PLACE PREVIEW - STAKER TO 'DEBUT' VS TIGERS

Off season recruit, and former West Coast Eagle/Brisbane Lion -  Brent Staker is a big "in"  for the Western Magpies when they travel to the Gold Coast to play the 2015 Premiers Labrador. Staker comes into the Magpie side for his first match after suffering a hamstring injury in the pre-season.

Both the Pies and Labrador are not where they expected to be at this stage of the season so this game is another one in the category of a "must win match".

Staker adds not only skill but experience to the Pies side and will demand attention from the opposition hopefully freeing up another star Magpie eslewhere. Staker has been slotted to play at centre half back but expect him to spend some time up forward during the game.

Also into the side are full forward Alex Dickfos who has recovered from a viral illness and was asked to play Reserves last week after missing 2 weeks of training due to his illness. That said Dickfos has not reached the heights of last year and needs to get back to his bullocking and goal kicking best to give the Pies the lift they need up forward.

Also into the side is Sam Copland who returns from Queensland Under 18 dutties and will give the Pies forward line a lift.

On the debit side the Pies lose key defender Chris Hunt and strong midfielder Drew Mitchell, both with concussion after suffering head knocks last match, and Jadan Morton goes back to the Reserves.

The Pies were smashed in the outside run and on transition last week and as a result were second to the ball and looked reactive. This can be rectified with increased workload both with and without the football and coach Glenn Humphrey has emphasised the importance of winning the midfield battles. Nick Barling looked to be getting back to form in the ruck with some beautiful taps after half time and he will need to continue this form to give the Pies first use of the football. 

Brady Allen was one player to hold his head high last week and while he was good he always looks like he can rip a game apart at any time but has yet to do so. This Saturday may be just the match where he can lift even further and become the match-winning dominant player he threatens to be. 

With Mitchell out, the Pies have moved Lachie Woods back into the midfield mix and added Mitch Stallard as well to give some outside pace.

Luke Scott to CHF is a good move and with Val Pope and Jack Goodall either side of him the Pies forward power looks potent but only if given good delivery.

The Pies have been stung hard by losses in the past two matches and know their season hangs in the balance so will be fired up for a big game against a Tigers side which will be equally desperate.

For two sides struggling compared to pre-season predictions this match is a big one and still deserves "Match of the Day" status.

Western Magpies v Labrador at Labrador on Saturday, May 14th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke MitchellRhys BridgeRichard Wenham 

HB: Matt DavisBrent Staker Tim McEvoy

C: Brady Allen  Callum Carseldine (Co-Capt.) Aaron Maricic (R)

HF: Jack Goodall (R)  Luke ScottVal Pope

F: Matt Sondergeld (R) Alex DickfosSam Copland

Rucks:  Dom Beer, Ben Jaenke-Cain 

Rover: Gareth Crawford

I/C  Nick Barling, Mitchell Stallard, Lachlan Woods (Co-Capt), David Lewis

Coopers Fan Profile - Mark Milne

Mark Milne is a regular face down at the nest, watching his beloved Western Magpies - but what you may not know, is that Mark is a Pies supporter with a difference!

Mark is also a former elite sportsman himself, representing Australia at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics in both 7-a-side soccer and shot put.

Mark was the Skipper of the Soccer team, who finished 5th to narrowly miss out on a medal and he also finished a creditable 6th in the shot put.  He was classed as a C8 athlete, which is a cerebral palsy classification for athletes retaining a good level of mobility.

Mark was already an elite soccer player before suffering injuries in a car accident in 1985 just 4 months before his 21st Birthday.  Mark reflects that he was forced off the road by a car on the wrong side, and as a result he hit a power pole and suffered and acquired brain injury.

Before the accident he was a member of the Brisbane Lions team, playing as a sweeper when they were in the then National Soccer League (NSL).

His longtime connection with the Magpies involves playing at Sherwood as a youngster with some of his good mates, before his talent for the round ball game saw him pursue that sport at the highest level in Australia at the time.

If you see Mark around the footy club, be sure to say g'day and chat to him about his own impressive sporting career, as he was certainly a very special talent both before and after his accident. 

Place Match Review - Improving Colts get the job done

The Western Magpies Colts kicked off the day with a solid win over rivals PBC by 38pts.

It was built on an excellent first half, with the forward press and full ground pressure the team applied proving too much for PBC. The result of this was a 38 point half time lead. It should have been even better than that, but missed opportunities, and a desire to share the footy around, meant some excellent work from the backline and midfield , who were both well on top, wasn't exploited fully.

The forwards were not bad by any stretch of the imagination, and with a focus on the press and pressure inside the forward 50 it's understandable that some attacking fluency wasn't quite as it should be.

The highlights were forcing many turnovers from PBC's kick out's ,the ruck work of both Highlands and Rigsby-Jones, the constant power running of the midfield group led by Reynolds, Misso, R Johnson , Fletcher & Gainsford, both key defenders Vine and Fisher, hard ball work of Smith , Roderick and Renner, and the pressure and crumbing work forward of centre from Lawson, Stumer and B Johnson.
 

Both big key forwards worked tirelessly with Mason being targeted constantly by PBC and he must be commended on keeping fairly cool whilst being harassed by multiple opponents.

A flat second half was proof the Colts still have much to work on and having improved fitness to bury sides when in a strong position as they we were at half time is the next step for these talented lads.

