Anytime Fitness - Reserves Preview

EXPERIENCED INCLUSIONS BOLSTER PIES

The Western Magpies Reserves will welcome back some bigger bodies and plenty of experience with the inclusion of  Gareth Crawford, Matt Mazarolle, Jesse Hampel, Gabe McKinnon and Joel Workman into the side to play the visiting Labrador on Saturday at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer. 

Also in is speedster Dan Edwards who will add some class to the side. Out go impressive youngster Riley Greene and Brenton Saunders, both promoted to the Seniors. Greene stood out in badly beaten side last week and showed maturity beyond his years. 

Hampel, a former Pies player, will give the Pies a forward target with his strong hands and good goal sense.

Joel Workman returns after a premiership at Park Ridge and he played Senior QAFL football several years ago and will be a welcome addition to the side.

Likely the most important inclusion is Gareth Crawford, joint Bill Peirce Medal winner 2 years ago, who will add grunt and leadership to the midfield, ensuring the Pies are pushing forward and getting their hands on it at stoppage. Also into the side is experienced layer Gabe McKinnon who forced his way in via very strong form for the Woodsmen last week that could not be ignored.

The "old hands" will give the many youngsters in the side more confidence, although Ethan Sivijs, Zane Lovell and Zac Collison were solid players last week and will go into this game with a positive frame of mind.

Cade Scott and Cam Ferguson will both return to the Colts this week, but will no doubt feature again at Reserves level. Several Colts aged players however have been retained in the side.

Coach Kiran Verma is confident that with the inclusions his side will bounce back and redeem themselves in this match.