Coopers Friday Night Footy Preview - Woodsmen take on Roos in Semi Final

After their quality win vs Morningside in last weeks semi final, the Woodies have named an unchanged side for the first time in club history as they prepare to take on their 2018 Grand Final opponents, Maroochydore in another knock-out final.

In a remarkable turn of events, at this stage there are no casualties from last weeks team due to work, injury, family commitments, coaching etc so an unnamed side has been named! Not a bad effort for a side that used a total of 79 players through the one side during the home & away rounds!

Having said all that, if you’re named an emergency for the Woodies, you strap the ankles and bring the boots!

Recognising the difficulty in getting up the Bruce Highway on a Friday evening, especially in the week of the ‘Ekka Flu’ - the game has been scheduled for an 8pm start, but the Woodies have been ready for this one for quite some time.

Last week there were a couple of players in Hockley and Prior who rose from their sick beds to play superb games, this week its a clean bill of health and the Woodies will have 22 fit and ready to go in enemy territory.

The engine room of Judson, Woods, DeNys, Curtis and Morrison created a potent ball winning midfield who are hard at the footy and apply plenty of tackling pressure to go with their ball winning ability. There is speed on the wings via Verma, Fuentes and potentially Banim and Davis who may push up there, while the usual miserly defence will again be functioning well without changes to the side.

Green has been in and out all year due to work commitments, but with this being his 3rd game on the trot he will be in prime form and form a quality defensive wall across half back with the likes of Young, Davis, Bilko and La Burniy, while the ever reliable Prior and Hopkins will mop up in the last line of defence.

Up front is where the real danger may lie with potent twin talls in Hockley and Evans creating aerial options and the experienced Mihalopoulous an option both in the air and at ground level. The irishman will be his usual electric self, while resting mids love to get forward for a goal.

Friday marks the 10 year anniversary to the day when the Woodies famously defeated Jimboomba in the 2009 Grand Final after the skipper Sean Toohey celebrated the early arrival of twins on the morning of the match. There are 3 surviving members of that side taking the field in Green, Thomson and Verma and they will be looking to mark the occasion with another quality win away from home.

Go Woodies!

Gut Feelings - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care

• The Seniors are back in the finals hunt but it is going to be a nerve racking Saturday afternoon with several possibilities come 5 pm.  The Magpies, Mt Gravatt and Labrador all sit on 24 points with percentage separating them . The Magpies hold down 5th place on the ladder on 96.84%,  1.1% ahead of Mt Gravatt on 95.74% but quite a long way ahead of Labrador on 82.55%. Simply put, the Pies must win over the second placed Surfers Paradise, as a loss is curtains for another year. If the Magpies win  and then if Mt Gravatt defeat Labrador then it will come down to percentage who takes 5th place. A Pies win and a Labrador win will see the Pies stay in 5th as Labrador’s percentage gap will be too great to bridge. Calculators will be at the ready and the possibility of thumb RSI is well and truly on the cards.  

• Coach Brydan Morgan has all his players fit and firing with the only players missing with injury being Drew Mitchell and Logan Murray. The pieces have fallen in place with the Pies able to play a more direct style of football, especially as the forward line looks dangerous with plenty of options in attack. Brodie Lumber is clunking them and now kicking straight, Ryan Harwood and Claye Beams are both fit and firing and enjoying booting a few goals and dual Bill Peirce Medallist Val Pope was starting to look like his dangerous self. The midfield now matches any opposition with Gerard Moore being a revelation in ruck and Samson Ryan the up and comer. 

• Though sadly the Pies look likely to lose Caleb Franks, Samson Ryan and Bruce Reville to Redland this week, sure we can cop Caleb Franks as a Redlands listed player - but the other 2 boys are on the Magpies Primary list and have been pulled from pillar to post this year playing for 6 different teams. Are they really looking after the development of young players with this sort of treatment?

• The Surfers Paradise match is a case of déjà vu as last year the winner of the last round match would make the five. Unfortunately for the Pies they were running on empty after playing a succession of virtual elimination finals in the second half of the season which took its toll and they went down. At the moment the Pies and Demons are the form teams of the competition and the home team will be playing for second place on the ladder and a home final so this match is a finals match one week early. However, unlike last year, the Pies are up and firing and all players look fit and despite the odd niggle are coming good at the right time of the season.

• Riley Easton turned back the clock to a different era with a mullet a la Bailey Smith from the Western Bulldogs and Riles as usual was in amongst it despite the new look.

• Mt Gravatt star Mick Hamill fractured the fibula in his leg in the second quarter on Saturday and it may spell the end of Mick's career.

• Mick is as close to family for the Magpies as there can be for an opposition player as he was a junior star for Sherwood and played with his cousin Pat Garner before joining his brother Will at the Vultures. He has been a true warrior for Mt Gravatt and despite his thin frame he is as tough as they come and is highly regarded in the QAFL. All at the Magpies wish Mick all the best in his recovery.  

• Gut Feelings playing days go back a bit and it was only at the end of his career that there was some inspirational music in the rooms before the match.  "Eye of the Tiger" comes to mind but on Saturday in the Pies' rooms before the match there was funky/hip hop music--not sure which-- that had the visiting Grey Magpies raise their eyebrows!

• Whatever it was it did the trick as the Pies came out firing from the first bounce to take early control of the match.

• Mitch Merritt had an omen of some sorts on Saturday when he had a magpie do his number and the droppings landed on Mitch. Now I am not sure how much of an omen it actually was--maybe if the droppings had hit a Mt Gravatt supporter it may have been an omen but whichever way you look at it the footballing Pies were all over their opponents on the field!! And Mitch took it all in his stride also running water for the senior team.

• With Barts on his Europe trip and now preparing to watch the Aussies at Lords, up stepped supporters Peter Carter and Lindsay Hampson to work the BBQ with Heathy helping out as usual.

• Peter is also a club sponsor with his law firm Carter Capner Lawyers and Lindsay was a past player at the club. They were very chuffed with their sales record, claiming to have outdone Barts and enjoyed themselves so much indicated they may get on the BBQ tools next season. 

• The Grey Magpies highlighted the career of Jim Evans on Saturday as he presented the awards for Saturday's matches. Jim won premierships as a junior and in Seniors for Sherwood and is still in good nick as he wore his Under 17 Sherwood premiership guernsey when he made the presentations to Dan Edwards in Seniors, Sam Hartog in Reserves and Whitlam Bishop in the Colts. 

• The BG Award went to skipper David Lewis who was inspirational across half back and as always displayed "Courage and Commitment".

• a reminder to check out "Magpie Chatter" No 5,  the Grey Magpies newsletter which has been posted on the Sherwood and Western Magpies Old Boys Facebook page. 

• The Woodsmen had a solid victory in Friday night's Elimination Final at McCarthy Homes Oval on Friday night over Morningside. A look at the best players list of Andrew Thomson, Jason Evans, Matt Hockley, Chris Judson , Tim Green and Kiran Verma would indicate an average age of well over 35 so not a bad effort from the mature players in the side!! You can’t buy experience!! Matt Hockley once again had the goal kicking boots on with 6 goals. 

• The Woodies travel up to Maroochydore on Friday night for an 8pm start to their First Semi Final.

