Bill Peirce Medal - SEnior Best & Fairest Preview

TIGHT CONTEST PREDICTED IN BILL PEIRCE MEDAL COUNT

A tight contest is expected for the 2020 Bill Peirce Medal count to be held on Friday, October 23rd. In the Covid-19 shortened QAFL season, Sherwood had a number of fine players who will be in contention to win the prestigious medal.

Among the favourites will be our last two winners in reigning champion Luca Winton who was a runaway winner in 2019 after a runner up finish in 2018 and Ryan Harwood, the 2018 winner. Both had excellent seasons and should feature strongly. Strong midfielder Will Fletcher is also expected to poll well, and stayed injury free allowing him to maintain his form and did not play a bad game. Fletcher now has a fully mature body which enabled him to win plenty of hard contested football and he  provided plenty of run through the midfield.

Lanky ruckman Samson Ryan was tireless in ruck and his ruck work and strong marking around ground  puts him in the mix, he certainly had some standout games where he should poll well and put him in contention in a short season. Key defender/utility Aaron Highland and another youngster in Ethan Sivijs will also be in the mix, after consistent seasons. Both played good solid and consistent football in the 8 match shortened home and away season and should poll a few votes.

Key forward Liam Dawson also had an excellent year to be runner up in the QAFL goalkicking table with 31 goals, averaging over 3 goals per game and another half-back in Errin Wasley-Black was also a consistent player providing leadership in the back half and acting as a rebounding defender. Riley Easton and Caleb Franks should also poll well after doing a mountain of work in the clinches, with Easton regularly tackling himself to a standstill.

RESERVES JB MEDAL VERY OPEN CONTEST

The Reserves JB (John Burkill) Medal is an open contest with a number of players in contention.

With only 8 matches played it is expected to be a tight contest, especially with several players also making some senior appearances

Players in contention include skipper and 2019 winner Ben Jaenke-Cain who had another season where he was a prolific ball winner in the centre of the ground and ruckman Trystan Juffs-King was a workhorse all season and shouldered most of the ruck work and was also a good player around the ground.

Others in the mix include young half-back Sam Hartog who played well as an intercepting and rebounding  defender who often kept the Pies in matches  for longer than otherwise would be the case and  mid fielder Sam St John also had a good season but missing several games while playing in the Seniors and one with injury might cost him a real chance at the top honour. The same could also be said of Zach Collison who is a consistently good player, made his senior debut during the year before injury struck late.

COLTS MAURIE McNAMEE MEDAL

The Colts Maurie McNamee medal will be a tough contest in a strong field of consistent performers. John Baker was a late started, but was consistently good player to be rewarded with a senior debut late in the year. Tall forward Connor Culley started well, but then played some Reserves football and succumbed to injury making it hard to poll in such a shortened season. Also around the ball, ruckman Ethan Harris was a pillar of strength and the epitome of consistency, while Mitch Lake was also strong around the contest. Sean Ryan after an injury riddled 2019 returned to the sort of form we all know he is capable of, breaking lines, hitting targets and being a prolific ball-winner should hold him in good stead to poll well.

Also in the mix should be Lawson Campbell who was a top 3 finisher in 2019, Lamont Kalolo who was a consistent performer and Xavier Knight and Will Cruice are also expected to feature strongly.

Deidre Jakavicius Medal - Senior Womens Best & Fairest Preview

Deidre Jakavicius Medal – Preview

With the first DJ Medal up for grabs since 2015, the count is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair with such an even spread of talent across the QFAW Senior Womens team in 2020.

In anticipation of tonights count, let’s take a closer look at some of the main contenders;

Jaimee Newton-Smith (VC) – #3

Jaimee Newton-Smith spent significant minutes as a defender which isn’t the typical spot to collect votes, however she is expected to poll strongly given her exceptional rebound from half-back while also being versatile and playing pivotal roles across the midfield and forward-line. In her first season of senior football, Newton-Smith has established herself as one of the most effective tacklers in the league, frequently utilising her athleticism to mow down opponents and win back the ball for the team.

Selina Prevolsek #10

The sort of player you would love to have on your team but hate to play against, Selina Prevolsek was a major contributor in all of the games that she played. When the going got tough, Prevolsek got to work with her bullish inside work helping the team to secure two consecutive 1-point wins against Jimboomba and Morningside. Prevolsek was dominant across the field with her marking, penetrating kicking and tackling invaluable. Selina was incredibly unfortunate to have her season cut short in Round 5 suffering a broken finger against Beenleigh which kept her in the runners uniform for the remainder of the year.

Samantha Chisholm (C) #14

Captain, Sammy Chisholm had a stellar first season at Sherwood. Chisholm led from the front, missing just the one game with injury it was her trademark run and carry that broke the lines and got the crowd (even the opposition at times) excited. Chisholm’s ability to break a game open meant that opposition coaches would attempt to put a tag on her each week. Despite the significant attention, Chisholm worked exceptionally hard to break these tags and also hit the scoreboard finishing 3rd in the league goal kicking.   

Tina Higginson #32

Tina Higginson was another consistent performer this season following her relocation to Brisbane just prior to the transfer window from Kew Bears. Tina was able to contribute much needed experience and polish around the ground and forged a reputation as a mercurial goal sneak in some clutch moments. Growing in confidence week on week, Tina was one of the best performers in the preliminary final and was a deceptively strong contested mark for her size.  

Samara Mahoney (DVC) #8

Reigning 2 x QFAW league medallist Samara Mahoney is expected to be right into the mix for a maiden DJ Medal given her ultra-consistent season. Mahoney played all 9 matches and hit the scoreboard with 6 goals alternating time between the midfield and then resting as a dangerous small forward. Mahoney is a contested ball weapon with clean skills on both sides and excellent speed. She took her game to another level this year with more composed ball use and also finished off her hard work hitting the scoreboard with regularity. 

Renee King #38

The neutral observer wouldn’t pick it, but this was Renee King’s first year of senior football. The ultimate utility, King came to the club late arriving after round 1 due to her work schedule and then proceeded to set the training track alight before earning her stripes on permit with Moorooka before finally making her debut for Sherwood in a standout Round 4 performance against Jimboomba. After impressing on the half-back flank, King pushed into the midfield and forward line earning a reputation as a no-nonsense player capable of causing damage from anywhere on the field.  

The board has also commissioned the Cherie Morrison Medal for the first time. Cherie was a tireless volunteer and servant of the Sherwood Magpies and her primary focus at all times was the welfare of the players, so it was fitting that the the award is selected by the players to the teammate that best personifies values of selflessness, dedication and courage.

APPLY NOW - QFAW SENIOR WOMENS COACH & ASSISTANTS

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Sherwood Football Club are seeking expressions of interest for Senior Coach & Assistants (Playing or non-playing) to head up the QFAW Senior Football Program for Season 2021 and beyond.

After making the preliminary final in 2020, the incoming coach will retain a playing list that is very committed to developing their level of football while at the same time embracing a fun and supportive off-field culture.

ABOUT YOU 

Highly collaborative and an effective communicator, you understand how to cater to all levels of football experience and background to create a fun and development focused environment.

You play a key role in driving an inclusive club culture where respect, accountability and enjoyment for the game is not compromised. You will bring a proven record of forging and maintaining positive relationships with a multitude of stakeholders in the wider football community.

An emphasis on fostering positive working relationships with youth pathways will be required including; mentorship of Youth Coaches within the football club, fostering whole of club integration between youth and senior players and collaboration with Sherwood Youth Girls Coaches & Managers.

OVERVIEW  

• Coach the QFAW Senior Football Team (match day, training sessions, pre-season). 

• Create a learning environment that develops the player's technical skills, physical attributes and overall football knowledge.

• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders of different backgrounds

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions

• Excellent planning, time management and organisational skills

MANDATORY

• Minimum of Level I or Level II coaching accreditation (or willingness to complete Level II)

• Demonstrated leadership acumen 

• Capability to nurture an inclusive club culture 

• Demonstrated ability to identify and support progression of talent

DESIRABLE

• Previous senior coaching experience advantageous (male or female) 

• Capacity to attract support staff and players that align with club values

APPLY NOW 

An experienced panel has been formed to conduct interviews and assess interested candidates but in the first instance for further information or a confidential discussion please contact; Andrew Thomson (President), 0403 066 382.

