.2 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 5.9 - 39

BEST: T. Ielasi, L. Woods, R. Easton, A. Corrie, J. Macanawai, L. Dennis. 

GOALS J. De Winter 4, W. Johnson 3, A. Corrie 3, K. Reed 3, J. Austin 1, A. Maricic 1, R. Easton 1, T. Ielasi 1, R. Harwood 1, J. Macanawai 1, J. Goodall 1. 

Enjoy the match replays below:

Genuine Garage Door Solutions - Reserves Review

RESERVES KEEP FINALS HOPES ALIVE IN NAIL-BITER

The Western Magpies Reserves have kept their finals hopes alive with a nail-biting 4 point victory over Morningside on Saturday. The Pies, who led by 20 points at three quarter time were unable to add to the goal tally in a tense final quarter but hung on for a victory that keeps their season alive. The Pies won 9.12-66 to .-8-62. 

After a tight first half where Morningside held the upper hand to lead by 2 goals at half time, the Pies had a superb third quarter where they booted 5 goals to take control of the match. The Pies ran in waves, tackled ferociously and won the midfield battles to get in top in a high class Reserves match.

The last quarter saw the pies miss some chances to ice the match and the Panthers were able to kick goals on the rebound to close the gap to 4 points with 5 minutes remaining. With nerves jangling, the Magpies managed to hold on for a crucial victory.

Senior premiership players in Val pope, Gerard Moore and Sean Mewing were superb and provided great leadership, especially in the tense final quarter.

Pope is getting close to his best form on ball and at half forward and Moore was the best big man on the ground by a large margin with a tireless display in the ruck, his work at around the ground stoppages of particular note as he regularly dropped it in the laps of teammates.

Mewing reminded everyone of his dashing play of years ago and he mopped up well and used his long left foot to good effect, also booting 2 goals from a wing. 

Another long serving player in Peter Kilroy continued his good form off half back and Nathan Congram also rucked well and worked hard around ground and Harry Marshall led a solid defensive unit. Brenton Saunders also had a fine game at half forward to keep his name in front of the selectors.

The Pies are still in sixth place but have two winnable matches to come and still need some results to go their way to make the finals as well as a big % boost if it comes down to that.   Having beaten every side above them on the ladder, they will be quietly confident should they sneak in, having started the year 2-6 to now be 7-7 has been a good example of how to turn a potentially lost season around.

Western Magpies    2-3-15    4-5- 29   9-9-63   9-12-66

defeated

Morningside            2-2-14     5-7-37   6-7- 43  9-8-62

Best: V. Pope, G. Moore, S. Mewing, P. Kilroy, N. Congram, H. Marshall

Goals: B. Saunders 2, S. Mewing 2, V. Pope, P. Kilroy, R. Johnson, S. Parker, M. Vine

Anytime Fitness - Colts Review

COLTS CONSOLIDATE ON TOP OF THE LADDER

The Western Magpies Colts have had a comfortable 44 point victory over Morningside on Saturday to consolidate top spot on the QAFL Colts ladder

The Pies controlled the game from the first bounce and extended their lead at every change to win 12-6-78 to 4-10-34 to make amends for their shock loss to the Panthers early in the season.

Harrison Radcliffe enjoyed his recall to the side to be a fine defender and had good support from Ethan Sivijs off half back. Jacob Sheath and Sean Ryan were on top in the midfield and Cam Ferguson provided a target up forward to boot 3 goals.   It was another great display of the Magpies depth with several key players out of the side due to representative honours, injury and other commitments.

The Magpies will now have their 5th bye this week due to Sandgates withdrawal from the competition, before taking on surfers Paradise the following week.

Western Magpies 4.1-25 | 7.3-45 | 9.6-60 | 12.6-78

defeated

Morningside 1.3-9 | 1.4-10 | 2.6-18 | 4.10-34

Best: H. Radcliffe, J. Sheath, E. Sivijs, C. Ferguson, S. Ryan, N.Resuggan

Goals: C. Ferguson 3, F. Collison 2, J. Johnson 2, H. Keenan, M. O''Dea, D. Arok, Z. Lovell, S. Mehari