•  Friday night saw a big crowd in attendance for the Woodies match which was preceded by the under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s and the under 11 girls and boys matches. and it was also a "Pies For Pies" night and it was great to see so many families enjoying the footy on a Friday night.  

•  Club President Andrew Thomson just made it for the game after the wild weather in NSW caused the cancellation of a large number of flights and Thommo had to drive from Newcastle to Sydney to get on a re-scheduled flight before a dash from the airport got him to Chelmer just in time to coach the u11s to a solid win over arch rivals Yeronga before strapping on the boots (and plenty of tape) to take on Morningside. He says he got plenty of advice from the sidelines from his young charges, with his own words ringing in his ears regularly!

•  The Reserves pushed the more fancied Mt Gravatt and had their chances to win but fell 6 points short. This was a 95 point turnaround as the Pies were defeated by 101 points in Round 1. The highlight was the late inclusion into the side of Sean McEvoy for his 200th Senior club game for the Magpies. Smack played  a handy game in defence  and he features in another story celebrating his milestone elsewhere in this forum. In typical fashion Smack also ran the water for the Seniors in another demonstration of the clubman that he is. 

• The Magpies Colts had their work cut out for them in the first half against Mt Gravatt but powered away after half time. The Colts have a big game against Surfers Sharks on Saturday morning. The Pies are in 4th position on equal points but with a large gap in percentage behind the 3rd placed Broadbeach. The Magpies must win and then hope Broadbeach go down to the 2nd placed PBC.  Surfers pose a threat to the Pies as they have been playing good football in the second half of the season.

• Good to see Alex Dickfos enjoying the footy on Saturday and catching up with his mates at the Magpies, including ex-captain Lachlan Woods, who had  handy game in the Woodies victory on Friday night. Dicko played in the Wandsworth Demons premiership in London AFL last year but came home before this year's finals. He indicated he will be back at Chelmer next year in an early boost for the Pies’ 2020 prospects. 

• Congratulations to 17 year old Riley Greene who was this week’s QAFL Rising Star nomination. Riley has had an outstanding season to date and is a key member of the Pies backline. He is fearless in his attack on the ball and contest, puts his body on the line every match and for a 17 year old his footy smarts are well developed. He shows maturity on and off the field and is just a genuinely good bloke. He can hold a conversation with young and old alike and respects everyone in the footy club and understands the rich history of the club.He has not played a bad game this season and this week’s award is for consistency across the 13 matches he has played to date. In Gut Feelings opinion he has to be right in the mix along with Dan Edwards to take the overall QAFL Rising Star Award  such has been his consistency.

• “RG” will be a key part of the Magpies impressive defensive six as they take on Surfers Paradise on Saturday and should the Pies make the finals he will be a player to watch as this year he has stepped up on the big occasions when asked.

• RG joins Dan Edwards and Jack Austin as Magpie Rising Star nominees for 2019, and Ethan Sivijs can’t be far from a nomination after an incredibly consistent season down back for the Pies. One of these boys could follow in the footsteps of Riley Easton who was the 2018 Rising Star winner, remarkably so given it was his 4th year of Senior footy!

• Only a few rounds to go in junior footy and youth footy finals have now commenced, the U12s were unlucky to be knocked out and the absence of 3 x state players off in Perth certainly doesn’t help, but congrats again to the 3 J’s, Jacob Edwards, Jack Harrison and Jack Slater who were part of a QLD side who ran 4th, defeated SA and got closer than anyone to the Victorian side. The carnival was mostly played in tough conditions, but the boys did QLD proud under the guidance of club legend Noodles McEvoy who is the U12 state coach.

McCarthy Homes Match Review - Magpies firing on all cylinders to move into 5th

The Western Magpies inflicted a 10 goal defeat on old rivals Mt Gravatt and in doing so replaced the vultures in fifth place on the QAFL ladder going into the final round.

Playing at home at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in front of a healthy crowd,  the Magpies played some of their best football for the season and were on song from the first bounce as they went on to a 19.7-121 to 9.7-61 victory which lifted the Pies' percentage above Mt Gravatt.  Much to the pleasure of regular viewers, the Pies accuracy in front of goal was finally rewarding some of their work up the ground!

Brodie Lumber was on fire early in the match (no pun intended) with his regular strong marks leading to three first quarter goals which got the Pies away to a four goal lead at quarter time. The match was played in blustery conditions which the Magpies had first use but they handled the conditions quite well throughout the match.  

Claye Beams was used across half forward and he finished with 6 goals, at one stage in the second and third quarters booting 5 goals in a row for the Pies. His partner in crime in Ryan Harwood kicked 4 goals and Val Pope snared 2 goals as well to give the Pies a functioning and potent forwardline with Lumber and Dwyer offering the tall options, Beams, Harwood and Pope some finishing class and ability at both ground level and in the air, while Reed gets busy at ground level.

Gerard Moore and Samson Ryan  in ruck blunted the very strong Vultures ruck  duo and this enabled the Pies midfield to win the ball and drive the Pies forward. Harwood. Riley Easton, Caleb Franks and 350 game player Gareth Crawford all got the Pies going in the midfield battles. 

On the wings Dan Edwards and Bruce Reville provided plenty of spark to drive the Pies goalward, with their speed burning the opposition on several occasions.

The defence was superb, with skipper David Lewis marshalling his troops brilliantly from half back taking plenty of intercept marks in the 2nd quarter when the Vultures challenged with the wind at their back,  Luca Winton shut down the dangerous full forward,  Aaron Highlands was strong at CHB and Riley Greene,Ethan Sivijs, Luke Mitchell and Brenton Saunders mopped up and they were a very solid back six. 

Greene and Sivijs must both be long overdue for a QAFL Rising Star nomination, though as defenders perhaps don’t get the recognition of young forwards and mids throughout the competition despite both regularly playing outstanding games on experienced opponents.

The Pies season is still alive but they must defeat the other form side of the competition in the second placed Surfers Paradise who inflicted Palm Beach-Currumbin's first defeat of the year and also with an emphatic 10 goal victory. Surfers Paradise will be tough as they will be playing for a home Qualifying Final so this match is another finals like game with a huge amount riding on the outcome. 

The Pies will also be keeping a close eye on the Mt Gravatt-Labrador match because percentage could decide who makes the five even if the Pies are victorious. With 0.10% separating the Magpies and Mt Gravatt the calculators will be given a workout. A loss for the Magpies means curtains for the year and the winner of the Vultures-Tigers match will make the five, while a win provides to guarantees but should hopefully be enough to secure a well deserved finals spot after an interrupted season.

Western Magpies 5.2 - 32 | 9.4 - 58 | 14.6 - 90 | 19.7 - 121

defeated

Mt Gravatt Vultures 1.2 - 8 | 5.3 - 33 | 6.5 - 41 | 9.7 - 61

Best: Beams, Lumber, Lewis, Winton, Harwood, Edwards

Goals: Beams 6, Lumber, Harwood 4, Pope, Reed 2, Dwyer 1

Coopers Friday Night Footy Review - Elimination Final vs Morningside

The Woodsmen took on Morningside in the QFA Elimination Final on Friday night in front of a big home crowd on ‘Pie Night’ at the club. The theme continued as it certainly was the Pies night as they ran out 5 goal winners after a tough first half, before the experienced Woodies players took over to put the game to bed.