To apply please submit your football CV to president@westernmagpies.com.au 

Applications Close: Friday 30th of October, 2020.

JUNIOR & YOUTH PRESENTATIONS - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7

IT’S TIME TO PARTYYYYY!

Schedule of Events, Saturday November 7

1:00pm - 1:20pm - Super Stars

1:20pm - 2:15pm - Under 8’s

2:30pm - 3:00pm - Under 9’s

3:00pm - 3:30pm - Under 10’s

3:30pm - 4:00pm - Club Awards

• Coach of the Year

• Junior Club Person of the Year

• President’s Award

4:15pm - 4:45pm - Under 11 Girls

4:45pm - 5:15pm - Under 11 Mixed

• Tom Laurence Spirit Award

5:30pm - 6:00pm - Under 12s

6:00pm - 6:30pm - Under 14s

6:30pm - 7:00pm - Under 16s

APPLY NOW - QAFL SENIOR COACH

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Sherwood Football Club are now seeking a Senior Coach to head up the QAFL Senior Football Program for Season 2021 and beyond.

After making the preliminary final in 2020, the incoming senior coach will inherit a talented playing list comprised of emerging talent produced largely through the local club junior pathway, complimented by a host of impressive senior footballers with experience at AFL, NEAFL, Vic Metro & Country leagues.

ABOUT YOU 

Highly trusted and collaborative in your approach, you are capable of leveraging your impressive technical knowledge of football and first-class soft skills to empower high standards across the QAFL football program. 

You will play a key role in driving an inclusive club culture where respect, accountability and enjoyment for the game is not compromised. You will bring a proven record of forging and maintaining strong relationships with a multitude of stakeholders in the football community. You will enjoy overcoming challenges with players who are highly motivated to take their football to the next level and achieve premiership success, whilst also providing a strong development program for players who are destined for higher honours. 

An emphasis on fostering positive working relationships with youth pathways will be required including; mentorship of Junior Coaches within the football club, fostering whole of club integration between junior and senior players as well as consistent two-way feedback with the Talent Academies and any pathway clubs pending the final structure of QLD football in 2021. 

OVERVIEW  

• Coach the QAFL Senior Football Team (match day, training sessions, pre-season). 

• Create a learning environment that develops the player's technical skills, physical attributes and overall football knowledge.

• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders of different backgrounds

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions

• Excellent planning, time management and organisational skills

MANDATORY

• Minimum of Level I or Level II coaching accreditation (or willingness to complete Level II)

• Demonstrated leadership acumen 

• Capability to nurture an inclusive club culture 

• Demonstrated ability to identify and support progression of youth talent

DESIRABLE

• Previous senior coaching experience at state-league level or similar

• Demonstrated knowledge of talent development programs

• Capacity to attract support staff and players that align with club values

APPLY NOW 

An experienced panel has been formed to conduct interviews and assess interested candidates but in the first instance for further information or a confidential discussion please contact; Andrew Thomson (President), 0403 066 382.

To apply please submit your football CV to president@westernmagpies.com.au 

Applications Close: Friday 16th of October, 2020.

Sherwood Spring AFL9s is back!

Sherwood Spring AFL9s is back for 2020!

In the months of October and November, Mc Carthy Homes Oval turns into the home of AFL9s in the western suburbs on Monday Night.

The competition is able to go ahead thanks to AFL Queensland and the Sherwood Football Club’s covid safe plan.

AFL9s is a modified touch game of Aussie Rules, which is all about fun, fitness, and participation. There are 9 players on each team. This year, the Sherwood Football Club is offering three competitions: mixed (males and females 14+) , men’s (males 14+) and youth (12-16 year olds).

All matches will be played on Monday Nights at the club, between 6:15pm and 9:15 pm.

Registrations are open, and will close soon. Last year, the competition reached capacity, so it is important to register as soon as possible, so you don’t miss out.

All competitions will start October 12, but team payment is not due till October 30. The competition will run for 8 weeks and is due to finish November 3.

Team payment is $800, and can be paid online or through direct debit.

If you have any questions, please get in contact with the Sherwood AFL9s Competition Manager - Cameron Smith (0459 475 817 - camsmith.5@hotmail.com)

To register please click this link - https://afl9s.com.au/venues/details/?associd=18586&assocpc=4068

Carter Capner Law - QFAW Preliminary Final Preview

After finishing the regular season in 2nd position Sherwood will host 3rd placed Jimboomba on Saturday afternoon in what is shaping up to be a terrific contest.

Last time they played it was an absolute thriller at McCarthy Homes Oval with Sherwood making a 4th quarter comeback to win by the solitary 1 point, courtesy of an Emily Convery behind with only 2 minutes remaining.  

Since the return fixture, the Magpies have been in strong form dropping just the one game against ladder leaders Beenleigh, while Jimboomba are also playing quality football and have a very talented playing list including a number of Gold Coast Suns Academy products and are well coached.

Sherwood should go into the fixture with a certain level of confidence fielding a settled, full-strength team bolstered by the return of Jaidyn Eastaughffe and Nikki Hancock.

The versatile Eastaughffe has had an impressive debut season since transitioning from rugby union and is a crucial cog in the team utilising her mobility to provide a fierce contest at ground level as well as giving first use to the midfielders with her tap work. Eastaughffe will be eager to be unleashed after missing last week with a university exam (despite offering to sit the exam in the change rooms and run out as a super sub in the 2nd half to give an insight into her level of dedication).

Hancock has pieced together an ultra-consistent season and her composure will bolster the defensive unit after missing last week with pre-existing family commitments in Mackay.

“The focus doesn’t shift, it’s just another week for the girls to enjoy the game. There is no magic bullet, we train and prepare for a contested, high pressure style of football and think this gives us a reasonable opportunity of doing well regardless of who we are playing,”

“It’s been remarkable to see this team come together, they bring a real hunger to improve and are sincere about playing for each other,” said Coach, Mitchell Merritt.

First bounce - 4:45PM @ McCarthy Homes Oval.

FF: R. Hart, K. Lencz,  C. Bulley

HF: T. Potts, J. Stallard

C: J. Carlsen, S. Mahoney, T. Higginson

HB: J. Newton-Smith (VC), T. Sinclair

FB: N. Hancock, E. Convery, C. Markey

Foll: S. Chisholm (C), R. King, J. Eastaughffe

Int: E. Robinson, S. Mobley, T. Peters, L. Archer, J. Power, E. McCrae

E: T. Bougoure, T. Blair, S. Prevolšek

PLACE PRELIMINARY FINAL PREVIEW - MAGPIES SET TO SWOOP ON CATS

Sherwood head down the M1 to take on the Broadbeach Cats in the QAFL Preliminary Final this tomorrow at Subaru Oval, Broadbeach. The Cats are undefeated minor premiers, however in a shortened season this doesn’t carry the usual weight, and they are very beatable on their home deck by this talented young Magpie team. The Pies haven’t dropped a game for over a month now and are on a roll and full of confidence after a fantastic win last week vs Maroochydore. The Pies will also look back to their encounter with Broadbeach in Round 3 when the Pies were missing several players and still finding their feet as a cohesive unit, but pushed Broady all the way but for a 10 minute lapse that proved the difference.

Magpie Senior Coach Anthony McDonald will stress to his charges the importance of the opening clinches and most importantly, applying scoreboard pressure when in control of the ball. Scoreboard pressure, physical pressure and the pressure of an undefeated minor Premiership may see the Cats in unfamiliar territory.

The Pies have made one forced change to the team with young half back Riley Greene returning to the side after an injury layoff, and he replaces tough nut on-baller Caleb Franks who is suffering from facial fractures. Key forward Brody Lumber, who was a late withdrawal last week with a quad strain, failed to overcome his injury so his late replacement Zane Lovell retains his spot.