Getting off his sick bed for the match, regular CHF Matt Hockley was moved closer to goal to reduce his workload after a flu-ridden week and he produced the goods with a 6 goal haul, thanks to some quality finishing and regular supply from a dominant midfield.

The Woodies were strong early winning the first clearance and pushing forward, and while they spent a majority of the first quarter camped in their attacking 50 were only able to kick 2.3 for the quarter after some wayward kicking and some poor options going forward.

The 2nd quarter was more finely balanced with Morningside putting some good passages together, but a feature of the game was the ease with which the Woodies were able to rebound out of the defence and not spend petrol tickets with long period of defensive footy in their own half, while in contrast regularly locked the ball forward for repeat offensive opportunities.

Irish Sammy Banim was his usual lively self and set up an important second quarter goal for Captain/Coach Chris Mihalopoulous with a scinitilating peace of brilliance on the flank finishing with a deft left foot pass straight into Mika’s bread basket. Meanwhile the expected dominance through the midfield was coming to fruition with the Woodies batting particularly deep through the middle with the prolific Curtis and Judson, and the bullocking Woods and DeNys. Meanwhile, Morrison provided a touch of class despite being a little rusty coming back from an ankle injury.

This midfield depth allows the Woodies to play the likes of Chris Davis across half-back where his work rate, tackling and vocal direction are key, while Brent Hocking and Chris Mihaloplous are able to spend all their time forward without blowing up with midfield stints.

Also down back, Tim Green was controlling the air and while the Woodies were slightly undersized for height - the likes of Hopkins, Bilko, Prior and La Burniy dominated at ground level and Young was able to take plenty of intercept marks.

Kiran Verma played arguably his best game of the year showing some vintage speed, while Jake Fuentes was an important link man on the opposite wing.

With a 1 goal lead at half time, the Woodies were able to largely control the game in the 2nd half kicking 6 goals straight to take a 7 goal lead into time on before some junk time goals from the Panthers brought the final margin back to 5 goals.

Jason Evans was particularly strong in the 2nd half with some bustling play and the Panthers were noticeably beginning to 2nd guess themselves in contests as the experienced Magpies were strong and uncompromising over the footy. Judson was incredibly prolific and took huge advantage of Thomson’s ruck dominance around the ground as the midfield functioned beautifully. The addition of boundary throw-ins instead of ball ups for the finals certainly assists the older style ruckmen who prefer a wrestle to a jumping contest!

The reward for the victory is a Friday night game against Maroochydore in Maroochydore, and some of the Woodies are rumoured to have left already to beat the traffic!

Woodies 2.3 - 15 | 4.3 - 27 | 7.6 - 48 | 10.9 - 69

defeated

Morningside 1.1 - 7 | 3.3 - 21 | 3.6 - 24 | 5.7 - 37

Best: Thomson, Evans, Hockley, Judson, Green, Verma (average age 35!)

Goals: Hockley 6, Evans, Hocking, Mihalopoulos, Judson 1

Sci Fleet - Reserves Match Review

RESERVES DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST

The Western Magpies Reserves were defeated by Mt Gravatt in a tight contest, going down by 6 points, 8.16-64 to 8.10-58. 

The Magpies fought back from a 4 goal half time deficit to close the gap to 2 points early in the last quarter and looked to be about to overrun the Vultures but the visitors regrouped and held on for the win.

For the Magpies, it was a vast improvement after they had lost the round 1 clash by 101 points.

The pleasing aspect for the Pies was the effort of several players who were unlucky to be left out of the Senior side with Macauley Lonergan getting plenty of the football in the midfield and across half forward, Jordan Bonney in the centre (also booted 2 goals) and Jayden Gallagher used his strength to win plenty of ther contested football in midfield. Ben Jaenke-Cain reminded selectors of his abilities with another prolific game, Joel Workman showed what he is capable of after an interrupted season and Sam Hartog was excellent at halfback and then on a wing. 

Harrison Kerr also played well at half forward to finish with 3 goals. 

A highlight of the match was Sean McEvoy playing his 200th club game for the Magpies in a career which commenced with Auskick in 1994 through juniors to Colts and then into senior ranks in 2007. He was a late call-up to the side when Brady Allen was a late withdrawal and he was solid in defence for the Pies. 

The Pies have a big challenge when they play the ladder leaders Surfers Paradise and although out of finals contention will be keen to finish the season on a high note with a big scalp. 

Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 3.3 - 21 | 7.7 - 49 | 8.10 -58

defeated by

Mt Gravatt 2.2 -14 | 6.9 - 45 | 7.13 - 55 | 8.16 - 64

Best: Lonergan, Jaenke-Cain, Bonney, Hartog, Workman, Gallagher

Goals: Kerr 3, Bonney 2, Johnson, Jaenke-Cain, Jenkins 1

Harvey Norman Oxley - Colts Match Review

COLTS CHALLENGED BEFORE TAKING THE POINTS

The Western Magpies Colts weathered a first half challenge from a determined Mt Gravatt before taking control in the second half to run out 32 point victors, 9-8-62 to 4-6-30.

Mt Gravatt, second last on the ladder came to play and had the pies on the back foot  for the first half. The Magpies lifted after half time and kept the Vultures goalless in the 2nd half and restricted them to just 3 behinds in windy conditions.

The defence was superb with CHB Whitlam Bishop, half back flanker / wignman Lawson Campbell and full back Tom Evans holding Mt Gravatt at bay.

Cade Scott was strong on ball and Jackson Paynter provided a high forward target at CHF. Lachlan Davies in ruck just gets better each game and Cam Ferguson sent a strong message with a quality game up front putting 4 goals on the board.

The Magpies will be looking for a sold win over the Surfers Sharks to secure a top 3 position but they will need to on guard as the Sharks will be a dangerous proposition at home in their last game of the season.

Magpies 3.1 - 19 | 4.5 - 29 | 6.5 - 41 | 9.8 - 62

defeated

Mt Gravatt 2.2 - 14 | 4.3 - 27 | 4.6 - 30 | 4.6 - 30

Best: Bishop, Campbell, Paynter, Scott, Davies, Evans

Goals: Ferguson 4, Crowell, Davies, Mehari, Thorpe, Paynter 1

McCarthy Homes Milestone - 'SMACK' Brings up 200!

If you are looking for the definition of loyalty then look no further that Sean "Smack" McEvoy, who played his 200th Senior club match for the Western Magpies on Saturday.

Sean has been a constant at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer since he started Auskick as a little tacker in 1994 then began in Under 8s in 1996 and went through the ranks in junior football to the Colts then Reserves and Seniors. 

He played his 183th Reserves game on Saturday to add to his 16 Senior games and a lone outing for the Woodsmen earlier this year. 

Sean has Black and White flowing through his veins as a member of the McEvoy family. Dad Michael was club President for many years and is a Life Member, Mum Julie was club Treasurer for 6 years, brother Tim played over 200 Senior games and is also a Life Member and brother Brett also played for many seasons at the Pies. And there is brother-in-law Reid Dobson who also played over 200 Senior games and is another Life member of the club.  

Sean played most of his football in number 8 but he says he wore number 5 in the 2007 Reserves premiership, which is one of the highlights of his career. This year he was a late starter so lost his coveted number 8 but as per usual there were no complaints from him and he wore whatever jumper was available—number 17 on Saturday.

He graduated from Sherwood juniors in 2005 to the Colts team, which is still regarded as one of the best teams to don the Black and White.   Sean reckons it could have taken on any Under 18 side in the country and been competitive. 

Coached by the legendary Alan Hagley,  the Pies defeated Southport in the Grand Final at the Gabba with a side that contained the likes of the Scott brothers, Luke and Andrew, Mick Hamill, Val Pope, Rohan Bail, Ben Heffernan-Roper, Adam Peel and Dean Nipperess to name a few. He regards that as the best team he has played in. Sean missed the premiership as he was recovering from a fractured tibia but says it was comfortably the best team he played in. 

The other highlight was the 2007 Reserves premiership when the Pies defeated Surfers Paradise at Zillmere.  The disappointments were the Reserves Grand Final losses in 2008 to Aspley after leading by 6 goals and then the loss to Sandgate at Maroochydore  in very windy conditions in 2011. 

He played mainly in defence and had the occasional run in the ruck and in many matches was giving away height and weight but he always managed to win many of the contests. He has never won any best and fairest awards but was always a consistent performer and won a couple of best player in the finals awards which says a lot as he played well at the business end of the season. 

Going back to the beginning, his first mentor was Kevin Kluver in Auskick then had Graham Shaw from Under 8s through to under 12s where he captained the side for one season. His father Michael also coached him for a couple of seasons before Graham Shaw again and Steve Mitchell coached in Under 14s and Under 16s.

In Colts he had Alan Hagley and then Craig "Sounda" Barden  and he credits all his coaches for the skills he learnt and also for continuing to teach as well as further develop his love for the game. In Reserves he had some excellent coaches in Peter McClennan, Des Lashman and Craig Allen.

Other than his fractured leg, he says he has been lucky with injuries, only missing with a back injury several years ago. He also says, tongue in cheek, that his night shift work as an electrician at Australia Post was a blessing in disguise and has probably extended his career as he has missed training so has not worn himself out too early!! 

Some of the better players he has played with include Val Pope, the Scott brothers, Mick Hamill, big Gerard Moore and was always amazed at what Matt "Clock" Thompson was able to do. 

Sean has spent 26 years at the club and has probably donned the black and white of Sherwood and Western Magpies for about 350 matches in total. He is forever thankful for a supportive family and that now includes wife Jasmine who has supported him in playing footy and the club can look forward to another dynasty of McEvoys with his 2 boys, Ted 3 years and Hugh, 6 weeks, probably not having much choice in their preferred footy code or club!!  

So to loyalty you can also add dependability and putting club before self. Sean has had his ups and downs selection wise but you never hear him complain and in recent seasons he has always been ready to fill the gaps in the Reserves when and where required. 

All at the Western Magpies and extended Sherwood family congratulate Sean "Smack" McEvoy on reaching the 200 match milestone, a great achievement for any footballer. 

ANYTIME FITNESS COLTS PREVIEW - DOUBLE CHANCE THE AIM FOR THE COLTS

The Western Magpies Colts will be keen to return to the winners list on Saturday morning when they host the eighth placed Mt Gravatt in the second last round of the home and away season.

The Pies are currently in 5th place on the ladder but play lower sides in Mt Gravatt and Surfers Sharks and wins in both matches puts them on track for a 3rd place finish and the double chance.  Currently they trail 3rd placed Broadbeach and 4th placed Morningside by 4 points and with Broadbeach having the bye this round and then playing the top placed Palm Beach-Currumbin in the final round  the pies could go a game ahead while Morningside play second placed Wilston Grange tomorrow and if they lose then the Pies better percentage will see them ahead of the Panthers.

That all rests on the young Magpies winning their final two matches.

Coach Dallas Gallagher has his side playing good football at the business end of the season and despite a loss to Wilston Grange last week, there was plenty to like about the Pies. They matched the Gorillas for large parts of the match and did not get reward for effort.

They regain speedsters Jonty Macdougall and Ritti Batilimoyo and big forward Cam Ferguson, who they missed last week. They will miss the hardness of Darcy Prest in the midfield as he represents Queensland under 17s against Vic Metro at Ikon park on the weekend and tall forward jack Briskey, who is out with an injury. The Pies have a strong midfield led by Noah Resuggan, Cade Scott and Sean Ryan and Lachlan Davies in ruck has been in good form. The defence has been solid all year with Whitlam Bishop, and lawson Campbell being consistent defenders all year and  up forward ferguson and Jackson Paynter are the big forward targets.

The Pies must win this match if they want to secure the double chance and at home have the incentive to pocket the four points.

 QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies Colts v Mt Gravatt  at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, August 10th at 09.30 am 

B:  Lawson Campbell Jacob Aurisch  Tom Evans

HB: Charlie Thorpe  Whitlam Bishop  Jack Spry                                           

C:   Rory Edwards Noah Resuggan  Brodie Gardner

HF:   Sam Mehari Jackson  Paynter  Ritti Batilimoyo

F:   Jonty MacDougall  Cam Ferguson   Cooper Crowell

Rucks:  Lachlan Davies

            Cade Scott             

Rover:  Sean Ryan   

Int:   Abu Kante,  Morgan Smith, Tyler Bobin, Kelly Siemer

Emerg: Byron Kohler, Kai Tierney

In: Jonty MacDougall, Tyler Bobin, Ritti Batilimoyo, Cam Ferguson

Out: Darcy Prest (Qld Under 17), Jack Briskey (injured), Lachlan Pearson, Ethan Mooney

Coopers - Friday Night Footy Preview

In a huge night down at McCarthy Homes Oval tonight, where  Pie Night will be in full swing, there will be 4 junior games across the back and front ovals – the headline act will be the Woodsmen hosting Morningside in a QFA Elimination Final.

It was a tough start to the year for the Woodies, with injuries and unavailability rampant in addition to extensive injury to the senior squad resulting in many players who expected to play Woodies ending up playing plenty of QAFL Reserves footy instead.

However, a late season surge where the Woodsmen managed to go from fighting for a finals berth to hosting the elimination final has seen them enter the finals having won 6 of their last 7 including defeating Morningside just 2 weeks ago on their home deck.

Even in the back half of the year, it hasn’t been smooth sailing with the win over Morningside costing the Woodies key players in Matt Garland (hamstring), Reid Dobson (calf) and Nick Kelly (ankle). However, despite this they have managed to name an extremely strong 26 with depth across the park making it a formidable side.

Key ins are the electric Irishman, Sammy Banim who can create a goal from nothing and the evergreen Chris La Burniy to provide defensive cover.  The midfield looks particularly strong lead by former senior Premiership players in Chris Judson and Lachlan Woods as well as the consistent performers Sammy Curtis, Sam DeNys nd Dom Morrison.  The ruck division is again likely to be a solo effort from Andrew Thomson, though Jason Evans has shown plenty of grunt in his stints on the ball at ground level and is more than capable of giving a quality ruck chop out if required.

Down back there is a mix of experience and youth, with club stalwarts Matty Prior and Tim Green marshalling the troops along with Chris Davis giving them plenty of run across half back with Josh Young and classy left footer Matt Bilko.

On the wings, the coaching architects of the 2018 Colts Premiership will be roaming each side in Kiran Verma and Jake Fuentes and they will be looking to show they can do more than move magnets!