The Pies will need to play the full quarters at maximum intensity, something that has eluded them this year. The Pies played the Top 3 sides in consecutive weeks early in the year and matched each of them for long periods of the game only for poor goalkicking and quarter by quarter lapses in intensity to cost them. This was the case in all of the Magpie outings this year, even the victories - so will be a key focus this week.

Will Fletcher and Riley Easton have been brilliant in recent weeks in the midfield and Samson Ryan improves every week with his ruckwork against experienced opponents. The Magpies high class defensive unit will come up against the best attack in the competition in what will be a crucial battle for ascendancy. Luca Winton, Aaron Highlands, Ethan Sivijs and Errin Wasley-Black are more than capable of the task of both stopping and rebounding, but the Pies will also need to get on top in the midfield to make the defenders lives easier. The Pies will also look to their AFL experienced players in Harwood, Beams and Dawson to fire and cause plenty of headaches for the opposition. On the open expanses of Subaru Oval, Bruce Reville and Dan Edwards will be looking to cause plenty of damage with their speed and Tom Baulch will have plenty of work ahead of him as he looks to continue his fine form.

QAFL Preliminary Final:  Sherwood v Broadbeach at Broadbeach on Saturday, September 19th at 2.30 pm
B: Brenton Saunders - Luca Winton  - Ethan Sivijs

HB: Errin Wasley-Black - Aaron Highlands - Jack Goodall 

C: Jayden Gallagher - Will Fletcher - Dan Edwards 

HF: Bruce Reville - Jack Austin - Aaron Maricic

F:  Claye Beams- Liam Dawson - Riley Easton

Foll: Samson Ryan - Tom Baulch  - Ryan Harwood 

Interchange:  David Lewis (Capt) - Drew Mitchell - Jack Briskey - Riley Greene - Zane Lovell

Emerg: Trystan Juffs-King - Sam St John - Connor Bulley - John Baker

In: Riley Greene Out: Caleb Franks (injured)

Gut Feelings - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care Chelmer

• Great to see the recent confirmation of Sherwood Footy Club improving on 2019 when they were 3rd in Australia and #1 in QLD in the Good For Footy Rally, this year were went to #1 in the country thanks to the amazing support of our extended Magpie family and the great generosity of club patron Peter Sherwood who purchased a large batch of tickets just as the raffle was closing.

• Sherwood's 5 Senior teams have all reached the finals  even though the Womens team still have their final home and away round this Saturday evening but cannot finish any lower than second on the ladder to earn a home final next weekend. 

• The Firsts finished 4th and host Maroochydore in an Elimination Final at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer on Saturday, the Reserves and Colts both finished 6th and faced a long trip down to Currumbin for their matches today

• The Woodsmen were refreshed after a weeks rest and took on Morningside in the Preliminary Final last night at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer with the prize for the winner a Grand Final  berth next week.  Morningside finished 6th on the ladder but upset 3rd placed Jimboomba last week.

• The Woodsmen were heavily depleted by injury and unavailability, but hit the front in the last quarter only to be run down by a fit and firing Morningside. While it wasn’t great news for the team footy wise, it was great news for star ruckman Gerard Moore and his wife Charlotte who welcomed their first son Max, forcing big G to miss the game.

• Liam Dawson finished second on the QAFL goalkicking list with 29 goals to trail Morningside's Matt Hammelman who finished with 34 goals.

• AFLQ have decided that this season's Vote Count for the Grogan Medal and other Best and Fairest Awards will occur  on a weekly basis throughout the finals with blocks of votes released on the AFLQ Facebook pages each week. The leading Sherwood player after 3 rounds is Liam Dawson on 4 votes,  trailling the leader on 6 votes. Further votes released next week then final announcement will be in the week leading up to the Grand Final with all medals presented on Grand Final Day. 

• Syd Guildford voting as voted on by opposing coaches has Dawson in second place after 3 rounds on 16 votes, 3 behind the leading player. Check out the AFLQ Facebook page for  weekly voting.

•  No Sherwood Reserves or Colts player features in the early voting and the Womens voting has not been released as yet. Woodsmen Captain-Coach Chris Mihalopoulos  is on 6 votes after round 6, 2 behind the leader.

• The Reserves wobbled into 6th place with only 2 wins, while the Colts with 4 wins could also finish no higher than 6th. The Reserves competition  saw the top 5 teams well clear of the bottom 4 teams so it was basically a battle between 3 clubs for 6th place on the ladder and finals berth. In the Colts, it was a more even spread of teams with not much separating the top six teams and only percentage separating 4th, 5th and 6th placed teams on the final ladder.

• The Reserves almost coughed up their finals place with their worst loss for the season. While all eyes were on the Surfers-Maroochydore Reserves game as most Pies supporters and players  thought the Demons were the side that could displace the Pies but with Maroochydore heading for their first victory of the year this  threat dissipated. What most observers forgot was that Wilston-Grange with a bye  had a percentage that was not going to change while the Pies could drop below  the Gorillas if their loss was of a big enough margin. Luckily the Pies lifted after half time to limit the damage and hold onto a finals place with a 4% gap after starting the game 13% in front before the last round.

• Senior Assistant Coach David Hamill  assumed the role of Reserves coach 4 weeks ago after the departure of Corey Hopkins from the role after the Maroochydore match. Hamill has impressed most observers with his input last year and this year and has long term coaching prospects with a great footy brain. He was named the Russell Greene Coach of the Year in 2019. The club and Hopkins decided to part ways after a difference in philosophy about the Reserves coaching role. 

• The club's resources will be split this weekend with Seniors at home to Maroochydore and the Reserves and Colts down the Currumbin on the Gold Coast, all on Saturday. 

• Colts co-coach Drew Mitchell will leave their match at halftime to travel back for the firsts final and will leave coaching to fellow coach Ben Jaenke-Cain and Assistant Coach Bryce Crossley. David Hamill will also leave the Reserves at half time to get back to assist with the Senior coaching and Jaenke-Cain and Crossley will then take charge of the Reserves at half time. Support staff will include Phil Kelemen, Brian Millar and Des Lashman but it is not ideal.

• AFLQ decided to stick with the formula of the finals and gave no consideration to playing across different days as is tradition in the past.

• Cameron Smith has done a great job interviewing Senior coach Anthony "Macka" McDonald after each match but we might have to nickname him "Absolutely" after he has answered the first question in every interview by  starting the sentence with "absolutely"!! 

•  Mitchell Merritt showed true clubmanship by running water at Labrador last Saturday.  

• Mitch is the coach of the club's Womens' team and he worked hard to make that happen and is also a club Director so puts in lots of time and effort  for the Magpies. Drew Mitchell also featured on Facebook cleaning out the change rooms and injured players Riley Greene and Ethan Sivijs also were involved in match day support last week. 

• Shane Bridley's funeral was yesterday at Maroochydore but due to Covid-19 restrictions the numbers who could attend were limited but  a sizeable crowd gathered at the Sherwood Social Club at 10.30 am yesterday for the livestreaming of the funeral. 

• Thanks to Club President Andrew Thomson, Grey Magpies committeeman Craig St John and Club Manager John Mitchell for getting the livestream feed up and running.

•  all past players and friends are also invited to have a drink in the Social Club at half-time of the Senior match on Saturday to celebrate Shane's life and contribution to the club as a player and official and also in recognition  of his part in the re-establishment of the Old Players Association. The Players will also wear black arm bands on Saturday. 

•  great news the Magpies young defender Jack Briskey has been selected to participate in the AFL Combine later in the year. This is where talented players can be tested in variety of measures which is then used to assess  their overall ability and it is the pathway to being picked up by an AFL club in the national draft.

• just another reminder  that the club honour boards have been updated.. There are still a few gaps in the history  especially Reserves  but each year the gaps are  closing.

• It will be well worth a look in the Sportsmans Bar area of the club on Saturday if you haven’t already done so to check out the updated honour boards.