The veteran fowardline contains plenty of smarts, with the injection of speed from the electric Irishman.  Holding down key posts are the sharp shooter Matt Hockley and the strong marking left footer, Jason Evans.  In the pockets and on the flanks will be a mixture of resting mids and club legend Chris Mihalopoulous is a dangerous proposition for opposition players to match up on.

Making up the bench are the evergreen 40 year old in Chris La Burniy, the versatile Mitch Merritt along with midfield/wing rotations in Dom Morrison and Will Gillespie.

The Woodies play an incredibly physical style of game and will again rely on their intensity around the ball, tackling hard, hitting packs hard and putting their bodies on the line. This often comes at the expense of a bit of speed and fitness, but is the trademark of the Woodies outfit!

However, this hardness and enver say die attitude has been nicely complimented in 2019 by the addition of a bit of youthful speed and the class of a select few.

It should be a cracking contest, with the Pies having plenty of scoring power in this week and a deep running midfield to compliment the always stingy defence.

Get down for a look, enjoy a Pie on the club Pie night and cheer on the boys.

U11 matches start from 6pm, with the Woodies commencing at 745pm

GUT FEELINGS - BROUGHT TO YOU BY REGIS AGED CARE CHELMER

• It was a reunion of sorts for the Western Magpies  in Vienna last weekend where a number of Magpies personalities were attending the wedding of a schoolmate.

• The highlight of the weekend ( after the wedding festivities, of course) was a footy game involving the  Vienna Galahs. Our very own legend David “Barts” Bartlett was the umpire for the fixture - it was like the good old days when there was only one umpire and he never left the centre square!!  Ex- Pies  Pablo Calderola, Paul Zilmann and Curtis McNamara attended along with current player Peter “Killa” Kilroy.

• Curtis McNamara  reportedly  rode from Belgium to Vienna over 3-4 days to be at the wedding— may be the fittest big Curtis has been for sometime!!

• To get in the swing a fortnight ago Barts modelled the very distinctive Galahs guernsey which is - you guessed it— grey, white and pink!!

• Barts is doing a European trip which will include a day at Lords for the second an Ashes Test. A good time to be an Aussie in London, I reckon!!

•  Gut Feelings mentioned the spread of AFL overseas in an early season story and the Vienna Galahs are testament to that.

• There is a new set of twins in the club with Luca Winton shaving the head a fortnight ago and, lo and behold, he looks like the skipper, David Lewis. A bit of man love there!! Several spectators got them confused and it is no wonder as they both had plenty of the footy against the Gorillas.

• The Grey Magpies Awards for the Wilston  Grange game went to Riley Easton for Firsts, Brady Allen for Reserves and Lachlan Davies for the Colts. Easton was also awarded the prestigious BG Award for “Courage and Commitment”, which he displays every match in spades!!

• Allen is now showing what he is capable of with a couple of good games in the Reserves, playing mainly in defence, after a late start to the season. Davies is a tall key position player finding his way in the ruck and has continued to grow in the role as the season has progressed.

• The Ladies' Day a fortnight ago was a huge success and a big thanks to Shelby Beams for doing a great job in organising the event. Over 100 beautiful ladies attended all looking absolutely gorgeous and they enjoyed the entertainment with MC Brett Staker looking dapper as always and keeping the day moving.

• It was also great to see a big contingent remain at the club well into the night to celebrate the Pies’ big win. And the Ladies’ Award went to a tall, dark and handsome young man--who else could it be but Aaron Highlands!!

• Ryan Harwood did an Eddie Betts with his seventh and final goal against against Grange when he booted a brilliant check-side goal from the boundary on the scoreboard flank late in the final quarter. It will certainly be a contender for the AFLQ Goal of the Year. And he celebrated as they all do with arms raised while lying in his back!!

• Speaking if goalkicking feats, Val Pope turned back the clock with 6 goals in the Reserves. Val has several 6 goal hauls in Seniors over the years and he was actually the Pineapple Hotel  Cup leading goal kicker for the competition one season playing as a small forward with 78 goals — not a bad effort!!  He also had an affinity for Mt Gravatt over the years with a few 5 and 6 goal matches against the Vultures over the years!! Hmmm, food for thought next week!! (Late mail—Pope has been re-called to the Seniors for the Mt Gravatt match)

• Also showing the class which gained him 70 odd AFL matches with the Brisbane Lions was Claye Beams, whose game a fortnight ago oozed all class. Beams started in defence, rolled through the midfield then was dangerous when he was post forward later in the game. Several of his passes were bullet like and one or two 20 metre handballs which hit their intended target “left breast, lace out” brought tears to an old timer brought up on Polly Farmer and then Diesel Williams ( look them up) brought tears to the eyes!!

• It is fantastic to have quality people like Claye and Shelby Beams in the club and they have contributed already with Claye in the playing leadership group and Shelby getting involved with the Ladies’ function.

• Gerard Moore showed he is up there with the best ruckmen in the QAFL with another great display in ruck against the Gorillas. The “Big G” knows how to position his body, reads the play well and is strong overhead but also clean below his knees, which is “gold” for a big man. Enough said— “G” got a headline in the QAFL review from Round 16 so better not get him too excited!!

• Ex-General Manager of the Western Magpies in 2009-11 Anthony McDonald was the guest interviewer of David Parkin at the Sportsmans’ Luncheon recently and did a great job from all reports.

• Macca was also Reserves coach for a season and he has a special place in his heart for the Magpies. He has had a part-time role as an assistant coach with Brisbane North Under 16s in the past few years but has devoted time in recent years to building his corporate coaching business, which is now very successful. I hear he may be looking to get back into a Senior coaching position next season and with a wealth of coaching experience and man management skills will be a valuable acquisition for any club which manages to snare him.

• The Magpies’ Darcy Prest has been named in the Queensland Under 17 team to play Vic Metro this Sunday at Ikon Park (Princes Park) in Melbourne so all at Magpie land wish the talented youngster all the best. Prest will be a key player for the Colts in the upcoming finals’ series.

• Three Sherwood Under 12 players are currently representing Queensland in the Australian Under 12 Carnival in Perth. Jack Slater, Jack Harrison and Jacob Edwards were selected for the team which is coached by the Magpies legendary Brett “Noodles” McEvoy. The future at Chelmer is  looking assured.

• Kevin Kluver, as we know, is a great clubman and is willing to put his hand up to do most jobs if it helps the Magpies. However, Kevin was required to man the scoreboard for all three matches at the Pies home match against Wilston Grange a fortnight ago and that is asking a bit much of him. The pies are no different to most footy clubs in that it is run by volunteers and thjere is a shortage of those at the club at the moment. The likes of David Bartlett, Phil Kelemen, Bryan Millar have put their hands up year in and year out and the club is looking for anyone else who might want to be involved. The aim is to have enough volunteers to share the load so  no one person has too much to do, as was the case for Kevin two weeks ago.

• Great story on Deng Arok last week on this Facebook  page which is well worth a look. The story originally appeared on ABC News and on the AFLQ website. Deng was the recipient of the  Alex Jesaulenko Coaching Internship scholarship which goes to a community coach from a diverse background . Deng, from a South Sudanese background, was born in a Kenyan refugee camp when his family fled a vicious civil war and then moved to Toowoomba when granted refugee status. The scholarship gives Deng the opportunity to spend time at the Brisbane Lions and the report stated that Deng has impressed at the Brisbane Lions. He had the fantastic experience of sitting on the sidelines with coaching staff when Pies played Western Bulldogs last Sunday. The lions said he is a willing learner and always has a smile on his face, which we have noted at the Magpies as well!! Deng is a ripping young man with a ready smile, always greeting everyone and willing to help out where he can. He is currently coaching the Sherwood under 16s and for a young man not much older than his charges he is doing a great job. And he is also playing for the Pies Reserves team as well.

• Well done, Deng.    

• The Grey Magpies have produced a great Magpie Chatter newsletter No 5  with plenty of stories and photos on the David Parkin luncheon and the Ladies’ Day as well as bio-pics on past players Greg Adams, Dennis Hogan and Bruce O’Neill. For a great read have a look at the Sherwood and Western Magpies Old Boys Facebook page. The newsletter is produced by Grey Magpies convenor Shane Bridley who is doing a great job with Greg Adams and Terry O’Shea in resurrecting the Old Boys Association and reconnecting past players with the club

350 SENIOR MATCHES FOR CRAWF

Western Magpies hard as nails midfielder Gareth Crawford played his 350th Senior match when he took the field for the Western Magpies in their QAFL clash with Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.

The balding Crawford is your footballer's footballer, socks down and always at the coal face in the midfield tussles, loving the contest and using his footy smarts to win the footy  time and again for the Pies. 

Some players are Ferraris, some are V8s, but Crawf is your tractor who just keeps going all match, never looking flash but always on the go and when the going gets tough he will get going!!  

He played just his 54th match for the Magpies on Saturday and says he is loving his footy at the Magpies. The popular Crawford says it is obviously  a proud club with a lot of good people and great players and has made lots of close mates in the process. How could you not like him with with his lopsided smile and waddling running style!! 

It was good mate Ricky Dudley, who joined the Pies in 2015,  who lured him to the Magpies when he moved north in 2016 looking for new employment opportunities. They had player together at Eaglehawk in Bendigo where Crawford played in a premiership in 2008.

He grew up in Hamilton in Victoria's western district where he made his senior debut and then played in close to 150 senior games for the Hamilton Magpies, including a premiership in 2004. 

He was highly regarded in the western district of Victoria and arrived at the Western Magpies with a big reputation,  having won the Brian Hennessy Medal in 2012 as the Western Border Football League Best & Fairest when representing the Hamilton Magpies.  Crawford is also a 5 time Inter League representative and multiple senior best & fairest winner for Eaglehawk in the Bendigo League and at Hamilton Magpies.

Crawford has brought  leadership skills and experience to the Pies  having served as Captain, Vice-Captain and Senior Assistant Coach at the Hamilton Magpies, Hamilton Kangaroos and Old Collegians. In 2015 before moving north Crawford played for Merrivale Tigers in the Warnambool District League where he was among the Tigers best in their Grand Final lost to Dennington.  Crawford joined Merrivale as part of a desire to have a season with a good mate. 

That was a bit of a theme as he played for 9 clubs in his career with the main reason for moving around was to play with good mates. 

His senior games tally is:

--Hamilton Magpies --142

--Lake Wendouree (Ballarat) --9 

--Palmerston (NTFL) --15

-- Kerang (Mid Murray league)-- 16

--Eaglehawk (Bendigo) -- 51

--Old Collegians (Warrnambool) --19

--Hamilton Kangaroos (amalgamation of Hamilton Magpies and Hamilton Imperials)--27  

--Merrivale (Warrnambool) --17

--Western Magpies -- 54

Total = 350

He says the standard of football at the QAFL is the equal of any he played in Victoria and he stamped himself at the Western Magpies by being the joint winner of the Bill Peirce Medal with Drew Mitchell in 2017. 

He moved north to further his accounting career and has been lucky enough to meet his girlfriend Miranda while in Brisbane and will be around for awhile yet. He thinks the Pies are on roll now and reckons they will win their final match and if they sneak into the five are good enough to go all the way. That would be a very proud exclamation mark for a wonderful football career.

Fingers crossed!! 

ONE 2 ONE PLUMBING PREVIEW - RESERVES BOOSTED FOR VULTURES CLASH

The Western Magpies Reserves have been boosted by the four players back from the Seniors in Harrison Kerr, Macauley Lonergan, Lachie Dennis and Jordan Bonney as well as the return of Ben Jaenke-Cain, Joel Workman, Rory Johnson and Peter Kilroy to the team.

The Pies cannot make the finals but they would like nothing better than to give fierce rivals Mt Gravatt a "bloody nose" on the eve of the finals. The Vultures sit in fourth place on the ladder and gave the Pies a bit of a hiding in their round 1 clash this season. 

This Magpies side is much stronger and with the inclusions listed above as well as Jesse Hampel, Jayden Gallagher, Jack Austin, Zane Lovell and Brady Allen in the side have the firepower to inflict a defeat on the visitors. 

Coach Kiran Verma will be keen to continue the Pies winning run and end the season on a high. 

QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies Reserves v Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, August 10th at 11.30 am 

 B:   Zac Collison Brady Allen Harry Marshall  

HB:  Joel Workman  Hamish Campbell Sam Hartog

C:   Lachie Dennis Jordan Bonney Deng Arok  

HF:   Macauley Lonergan Jesse Hampel Harrison Kerr 

F:  Rory Johnson Jack Austin  Zane Lovell

Rucks:  Monty Vine

             Jayden Gallagher 

Rover:   Ben Jaenke-Cain 

I/C:  Chris Jenkins, Aiden D'Roza, Isaac Bongaarts, Peter Kilroy 

 Emerg: Sean McEvoy, Matt Mazarolle 

In: Harrison Kerr, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Jordan Bonney, Rory Johnson, Macauley Lonergan, Lachie Dennis, Joel Workman,  Peter Kilroy, 

Out: Val Pope (Firsts), Rhett Lloyd (ankle), Finn Collison (hamstring), Gabe McKinnon (Woodsmen), Sean McEvoy  (omitted), Cam Ferguson, Byron Kohler, Oscar Murphy (all Colts)  

PLACE PREVIEW - YOUNGSTERS COME IN FOR DO- OR- DIE CLASH

The Western Magpies have included three class youngsters for their virtual Elimination Final against Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday in round 18 QAFL action. 

Three youngsters in classy ruckman Samson Ryan, speedy winger Bruce Reville and tough on-baller Caleb Franks all return from Redland while at the other end of the spectrum the experienced Val Pope comes in after recent good Reserves form.

The four unlucky players to miss out after such an emphatic victory 2 weeks ago are Harrison Kerr, Macauley Lonergan and Lachie Dennis. 

The Pies must win over the Vultures otherwise they cannot make the finals. A win will put the Pies on level points with Mt Gravatt going into the final round next week and it may come down to percentage after the final round is completed. 

The Magpies are hitting their straps at the right end of the season with AFL recruits in Ryan Harwood and Claye Beams playing some inspirational football and Gerard Moore in ruck giving the Pies on-ballers a fair crack at first use of the footy. Moore has a big job with Ryan on Saturday against the Vultures highly rated ruck duo. 

Brodie Lumbar up forward has really lifted in the past few weeks and with Aaron Highlands provide the tall targets up forward. Pope has a good record against Mt Gravatt and will relish the chance to prove he still has what it takes at the top level. 