• a reminder the club still has a number of commemorative guernseys available for sale. The guernseys have every Senior, Reserves  and Thirds players and coaches to play for Sherwood, the Western Magpies and the Woodsmen from 1968 to 2018.  Please see Dr Greg Thompson if you want to purchase a guernsey, price is $70 negotiable!!

•  a reminder to all people attending the football on Saturday to observe Covid-19 restrictions and be mindful of social distancing especially with the Ladies day function, Colts reunion and a number of grey magpies returning to the club.

• Please scan the digital sign in QR code with your iphone and register your attendance   The QR codes are  posted on walls and at the canteen and simply put your iphone camera over the code and then it is a simple process to register your attendance online.

HoLo - QFAW Match Preview

It’s finals eve as the Magpies host Morningside in the final game of the regular season from 4:45PM.

Last time these two teams met, a Brisbane rainfall record was set and it was Sherwood who came from behind to secure the win courtesy of a Tina Higginson running goal in the final minutes.

While a top spot finish is available with a win, Sherwood will be careful to not take any opponent lightly and will be eager to keep the focus on doing the little things well to get the job done this week.

On debut this week is Bailey Elder who has earned selection the hard way after joining the team midway through the season, training the house down each week and playing on permit for Moorooka and North Shore in a great show of her dedication and selfless attitude. Bailey is not afraid to win the contested football and will look to play an important role rotating across the half forward and wing.  

Also returning to the team this week from injury, Covid19 isolation and work commitments are; Jess Stallard, Jess Power, Jess Blakey and Tui Sinclair.

Keep an eye out for midfielder Samara Mahoney who has been absolutely ruthless with her contested ball winning ability and dynamic clearance work.

FF: R. Hart, K. Lencz,  C. Bulley

HF: T. Higginson, J. Stallard

C: J. Carlsen, S. Mahoney, T. Potts

HB: C. Markey, T. Sinclair

FB: E. McCrae, E. Convery, J. Newton-Smith (VC)

Foll: S. Chisholm (C), R. King, E. Robinson

Int: T. Peters, L. Archer, J. Power, B. Elder, J. Blakey, S. Mobley

E: J. Eastaughffe, T. Huff, S. Krippner

Place Preview - Magpies at Full Strength for Maroochydore Clash

The Magpie QAFL senior side will be at full strength this week (excluding long term season ending injuries) when they take on Maroochydore at McCarthy Homes Oval tomorrow at 2pm. After several weeks of players with niggles, work availability issues and illness - its a full list for the match committee and as a result have brought back midfield/forward terrier Riley Easton and classy defender Ethan Sivijs. Out of the side go the unlucky Zane Lovell and Rory Johnson who played their roles well in recent weeks.

The Pies have had a strong week on the track and will be 100% switched on when they step onto the field for the elimination final. Coach Anthony McDonald will be reminding his players what happens if you are not fully prepared and up for the contest by looking no further than 4 weeks ago when the Pies went down to the Roos in a poor showing against a high quality Roos outfit. The good thing about that loss was that the Magpies resolved to lift their intensity from the first bounce and this will be a different contest for the visitors in this match, and the Pies will have a new look side, particularly around the ball this week.

Liam Dawson was double teamed in that match and the Pies did not exploit the loose man but will be better prepared if the Roos continue to drop a player back. The Pies on-ball brigade is hitting its straps with Will Fletcher, Claye Beams, Ryan Harwood and Caleb Franks hard at the contest but also able to break away., while the classy Bruce Reville looks in fine form and ready to unleash on his first QAFL finals series. Dawson, Brodie Lumber and small forward Aaron Maricic will be the forward targets to start the game, while Jack Austin can be very dangerous in the air.

Down back Luca Winton, Aaron Highlands and Jack Goodall have been good in recent matches and will need to  keep things tight., while the experienced Errin Wasley-Black alongside Ethan Sivijs provide the strong and direct rebound with their pinpoint disposal and penetrating kicking.

It should be a cracking day of footy at McCarthy Homes Oval, so be sure to get down there for a 2pm start and cheer the boys through to a Preliminary Final next week.

QAFL Elimination Final:  Sherwood v Maroochydore at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, September 12th at 2 pm

B: Brenton Saunders Luca Winton  Ethan Sivijs
HB: Errin Wasley-Black  Aaron Highlands Jack Goodall 
C: Claye Beams   Will Fletcher Dan Edwards 
HF: Bruce Reville Jack Austin  Brody Lumber 
F:  Aaron Maricic  Liam Dawson Riley Easton
Foll: Samson Ryan  Caleb Franks Ryan Harwood
Interchange:  David Lewis (Capt), Drew Mitchell, Jack Briskey, Jayden Gallagher, Tom Baulch
Emerg: Zane Lovell, Connor Bulley, John Baker Trystan Juffs-King

In: Riley Easton, Ethan Sivijs
Out: Zane Lovell, Rory Johnson (both Reserves) 

Storage King - Reserves Elimination Final Preview

The Sherwood Reserves travel down the M1 tomorrow all the way to Salk Oval at Pam Beach to take on Morningside in the QAFL Reserves Elimination Final. In the previous encounter between these two teams, it was a Panther victory by 7 points after one poor quarter from the Magpies cost them.

The Magpies bring back Zane Lovell and Rory Johnson into the side after both played Seniors last week, while out of the side goes Zach Collison with a hamstring and Brady Allen who did not qualify for finals due to a late arrival in QLD. Collison is an important player down back for the Pies and is a big loss to the side and his teammates will need to step up in his absence. One such player could be Whitlam Bishop who was superb last week and has been a strong performer in the Colts in previous years in a key defender post.

The Pies will look to Trystan Juffs-King to get control in the ruck and give the likes of Lovell, Johnson, St John and skipper Jaenke-Cain the chance to get the ball forward to the strong marking Lachie Davies, who is good in the air and strong in the contest.

Down back Sam Hartog and Jacob Aurisch have been solid and they will need to be tight and tough if the Pies are to take the win. Morningside are expected to be a strong lineup with their Senior side having the week off allowing them to select all qualified Reserves players, but expect the Magpies to come our firing and push into a Prelim final next week.

QAFL Reserves Elimination Final: Sherwood v Morningside at Salk Oval, Currumbin  on Saturday, September 12th at 11.45 (Note earlier start) 

B: Sam Hartog  Harrison Radcliffe Hamish Campbell  
HB: Peter Kilroy   Whitlam Bishop  Jacob Aurisch 
C:  Rohan Smith  Ben Jaenke-Cain ( Capt)  Chris Davis 
HF: Sam St John  Lachlan Davies Noah Resuggan 
F: Macauley Lonergan Cam Ferguson Jordan Bonney
Foll: Trystan Juffs-King  Zane Lovell Rory Johnson
Int:  Aiden D'Roza, Cooper Crowell, Finn Collison, Mitch McMillan 

In: Zane Lovell, Rory Johnson

Out: Zac Collison (hamstring), Brady Allen (DNQ)

Coopers Friday Night Footy - Preliminary Final Preview

It’s snuck up on us, but in the QFA competition its Prelim Final time already with the Woodies taking on Morningside tonight at McCarthy Homes Oval at 730pm.

It was a short home & away season, with each team playing each other once and one club twice. Cooincidentally, the side the Woodies met twice were Morningside in Round 1 and Round 8, with a victory in both games going to the Black & White. Morningside snuck into the finals on percentage to finish 6th, and were impressive in knocking off the 3rd placed Jimboomba Redbacks on their home deck last Friday, while the Woodies who finished 2nd enjoyed the week off to rest some older bodies and allow some injuries to recover.

It’s a strong looking lineup once again for the Woodies, though at this stage they have not yet finalised their 22 due some availability and weather concerns. However, coming into the side will be Lachlan Woods, Alex Dickfos, Sam Banim and Andrew Thomson. Woods injured a shoulder back in Round 4 and is set for a full return, while Thomson damaged his ribs and shoulder in Round 5 and is now back to full fitness. Dickfos and Banim offer contrasting forwardline options, and are both difficult matchups for the opposition.