Down back the Pies will need to keep tabs on the Vultures key forwards with David Lewis and Jack Goodall both in good form and they should be up to the task. 

Franks joins Riley Easton in the midfield mix and these hard at it youngsters compliment the experienced Gareth Crawford, who will be lining up for his 350th Senior match on Saturday. 

Brenton Saunders is back to his best across half back and Riley Greene has been consistent all year and shows maturity beyond his years--how he has not had a Rising Star nomination is a mystery to this observer while Dan Edwards and Reville on the wings give the Pies leg speed through the middle of the ground. 

The Magpies have closed the gap quickly on Mt Gravatt in recent weeks and will need to be at their best to match a fired up Vultures side who know their season is on the line.

The match will be played in a finals like atmosphere with finals like pressure and the crowd will be entertained by a high quality QAFL match. 

QAFL Round 18: Western Magpies v Mt Gravatt at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, August 10th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke Mitchell David Lewis  Brenton Saunders

HF: Riley Greene, Jack Goodall,  Claye Beams

C:  Bruce Reville Luca Winton  Dan Edwards 

HF: Will Fletcher Liam Dwyer  Val Pope

F:  Kale Reed Brodie Lumber  Aaron Highlands  

Rucks:  Gerard Moore

             Ryan Harwood

Rover:   Riley Easton

I/C: Caleb Franks,  Ethan Sivijs, Samson Ryan,  Gareth Crawford, 

In: Samson Ryan, Val Pope, Bruce Reville, Caleb Franks

Out: Macauley Lonergan, Jordan Bonney, Lachie Dennis, Harrison Kerr (all Reserves) 

ANYTIME FITNESS - WOODSMEN SECURE HOME ELIMINATION FINAL WITH WIN OVER MAYNE

The Western Magpies have secured a home Elimination Final this Friday night after defeating Mayne in QAFA Division 4 at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer last Friday night, while rivals Morningside went down as expected to the ladder topping Park Ridge.

The Pies will host Morningside , the team they defeated a fortnight ago. Chris Judson continued his fine form with another BOG display while Matty Prior, Mark Hopkins, Matt Hockley (3 goals), Joshua  Young and Jason Evans were others to shine in the 41 point victory.  

Western Magpies

3.1-19 | 6.5-41 | 9.6-60 | 11.8-74

Mayne

1.1-7 | 2.2-14 | 3.2-20 | 5.3-33

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: M. Hockley 3, C. Judson 2, H. Brereton, J. Fuentes, C. Mihalopoulos, D. Bailey, J. Evans, I. Bongaarts
Best Players: C. Judson, M. Prior, M. Hopkins, M. Hockley, J. Young, J. Evans

CFMG REVIEW - WOODSMEN IN GUTSY WIN OVER MORNINGSIDE

The Western Magpies Division 4 team aka the Woodsmen have had a gutsy win over close rivals Morningside under what can only be described as dim conditions at Morningside on Friday week ago.

The win may be enough to secure a home Elimination Final against the same opponent on Friday night.. 

The Woodies won despite a number of injuries  and at one stage the umpire checked the numbers before he bounced the ball after a goal and told of skipper Andrew Thomson that the team did not have a 6-6-6- formation, to which "Thommo" replied , "We only have 17 on the ground so how would you like us to line up?"

Morningside

2.2-14 | 4.5-29 | 6.5-41 | 8.6-54

Western Magpies

2.2-14 | 5.2-32 | 7.5-47 | 9.9-63

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: M. Hockley 4, C. Judson, C. Mihalopoulos, A. Thomson, S. de Nys, B. Hocking
Best Players: S. Curtis, S. de Nys, M. Hockley, C. Judson, C. Davis, M. Prior

CARTER CAPNER - COLTS DOWN IN TOUGH CONTEST

The Western Magpies Colts have gone down in a tough battle against the second placed Wilston Grange on Saturday week ago. 

The 10-5-65 to 5-8 -38 loss means the Pies remain in 4th place on 28 points with Broadbeach and Mornjngside also on 28 points with Labrador in 6th on 24 points.

The first quarter was an even contest but Wilston Grange gradually got on top in the midfield and extended their lead at every change. The Magpies went down by 27 points, 10-5-65 to 5-8-38. 

Cade Scott and Darcy Prest both worked tirelessly in the midfield, Sean Ryan was busy around the packs and Jack Briskey was strong up forward booting 3 goals and also having a run in the ruck. Lachlan Davies as also a good player in ruck and was named as the "Grey Magpies" best player

Lawson Campbell at half back tried hard to keep the Grange forwards out while Rory Edwards was also a good player on the wing. 

The Magpies have a bye then will be keen to take on Mt Gravatt in a fortnight. 

Western Magpies

1.3-9 | 2.6-18 | 4.7-31 | 5.8-38

Wilston Grange

2.4-16 | 5.4-34 | 8.4-52 | 10.5-65

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: J. Briskey 3, S. Mehari, L. Davies
Best Players: C. Scott, S. Ryan, D. Prest, J. Briskey, L. Campbell, R. Edwards

ARABON FINANCIAL - VINTAGE VAL POPE FIRST QUARTER SETS UP RESERVES WIN OVER GRANGE

The Western Magpies Reserves set up their 34 point win over Wilston Grange Saturday week ago with a 7 goal to nil first quarter.

It was vintage dual Bill Peirce Medallist Val Pope who set the scene for the Pies with 3 first quarter goals as he went on the boot 6 goals in the 15-7-97 to 9-12-66 victory.

The only downer on the win was that the Pies were outscored by 9 goals to 8 goals after quarter time.

However the first quarter was close to the best the Pies had played this season with the midfield gaining early ascendancy with youngster Zane Lovell and ex-Southport player Rhett Lloyd winning plenty of the ball to remind the selectors that are still about and ready for a Senior recall. 

Jayden Gallagher was also an imposing presence in the midfield to also remind selectors he is starting to regain his early season form. 

Brady Allen had a strong game at CHB then fullback against some tall opponents and his long clearing kicks opened up play for the Pies. He was well supported by half back Zac Collison, who was solid across half back and also returned to n=his fine early season form. Jesse Hampel booted 3 goals  when moved forward after starting in defence to be another good player. 

The Magpies have a tough encounter in a fortnight against Mt Gravatt but the Pies would like nothing better than upset their long time rivals. 

Western Magpies

7.5-47 10.6-66 | 14.7-91 | 15.7-97

Wilston Grange

0.2-2 | 3.7-25 | 8.9-57 | 9.12-66

WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: V. Pope 6, J. Hampel 3, J. Austin, Z. Lovell, B. Allen, C. Jenkins, J. Gallagher, R. Lloyd
Best Players: V. Pope, Z. Lovell, R. Lloyd, B. Allen, J. Gallagher, Z. Collison

MCARTHY HOMES QAFL MATCH REVIEW - HARWOOD BOOTS 7 GOALS AS PIES STAY IN FINALS RACE

A fit and firing Ryan Harwood booted 7 goals as the Western Magpies kept their finals hopes alive with an emphatic 74 point victory over Wilston Grange before a healthy crowd at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer  Saturday week ago in Round 16 QAFL action. 

After a slow start when the Gorillas made a contest in the first quarter and a half, the Pies clicked into gear midway through the second quarter to boot 14 goals to the visitors 1 goal from the 16 minute of the second quarter to go on to a percentage boosting 19-7- 121 to 7-5-47 victory.

With Palm Beach-Currumbin kicking a last second goal to defeat Mt Gravatt by 1 point, the door is still ajar for the Magpies to make the finals. 

Harwood and CHF Brodie Lumber got the Pies going with 3 goals each before halftime  then Harwood added four goals in the final quarter, one a superb check-side goal from near the scoreboard which was every bit a good as any Eddie Betts special!!  

Wilston Grange came out firing in the opening stanza  with the first 2 goals then Pies got going with the next 4 goals followed by a goal early in the second quarter to lead by 3 goals. The Gorillas hit back with the next 4 goals to take the lead but this stirred the Magpies into action who replied with 4 goals of their own to have a 21 point buffer at half time. 

The Magpies stamped their authority on the game after half time and with percentage to play a key part in finals aspirations the Pies opened up play and with the best forward movement for the year were able to outscore the gorillas by 10 goals to 1 goal in the second half. 

The Magpies dominance began with a superb display in the ruck by Gerard Moore who won the ruck contest then marked all-around the ground. Moore's footy smarts will be crucial in the next 2 matches. Riley Easton was, well, Riley Easton, with a typical bustling display, winning the ball from the centre as well as laying plenty of tackles, one late in the third quarter caused an eyebrow laceration which needed a few sutures after the match. The Magpies were not happy with how his cut occurred and there was a fair bit of niggle in the final quarter as a result of this.  

Claye Beams showed his obvious class with a polished display, starting at half back then rolling through the middle and also spending time up forward.

His foot and hand skills were a delight to watch. 

David Lewis led from the front with great generalship across half back with numerous intercept marks and Brenton Saunders also continued his great form , starting in defence but also pushing forward at times. He also had the head swathed after also copping an eyebrow laceration early in the match. 

Will Fletcher in midfield was up and about early before fading slightly and Lumber provided a strong leading target once again. Liam Dwyer was his usual busy self up forward and Jordan Bonney had a solid game and enjoyed his first Senior goal, a long kick from 50 metres in the last quarter.  

The Pies can rest some sore bodies this week with the bye before resuming in another virtual  elimination final when they host Mt Gravatt at McCarthy homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday.  

Western Magpies

4.1-25 | 9.5-59 | 14.5-89 | 19.7-121

DEFEATED

Wilston Grange

2.2-14 | 6.2-38 | 7.4-46 | 7.5-47

 WESTERN MAGPIES

Goal Kickers: R. Harwood 7, B. Lumber 3, C. Beams 2, H. Kerr 2, L. Dwyer, W. Fletcher, J. Bonney, M. Lonergan, J. Goodall
Best Players: G. Moore, D. Lewis, R. Harwood, R. Easton, C. Beams, B. Saunders

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES FACE TOUGH CONTEST AGAINST RESURGENT GORILLAS

The Western Magpies have the second of  their four elimination finals when they face a resurgent Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer in QAFL Round 16 action on Saturday.

The Pies have to just keep on winning and see what happens elsewhere. With a bye coming up the Magpies will leave nothing in the tank this week. Coach Brydan Morgan has laid down the challenge to his team to play hard, smart football and if the Pies sneak into the five they will be on a roll and anything is possible. 

The Gorillas caused an upset last week over Labrador and with the inclusion of several NEAFL players are a different proposition to the side that had some big losses mid-season. 

The Pies will be wary  of an ambush and should be fired up to avenge their early season loss on Good Friday --the Pies were ordinary that day, and while there was a host of injury and unavailability, the effort was not QAFL standard.

The Pies have been strengthened by the return of big man Aaron Highlands, who is versatile and can play back or forward and in the ruck, while Dan Edwards, arguably the Pies most consistent player this season,  comes back in onto a wing. 

Out goes Billy Johnson to Redlands and Zane Lovell to the Reserves

A fit and firing Ryan Harwood is crucial for the pies as he leads by example and he is vital for the Pies in the midfield but is also a dangerous forward when rested.

Brodie Lumber just needs to get his goal kicking radar tuned in and he will kick a handful and the Pies need him to continue his spectacular marking form.

Skipper David Lewis has shrugged off a niggling ankle to be back to his best across half back last week and with Jack Goodall was a key player in last weeks victory.

Gerard Moore continues to get better each week in ruck and with Gareth Crawford just loving his footy at the moment and Riley Easton and Will Fletcher both hard nuts the Pies should get enough centre clearances to give Lumber, Highlands and Liam Dwyer plenty of opportunities up forward.

The Pies have struggled to kick big scores but on paper the Pies have a potent forward line so this Saturday may just be the day it all clicks.

With the Pies having more at stake than the Gorillas they should have enough firepower to win and stay in the finals race for at least another fortnight. 

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies v Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, July 27th at 2.00 pm

B: Lachie Dennis  David Lewis  Brenton Saunders

HF: Riley Greene, Jack Goodall,  Claye Beams

C: Macauley Lonergan  Luca Winton  Dan Edwards 

HF: Will Fletcher Liam Dwyer  Harrison Kerr

F:  Kale Reed Brodie Lumber  Aaron Highlands  

Rucks:  Gerard Moore

             Ryan Harwood

Rover:   Riley Easton

I/C: Luke Mitchell, Ethan Sivijs, Jordan Bonney,  Gareth Crawford, 

In: Aaron Highlands, Dan Edwards 

Out: Billy Johnson (Redlands ), Zane Lovell (omitted)

Carter Capner Law - Reserves Preview

RESERVES LOOK TO MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

The Western Magpies Reserves will be hoping for two in a row when they host the 8th placed Wilston Grange on Saturday. Like their Senior counterparts on Good Friday, the Reserves were understrength  but were still disappointing in losing to a struggling Grange outfit. 

There are another large number of "ins" and "outs" with key inclusions being Joel Workman, Rhett Lloyd, Hamish Campbell, Monty Vine and Cam Ferguson, while the cavalry from last week who came to the rescue return to whence they came--Judson, Verma, and Merritt to the Woodmen and Thorpe, Ryan and Prest to the Colts while the two permit players return to their home clubs.

Last week we saw vintage Val Pope with 5 goals and Brady Allen looks dangerous as he gains match fitness. Rhett Lloyd is a class player and gives the Pies a lift in midfield  and Hamish Campbell has also been one of the Pies success stories this year. 

Gabe McKinnon continues to defy father time and has relished his ruck duties while Sam Hartog has returned to the form he showed last year when he played Senior football. 

While only pride is at stake in this match for both sides, the Magpies will be keen to notch another win and as everyone knows, a win gives a much nicer feeling than a loss.

QAFL Round 16: Western Magpies Reserves v Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, July 27th at 11.30 am 

 B: Aiden D'Roza  Harry Marshall  Gabe McKinnon 

HB:  Zac Collison Jesse Hampel  Sam Hartog

C:   Deng Arok  Rhett Lloyd Hamish Campbell  

HF:  Val Pope   Brady Allen Joel Workman

F:  Chris Jenkins  Jack Austin  Zane Lovell

Rucks:  Monty Vine

             Jayden Gallagher 

Rover:   Ben Jaenke-Cain 

I/C: Finn Collison, Isaac Bongaarts, Sean McEvoy, Cam Ferguson