Out of the side are Gareth Crawford with a hamstring strain and Chris Brown has a damaged back and hip from a heavy hit 2 weeks ago and despite the week off, didn’t quite get up for the game, though should the Woodies get up tonight both these players will create huge selection headaches the following week.

There is class on every line for the Woodies, headlined by Luke Scott across half back, Val Pope, Doc Davis and Chris Mihalopoulos as experienced midfielders who can push forward and find the goals, while Abdullah Haddad on a wing creates extreme pressure around the contest with his pace. Nick Barling in the ruck is a tough match up at any level and should give the likes of Pope, Davis, Brady Allen and Sam Curtis first use of the footy.

It should be a cracking night of footy as both sides battle it out for the right to play in next weeks Grand Final at Coorparoo.

Sherwood Woodsmen vs Morningside - 730pm @ McCarthy Homes Oval Fri 11 Sep

B: Prior - Petch - Pearson

HB: Scott - Page - Workman

C: Verma - Woods - Haddad

HF: Lloyd - Doc - O’Dea

F: Mihalopoulos - Dickfos - Banim

Foll: Barling - Allen - Pope

Int from: Thomson - Merritt - Garland - Curtis - Young - Evans - Gillespie

Vale - Shane Bridley

The Sherwood Districts Australian Football Club community is mourning one of its favourite sons in Shane Bridley, who passed away 10 days ago after a recurrence of melanoma which was first treated many years ago.

"Shagga" was the architect along with good friends Terry O'Shea, Greg Adams and Rob Lawson to grow the Sherwood Past Players Association, the "Grey Magpies". It was Shane who came up with the name "Grey Magpies" as an option for the group and it has struck a chord and the name has stuck.

Shane began his association with Sherwood in 1962 after starting to play Australian Rules at primary school in the local Corinda/Sherwood community where he grew up. In those days Aussie Rules was quite strong in the primary schools in the Corinda, Sherwood and Graceville areas and Shane was one lad who gravitated toward the game. Kevin Kluver remembers him playing in Under 14s at the club.

He played mainly as a ruckman who could play forward and he was a member of Sherwood's 1973 Senior Premiership team that had a memorable 4 point victory over Mt Gravatt after being beaten by 83 points fortnight earlier in the second semi-final. He booted 8 goals in one match against Army in the early 1970s. 

He missed the 1977 premiership win over Mt Gravatt due to injury but that season he acted as a team manager in an early indication that he was a true clubman, a "giver and doer",  in a team environment. He had already coached junior Sherwood teams as a young man in the late 60’s and early 70’s and was also the inaugural coach of the first Sherwood Senior Women’s team in 1972.

Shane and a few other "Past Players" attended a teammates funeral a few years ago and they discovered there were a few other ex-players and friends who were doing it tough. They decided that life is too short and that the Sherwood Past Players should be far more active to help make connections and support all the ex-players and officials of the club as well as the current players and officials. Shane was one of the drivers of the new look Grey Magpies, writing informative and entertaining newsletters and encouraging Past Players to get to games and re-kindle old friendships. 

Rather than just talk about it, Shane simply just went and got it done. Back in late 2018 he contacted the current committee and an excerpt from that email is below, which sums up his can do attitude.

Good Evening,

Kevin Kluver may have mentioned to you that I would be making contact.

My name is Shane Bridley, a former junior player at the club from 1962, and a senior player of the early/mid 1970’s, having grown up in the Sherwood area, and attended school at Sherwood/Corinda. I moved away from Brisbane in the late 1970’s and currently reside in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast..

Over the years I have maintained regular contact with a number of players of that era, attended home games from time to time as well as a treat of the odd game up here on the Sunshine Coast. I have also attended a number of club functions, and my love of the club has never waned.

I was fortunate enough to have been at the club in its ‘glory days’ when the clubhouse was first erected, and we were winning grand finals almost at will, and the club was the place to go socially for the Western Suburbs.

My most recent visit to the club was the day/night of the ’50 Years of Senior Football’ celebrations, and perhaps the nostalgia of the evening has prompted me to perhaps see if I can do something for the club, through the past player/old boy network.

I am aware that there has been various versions of an old boys network, perhaps groups of mates from various eras and did attend a rather successful day there at the club a few years ago – time flies, but it was a fabulous day! A good role up of past players and supporters on that day, watched a great game of footy against the old enemy Mt Gravatt, and socialised accordingly in to the evening.

I have spoken with a number of former players since the day of the 50 Years of Senior Football, including Kevin Kluver, Warren Selvage, Rob Lawson, and recognised/agreed that the club could benefit from making our extensive past player network a more formal and visible arrangement. A fellow partner in crime from my playing days – Terry O’Shea, has also put his hand up, and he and I would like to take on the initial role/ do the groundwork, to meet with yourself and/or other Board of Directors Members, discuss/agree on formation, goals, etc, and form a committee of sorts from past players of the various eras, that can ensure any initial groundwork is followed up and acted on each season.

Whilst perhaps the principal activity of the ‘Association’ would always be ‘fellowship through football’, support for past and existing players, fundraising activities for the club, etc, are some of the other ideas that have been bandied about during discussions with past players at recent social events, and sadly to say, at funerals of past players and/or their wives. Establishing a more formal past player network to provide support in times of need, would appear to be another area that we as an association within the Football Club, could capitalise on for our extensive collection of past players.

Myself and Terry O’Shea would welcome the opportunity to meet with yourself and any other club personnel you think relevant, to discuss this proposal, and hopefully get it up and running with support from many others, and with clear goals for the season ahead…

No less than 6 months after that e-mail, Shane had established a databased of Past Players in the hundreds, distributed a monthly newsletter and helped organise an official ‘Grey Magpie’ launch function with David Parkin as guest speaker. When a number of ex-players indicated they may not attend due to financial difficulty it was Shane and a number of other Old Players who donated tickets so that all who wanted to attend could do so, the first step in underlining what this network would be all about.

Shane, who lived on the Sunshine Coast, would still travel to most Sherwood home games in the past 2 years and when the Past Players Association was formally constituted earlier this year with an official elected committee, Shane was elected President.

It was soon afterwards that he received the diagnosis that his melanoma had recurred and despite a brave fight he was unable to beat it a second time.  

Good mate Terry O'Shea said ‘Shagga’ was a bit of a character with some larrikin in him and who can forget that naughty boy smile he had. He and a few other Old Boys said they had never heard a bad word about him. An anecdote they related was  whern they picked him up his mum would always ask whether he had his hankie so he got ribbed about that often and they remember him brillantly taking off  1970s comedy character "Aunty Jack" at a club function.  

Shane worked for the Commonwealth Bank and was transferred to Mt Isa where he played for a couple of seasons before being moved to the Gold Coast, where, "horror of horrors" he played for Palm Beach-Currumbin. 

It was on the Gold Coast he met  his wife Julie and they then moved to the Sunshine Coast where they had two children, Luke and Abbie. 

Shane was passionate about his children's sports activities and to underline his selfless commitment to his community he was the past President of Stella Maris Churches Soccer Club, Sunshine Coast University Rugby Club (for 4 years - his son Luke is a long time playing member)  and is a Life Member of the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club where he chaired the Mal Pratt Youth Development Foundation for 17 years. 

Shane Bridley was a "giver", a "doer" and he always put in far more than he got out of his efforts. He could light up a room with his cheeky smile and easy manner and was the epitome of the larrikin Aussie who just gets on with it, put the hard yards in and  enjoy it as much as you can. While he retained a strong interest and was a frequent visitor, Shane only took on official roles within the club again in the past two years. Despite this, his death has rocked the Sherwood footy community like few others and is testimony to what he has achieved for the club and the Grey Magpies in such a short time.

The Sherwood football community expresses in sincere condolences to his wife Julie, children Abbie and Luke and Shane's three grandchildren on the sad passing of their husband, father and grandfather. 

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the attendees at Shane's funeral on Friday is limited. Sherwood Footy Club will be represented by good mates Terry 'OShea, Greg Adams, Des Lashman, Bruce O'Neill, Rob Lawson, Kevin Kluver and Warren Selvage. 

The club is hoping to livestream the funeral in the function room at the club on Friday from 10.30 am (further details to come) and also invites all of Shane's friends and footballing mates to this Saturday's football match at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer where they will toast their good mate and remember his contribution to this football club, sport in general and to the general community. 

Shane was the ultimate Grey Magpie, seeking no recognition for his efforts and simply seeking ways to help the club and those involved for no other reason but to see people get the same enjoyment from the club he got himself over his 58 year association with the Magpies.

Below is the re-creation of an edited article that appeared in various publications on the Sunshine Coast last week, including the Sunshine Coast Daily.

"He will be missed": Region mourns selfless sports identity by Tom Threadingham 

With a cheerful smile and positive outlook, Shane Bridley spent more than two decades pouring his passion and time into supporting the region's sports community.

It was a dedicated and selfless contribution, and one that is fondly being remembered by friends, family and various clubs after the 70-year-old lost his battle with skin cancer on Saturday.
While a Collingwood tragic, Mr Bridley was a lover of all codes and fast became a prominent and friendly figure on the Sunshine Coast sport scene.

Shane Bridley is fondly being remembered by friends, family and various sports clubs after the 70-year-old lost his battle with cancer on Saturday. He is pictured with daughter Abbie, son Luke and wife Julie.

"He did a lot for kids in sport and wherever his children played he would also be a supporter of the club whether it be as a team manager or even some cases a club president," good friend Len Whitney said.

He's survived by two children, Abbie and Luke, wife Julie and three grandchildren.

Mr Bridley was a life member of Maroochy Surf Club, a past president of USC Rugby Union club, a past president of Stella Maris Churches Soccer Association, and also a proud member of Maroochy River Golf Club and the Buderim Snooker and Billiards Club.

He was even the co-founder of "The Grey Magpies", past players and supporters of Sherwood Districts Australian Football Club.

"He was always trying to help others," Mr Whitney said.

Mr Bridley was particularly prominent at Maroochy Surf Club, holding multiple roles including chairman of the Mal Pratt Youth Development Foundation for 17 years.

He received a Silver Certificate of Recognition in the International Year of the Volunteer for his efforts there along with 26 other surf lifesaving awards before retiring in 2018.

Fellow life member Ralph Devlin said "He was just one of the most courteous people I've ever met and was just a thorough gentleman," Mr Devlin said.

"He was just person who carried himself with the utmost dignity and politeness and you can't say that about too many people that you meet I don't think."

Long term friend Len Whitney said:
"(I'll miss) his cheerful smile and outlook and his wanting for Collingwood to win a football match on Friday night down at Mooloolaba pub

"He was a friendly, outgoing type of person.

"He was also a man who liked a XXXX heavy beer and felt that if you're having a beer it should be that.

"He'll be missed by us all and hopefully he's got a XXXX set up for us when we come and visit him again."

Shane Bridley is fondly being remembered by friends, family and various sports clubs after the 70-year-old lost his battle with cancer on Saturday 29 August

In a special tribute, Maroochy Surf Club will celebrate his life and contribution by having a drink in Mr Bridley's honour at 5pm this Friday 4 September

With COVID-19 restrictions at the funeral, next Friday, September 11, the club will also form a special guard of honour in the carpark with Mr Bridley's hearse to pass through on its way to Nambour.

"That'll be unique and great send off," Mr Devlin said.

Mr Devlin encouraged members to don club gear and help form the guard of honour at 12pm

Place Preview - Home Final on the Line for Sherwood

Fourth place and a home final is the prize for Sherwood when they travel to Labrador for their QAFL round 9 match on Saturday,  which is the last home and away game before finals commence next week.

The Pies have made one change to the side, with Aaron Highlands coming in after missing last week with an infection. Out is Riley Easton, who has work commitments.

The Pies started to get going last week and seemed to play with more freedom than in recent weeks and are starting to play the standard of football that was expected earlier in the season.

Labrador are out of finals contention with only one win this season  but  still pose a danger as they will want to take a scalp before season’s end, especially on their big and often windy home ground. The Magpies will need to play smart football on the open spaces at Labrador but the wide expanse of the ground will help the magpies potent forward line. Labrador have a strong playing list despite their results and will be a handful on their home deck.

The Pies must win out of the centre with Samson Ryan a key player in ruck against a well credential opponent and the likes of inform Will Fletcher, Ryan Harwood and Claye Beams key players for the Pies. In defence Jack Goodall returned to form and with Highlands back at CHB, Ethan Sivijs and Brenton Saunders  also playing well and Luca Winton also back to form the Pies defence looks strong. Support acts in midfield and across half forward in Jayden Gallagher, Tom Baulch, Aaron Maricic and Bruce Reville all provide an x-factor for the Pies.

The prize for victory  is a home final against either Mt Gravatt or Maroochydore  with the winner of that semi-final playing  the loser of Saturday’s Broadbeach-Morningside match a week later. A loss on Saturday will drop the Pies to sixth and a tough match at Palm Bach-Currumbin next week.

QAFL Rd 9: Sherwood v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday, September 5th at 2 pm

B: Brenton Saunders Luca Winton  Ethan Sivijs
HB: Errin Wasley-Black  Aaron Highlands Jack Goodall 
C: Claye Beams   Will Fletcher Dan Edwards 
HF: Bruce Reville Jack Austin  Brody Lumber 
F:  Aaron Maricic  Liam Dawson Zane Lovell  
Foll: Samson Ryan  Caleb Franks Ryan Harwood
Interchange:  David Lewis (Capt), Drew Mitchell, Jack Briskey, Jayden Gallagher, Tom Baulch
Emerg: Trystan Juffs-King, Sam St John, Rory Johnson, Sam Hartog 

In: Aaron Highlands 
Out: Riley Easton (work) 

Harvey Norman - Reserves Match Preview

Sherwood reserves will be looking for a win and tune-up before the finals next week

The Pies are sixth and that is where they will finish regardless of a win or a loss but a win will give confidence leading into next week’s Elimination Final.

The selectors have brought in Noah Resuggan after recovering from a knee injury to give the side a boost and key defender Mitch McMillan is back after missing a week. Riley Dreghorn is unavailable and goes out of the side..

The Magpies have a strong on-ball division in Trystan Juffs-King, Sam St John and Rory Johnson, all with Senior experience and with Chris Davis  and Macauley Lonergan in season best form the Pies will be hoping to give key forwards Lachlan Davies and Cam Ferguson quick forward entries.

Sherwood are still not at their best but have been improving in recent weeks and  will need a strong showing against 5th placed Labrador to give them  a boost before next week’s finals.  

QAFL Rd 9: Sherwood Reserves v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday, September 5th at 12 noon
B: Mitch McMillan Hamish Campbell  Sam Hartog
HB: Peter Kilroy   Zac Collison  Jacob Aurisch 
C:  Rohan Smith  Ben Jaenke-Cain ( Capt)  Chris Davis 
HF: Jordan Bonney  Lachlan Davies Finn Collison
F: Macauley Lonergan Cam Ferguson Noah Resuggan 
Rucks: Trystan Juffs-King  Sam St John 
Rover: Rory Johnson
Int:  Aidan D'Roza, Cooper Crowell Whitlam Bishop, Harrison Radcliffe

CFMG Capital - Colts Match Preview

The Sherwood Colts go into the last round in 5th position and play Labrador who they may meet again in the finals. Last round and an exciting opportunity awaits the Colts boys. A win to the Pies and a Morningside loss will result in a 4th place finish. 

After a dominant win filled with missed opportunity last week, the Colts had a massive focus on finishing of their hard work. Their contest work and movement has put them in really strong positions within a game. 

Its a great squad of players with plenty of depth and they play an exciting brand of footy. 

This week sees the return of defender Lawson Campbell as well as speedster Jonty MacDougall. Out of the side are Lachlan Ford through injury and Lachlan Harvey who played his role very well last week and keeps continuing to learn and grow and is playing great footy despite still being eligible for u16s

This weekend will truly define the belief within the group. 

QAFL Rd 9: Sherwood Colts v Labrador at Labrador  on Saturday, September, 5th  at 10.00 am

B: Lamont Kalolo- Tom Evans -  William Hunt

HB: Rory Edwards – Lawson Campbell - Jack Spry

C: Morgan Smith - Sean Ryan – Brodie Gardner

HF: Charlie Thorpe – Xavier Knight – Will Cruice

F: Joshua Lane– Connor Bulley – Zane Barrett

Foll: Ethan Harris – John Baker - Thomas Kearney

Int: Oscar Murphy - Will Radcliffe - Mitchell Lake – Jonty MacDougall

GUT Feelings - Brought to you by Regis Aged Care

• 5 out of 5 ain't bad! The Senior footy teams of the club had 5 good victories last weekend and all wins either secured a finals berth or improved the finals position. The Seniors can secure 4th place on the ladder with a win on Saturday at Labrador, the Reserves can’t really finish anywhere but 6th regardless of Saturday's result, the Colts can finish 4th with a win, the Woodsmen secured second place on the ladder and a first round finals bye and a home preliminary final next week and the Women's  team have all but secured top place on the ladder and a home semi final.

• The club held its Ladies' Day on Saturday when the Magpies hosted Surfers Paradise and a great day was had by all. The Ladies’ Day continues to grow and  this year Blair Hamill, Danielle Mitchell and Shelby Beams organised a fantastic  day which will get bigger and bigger each year. Ex-Magpie heart-throb Brent Staker hosted the event once again and club manager John Simpson and his hard working band at the Social Club made sure no stone was left unturned to make it a special day. 

• The Reserves had a shortened match due to a serious head injury to a Surfers Paradise player right on three-quarter time. The player had airway compromise and it was only the quick thinking actions of Sherwood parent Dr Hugh Gower  and a Surfers parent who is a nurse that stabilised the player until an ambulance arrived.  Dr Gower is a GP and also coaches one of Sherwood's under 8 teams and was sitting near the incident. Sherwood club doctor Dr Greg Thompson was also on the scene so the positive for the injured player was  he was in the best possible hands which is remarkable for a suburban footy ground, as Sherwood continue to be the only QAFL club with a Club Doctor at each match.

• Ex-Captain and 2017  Bill Peirce Medallist Drew Mitchell was chaired off the ground in celebration of his last home and away match at McCarthy Homes Oval. Drew has been a true champion of the Magpies and in 2015 to 2018 he was in the top 30 players in the QAFL and was very unlucky not be named in the QAFL Team of the Year in 2016 and 2017. In true clubman fashion he is now co-coaching the Colts with his great mate, brother-in-law and fellow Bill Peirce Medallist Ben Jaenke-Cain. Drew has played 145 Senior games and will be left stranded on 149 should the Pies make it to the Grand Final, though he would likely be over 200 in all grades of Senior Football.

• Hopefully for Drew and the Pies, he will get another home game in a semi final if the Pies win over Labrador on Saturday.

• Several older Magpies supporters almost collapsed in disbelief and had to be revived with the smelling salts on Saturday when on-baller Ryan Harwood was not only awarded one free kick but three free kicks! Despite being scragged off the ball, jumped on and generally manhandled in most matches this season, Harwood was the invisible man as far as the umpires were concerned, very rarely being awarded a free kick in the first 6 matches of the season. Will be interesting to see if he gets any Grogan Medal votes. To his credit, Harzy never complains and just gets on with it, winning the hard ball at the contest week in week out.

•  The Magpies are blessed with a number of talented youngsters but one who often goes under the radar is half back Ethan Sivijs. In 2019, he just continued to get the job done, and was awarded most consistently player in the Senior side. Once again this year he goes about his work unobtrusively across half back with shut down roles or  to be an attacking half back flanker. He plays taller than he looks, has rapid closing speed and rarely fumbles  or misses targets when he has the ball. He is also he is a good decision maker and the Pies have unearthed a gem. 

• Another classy player to catch the eye on Saturday was teenage half forward John Baker.

• Baker has returned from Springwood where he has played 2 years of Senior Football and was one of the Pies best players in the Reserves victory on Saturday after playing in the preceding Colts match. Having played at Jimboomba, Ipswich and Sherwood as a junior he is a smooth mover and reads the play well with clean ball handling and looks to possess a deadly left foot (gotta love a left-footer!!). He has a big future and has settled back in beautifully at the Pies.

• The Pies Seniors now have their destiny in their own hands-- a win over Labrador seals fourth place and a home final, a loss will see them drop to either 5th or 6th depending on other results and a tough elimination match on the road either way. A fourth place finish will give the Pies a big chance of advancing to the preliminary final. A fourth place finish would mean opponents could be Mt Gravatt or Maroochydore, but a sixth place finish would likely mean a trip to the Gold Coast to play Palm Beach-Currumbin

• The Reserves, currently 6th on the ladder,  meet 5th placed Labrador on Saturday and regardless of the result should still finish in 6th place on the ladder. A win definitely seals 6th place while a loss  and a big Surfers Paradise win means it will come down to percentage but with a 35% gap on the Demons,  the Pies look safe for a finals berth.

•  Sherwood Colts had a good victory over bottom placed Surfers Paradise-Southport combination.  The Magpies can finish 4th with a victory over Labrador on Saturday but a loss could see them slip to 6th on the ladder which still means a finals appearance in this strange covid-19 shortened season.

• The Womens team won an entertaining top of the table clash on Saturday evening over the previously undefeated Beenleigh to  go to the top of the ladder with one round to play. Sherwood have a bye this round but with a percentage advantage of 30% over second placed Beenleigh should hold onto top place and earn the right to host a semi final next Saturday evening.

• Interestingly the Pies match against  Jimboomba a fortnight ago was cancelled due to the Covid-19 scare in in which one player or coach from each team had potential exposure it was decided not to play the fixture and the was match declared a draw and the 4 points shared. 

• Sherwood's QFA team, aka "The Woodsmen",  had a great win over ladder leaders Maroochydore last Friday night and are guaranteed to play finals, finishing second on the ladder. The Woodies will have a bye in the first week of the finals and will play the winner of this Friday’s  Jimboomba v Morningside semi final next Friday night in a Preliminary Final at home at McCarthy Homes Oval. The Woodsmen are one win away from a Grand Final Berth. The week before the Magpies had  a hard fought victory over Morningside. Gut Feelings noted an interesting name on the teamsheet with Brady Allen escaping Victoria and after 2 weeks in quarantine was free to play. Unfortunately he tweaked a hamstring but it must have been a minor injury as he has been selected in the Reserves this week.

• Interestingly, the Woodsmen finished 2nd on the ladder, but both their losses were against sides who have not made the finals.

• The Sherwood u14 age group are leading the way in youth football, with both teams looking set to play finals in Conference Cup and Community Cup Football. The u16s are a competitive outfit in both divisions, but a huge injury toll has resulted in each team playing short most weeks, but the lads are impressive in their commitment each week, with many often playing twice.

• The u12s have won just the one game, and enjoyed a close game on the weekend. Due to the age group changes this year from AFLQ, this age group was most impacted by pure cooincidence and resulted in 6 x u11 boys playing up for the entire season to ensure Sherwood can field a side each week. Good signs for the future, but a tough year for the boys who are playing in the Division 1 competition against some strong opposition.

• The Junior Magpies are booming (u11 down) with the 2 x u11 teams extremely competitive each week, and exceptional numbers in u10s through to the 5 x u8 teams and 6 x Superstars teams. Not to mention our 2 x u11 Girls teams who put on a great show every Friday night with their skill and sense of fun.

• The 2000 Colts Premiership team had a reunion on Saturday and in conversation with the group it was clear they all have an abiding love of the club and said it had a big say in their development as  not only footballers but as good people and citizens. I'm not sure the 2000 Colts team fully qualify as Grey Magpies just yet but they most definitely are  "Old Boys". Good to see legendary coach Kevin Stephens at the reunion. Kevin coached a number of Sherwood junior teams and he instilled a toughness in them that stemmed from his days playing in the old VFA, arguably the toughest footy  played in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Pictured: Jenny Fozard (Life Member), Chris Keane, Chris Fozard (Life Member), Daniel Maroske, Tim McEvoy (Life Member), Jason Evans, Dylan Mudge, Kevin Stephens, Will Fozard, Daniel Hitchcock, Peter Kilroy (Life Member)

• Interestingly, from this Colts 2000 team several players pictured were still playing Seniors, Reserves or 3rds football as recently as last year, or at least in the last 3 years and Peter Kilroy still plays Reserves this season

• The Pies senior squad has  a long injury list.  Riley Greene (fractured elbow), Lachie Dennis, (shoulder reconstruction),  Billy Johnson (fractured scapula),  Harry Marshall (ankle sprain) Caleb Scott (fractured fibula), Alex Davila (fractured arm) and Jackson Paynter (shoulder dislocation) have all had season ending injuries, while Mitch Stallard injured his hand and recently made a comeback next door with Kenmore. Physio Megan Hunter and Doc Thompson has also been busy with five players requiring sutures to lacerations so far this season as well as three head injury assessments and a number of ankle, shoulder and knee injuries requiring assessment and rehabilitation. Who says the game isn't as tough as it was in the Grey Magpies' eras? 

• The Brisbane Lions Academy team made  a better fist of it in their second match against the Gold Coast Academy a fortnight ago with Sherwood's Jack Briskey and Bruce Reville among the best players for the Lions Academy. Bruce revile was moved to the centre after halftime and racked up a mountain of possessions in the third quarter and collected 2 goals to bring the Lions back into the game. The Lions went down by just 7 points after being thrashed the week before and the inclusion of Reville certainly played a part in the improvement

• Both Briskey and Reville returned to the black and white last week to be good players for the pies in their victory over Surfers Paradise, and Briskey has recently been invited to the draft combine - and exciting step for the youngster.

• The NEAFL is officially dead!! The AFL announced last week  that the NEAFL is no more, which came as no surprise to most observant footy followers in SE Queensland.

• What does this mean for the QAFL and footy in Queensland? 

• The current NEAFL clubs can apply to join a new VFL/East Coast competition involving all Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland AFL clubs or re-join the QAFL. The word is that Gold Coast Suns will not field a stand alone Reserves team and that  Southport will be the Suns defacto Reserves team. Where does that leave Redland and Aspley? The rumour is that Aspley may become the Brisbane Lions de facto Reserves team but nothing concrete as yet. Redland will most likely apply to rejoin the QAFL. More interesting times indeed!! 

• The demise of the NEAFL now raises the question of what happens to the Redland and Aspley listed players and what will be Southport's recruiting strategy. Certainly any player from SE Queensland wanting to play at a high level or have aspirations of making an AFL club list will gravitate to Southport, exactly where Sherwood sent exciting youngster Riley Greene in the off-season. RG secured a spot on the Southport list before COVID hit and then suffered a season ending injury in Rd 2.

• So what of the Redland and Aspley listed players? Sherwood will be hoping its home grown NEAFL players who have lined up this year for the Pies will elect to stay in 2021 but there are no guarantees. The Player point system will be a leveller for the QAFL but it will still  make for an interesting off-season. Expect plenty of off-season AFLQ news as well as AFL news.

• Just a reminder that when you are down at the club next time to have a look at the club's updated Honour Boards in the Sportsman's Bar. There are still gaps to be filled especially Reserves so if you know of an award winner or coach not listed then let Greg Thompson or Kevin Kluver know. The gaps will eventually be filled in. Also many thanks to Craig St John, Sam St John and John Simpson (club manager) for assisting in putting the updated boards up on the wall. 

Grey Magpies Pictured: Des Lashman (Life Member), Mel Beswick, Shane Arnold, Greg Adams (Life Member), Peter Filler, Craig St John, Warren Selvage (Life Member), Rocco Stewart, Ian Anderson. At Back; John ‘Crackers’ Cawcutt

One2One Plumbing - Senior Womens Match Preview

It’s rapidly approaching the business end of the season with McCarthy Homes Oval set to host the top of the table clash between 2nd place Sherwood and 1st place Beenleigh from 4:45PM.

Last time they met, it was Beenleigh who took home the win by a margin of 7 points in a tight affair at Dauth Park.

In unique circumstances, both Beenleigh and Sherwood come into the game with fresh legs with Beenleigh enjoying the bye and Sherwood’s game against Jimboomba cancelled last Saturday due to Covid19 concerns.  

With a top 4 finals system and only one game to follow, Sherwood will need to secure a win this week to have a chance of finishing in the top spot of the QFAW table.

The game is sure to be played at a frenetic, finals like intensity with Sherwood out to prove that they are capable of matching it with the benchmark of the competition and Beenleigh naturally eager to lock away top spot.

Sherwood Captain, Sammy Chisholm has been in inspired form in recent weeks with her strong running game and will again look to set the tone to help get the Magpies over the line.

Keep an eye out for the return of competition leading goal scorer Kate Lencz, vice-captain Jaimee Newtown-Smith and the dynamic Jessica Stallard who are all very timely inclusions for Sherwood.  

FF: K. Lencz, R. Hart, T. Bougoure

HF: R. King, J. Stallard

C: J. Carlsen, S. Mahoney, T. Potts

HB: C. Markey, J. Newton-Smith (VC)

FB: E. McCrae, E. Convery, N. Hancock

Foll: S. Chisholm (C), T. Higginson, J. Eastaughffe

Int: L. Archer, T. Blair, T. Peters, C. Bulley, S. Costa, E. Robinson

Place Preview - Sherwood in Do or Die Battle

Sherwood face a do-or-die match at home at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday when they host 2019 Premiers Surfers Paradise in QAFL Round 8 action.

In this shortened QAFL season and with a final six, a win to the Pies will virtually seal a finals berth and another win in the final match at Labrador next week will seal fourth place on the ladder and a home final. 

A loss on Saturday will place the Pies final's hopes in jeopardy. 

Both teams are on 8 points and the Demons have shown improved form in recent matches after a slow start to the season minus many of their Premiership stars. On paper Sherwood have a strong team but have spluttered in most matches and this has therefore not translated into victories this season.  

Saturday is the time to unwrap a well tuned motor and with a week off to lick their wounds the Pies should be fired up for a big performance in front of what should be a big home crowd with the club's Ladies' Day and the 2000 Colts Premiership Reunion part of the day' s activities. 

The selectors have brought in 3 youngsters in Bruce Reville and Jack Briskey, both back from Lions Academy duties and Zane Lovell is rewarded for strong and consistent form in the Reserves. 

Out are the injured Cade Scott and Aaron highlands and Sam St John goes back to the Reserves.

Highlands and Scott will both be missed but in Reville and Briskey they have two young stars in the making to fill their shoes. 

The Pies midfield and forward line has been spluttering and both will need to lift if the Pies are to win and keep their finals hopes alive. Ryan Harwood and Will Fletcher have both been the form midfielders and Samson Ryan has a big job to get the Pies going from the centre bounces. 

The Pies need to get the ball quickly down to key Forwards Liam Dawson and Brody lumber if they are to kick a winning score.

It is getting to the pointy end of the season and the Pies need wins to stay in finals contention, starting on Saturday. 

QAFL Rd 8: Sherwood v Surfers Paradise at McCarthy Homes Oval, Chelmer on Saturday, August 29th  at 2 pm

B: David Lewis (C) Jack Briskey  Ethan Sivijs
HB: Errin Wasley-Black  Jack Goodall Luca Winton (C)
C: Claye Beams   Will Fletcher Dan Edwards 
HF: Aaron Maricic  Jack Austin  Brody Lumber 
F:  Bruce Reville  Liam Dawson Riley Easton 
Foll: Samson Ryan  Caleb Franks Ryan Harwood 
Interchange:  Tom Baulch, Jayden Gallagher, Zane Lovell, Drew Mitchell, Brenton Saunders
Emerg: Trystan Juffs-King, Sam St John, Zac Collison, Sam Hartog,