Magpies 11.14 - 80 defeated PBC Lions 6.6 - 42

Best: Reynolds, Misso, Vine, Smith, R.Johnson, Rigsby-Jones

Goals: Reynolds 3, Lawson, Stumer, De Rooy 2, Mason, Misso 1
 

Body Key Chiropractic - Ressies Review

PIES RESERVES BLOWN AWAY

The Western Magpies Reserves were blown away by a more determined and strong Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies were disappointing in the loss and looked disinterested and their efforts were below what is required and expected at this level. 

Subsequently they were beaten by 98 points, 18.14-122 to 3.6-24. 

The Pies were slow to start and had 5 goals kicked against them before they knew it and never recovered.  

They were second to the ball, fumbled and were smashed on the transition.

From all reports numbers at training have been less than desired and this is reflected on what occurs on a Saturday. The Pies on paper looked a good side but with Alex Dickfos injured early it did throw the side out up forward. 

The Pies were goalless to half time.

Players who did show the required effort were Joel Workman, who was given more time in the midfield, Jamie Page, Gabe McKinnon and Ricky Dudley in defence trying to stem the tide, Brodie Easton continued his recent good form in the centre and new player Stuart Hubbert in his first season of AFL showed some fight in the clinches.

Magpies 0.2 - 2 | 0.6 - 6 | 1.6 - 12 | 3.6 - 24

defeated by

Palm Beach 5.4 - 34 | 9.8 - 62 | 14.9 - 93 | 18.14 - 122

Best: Workman, Dudley, Page, Easton, McKinnon, Hubbert

Goals: Dickfos, Pershouse, Pukallus

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES GO DOWN IN CLASSY CONTEST

The Western Magpies were beaten by a speedy and vastly improved Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer on Saturday,  the Pies were defeated by 38 points 19.15-129 to 14.7-91.

The match was a high class affair with the Lions getting a break on the Pies late in the second quarter which they were able to hold onto for the remainder of the match. The visitors were good in transition and had several speedsters who troubled the Pies with their pace and penetrating kicking.

The Lions were able to score 3 cheap late second quarter goals when the ball squirted out the back of the pack deep in the Pies defence, allowing the Lions to grubber them through from the ground inside the goal square which disappointed the coaching staff. 

The Lions skipped to an 8 goal lead mid way through the third quarter but the Pies fought back with 3 goals to give faint hope of a comeback late in the quarter but PBC always had an answering goal to dampen the Pies hopes.   

The Magpies were beaten by a better side on the day but their effort and hardness at the contest was back to the expected high standard this team had set for themselves over the past 18 months. 

The Pies were down to 20 fit men by the last quarter with both Chris Hunt and Drew Mitchell suffering head knocks in the second quarter--Hunt was subbed out and Mitchell returned to the fray but struggled as a result and was taken from the ground early in the final quarter. 

Rhys Bridge in the last line of defence was a fine player with numerous intercept marks and strong spoiling.

Jack Goodall kept presenting at CHF despite a couple of heavy knocks and was rewarded with 4 goals, Brady Allen had his best game for the year working hard back then injecting forward when needed. Richard Wenham returned to his best after several weeks out with hard running and defensive work across half back and in midfield. 

Ben Jaenke-Cain and Gareth Crawford also won plenty of the ball and Luke Scott ranged far and wide up forward to boot 3 goals.  

Senior Coach, Glenn Humphrey had this to say:

“We were just outplayed. They were very good around the stoppages, well organised, and simply outplayed us on the day.

“I think our defensive work was very good at times, as was our offence when we got out the other side of the ground, but they had more use of the football.”

The Pies depth will be tested when they travel to Labrador next Saturday with both Hunt and Mitchell in doubt in what will be a big game for the Pies in the context of the season.  

Western Magpies 4.1 - 25 | 7.4 - 46 | 12.4 - 76 | 14.7 - 91

defeated by

Palm Beach Lions 5.4 - 34 | 10.7 - 67 | 17.13 - 115 | 19.15 - 129

Best: Goodall, Bridge, Allen, Scott, Wenham, Jeanke-Cain

Goals: Goodall, 4, Scott, 3, Lewis 2, Sondergeld, Stallard, Maricic, Pope, Morton

PLACE PREVIEW - LIONS TO SUFFER PIES WRATH

The Western Magpies have 2 weeks of pent-up frustration from their fade-out last match and it will be Palm Beach-Currumbin who will suffer the wrath of the Pies at Chelmer on Saturday. 

The Pies have had 2 weeks to ruminate on the loss to Broadbeach and from all reports are champing at the bit to have a red hot crack at the Lions and not only restore their pride but also put the Pies season back on track. 

A resurgent PBC have recruited well this season and are 3-1 with their only loss to Morningside after leading late in the match.  

The Magpies usually need no extra motivation when they play the Lions but this Saturday they will be more fired up than usual.

Magpies Co-captain Callum Carseldine rated a win in this match as "critical" to the Pies season. He reassured the Pies faithful that his side will be up for the challenge and if training is to go by then they will come out firing.

The Pies were put through a hard running week last week and then plenty of contested football at training this week and Carseldine says the intensity at training had lifted several notches.

He said if the Pies put together four quarters of football then they can beat any team in the competition and is confident the Magpies will win on Saturday. 

The Magpies' changes this week see ruckman Nick Barling come in after missing last match with back pain with debutante Luke deNys out unavailable. Also in is Richard Wenham after one match in Reserves after missing with concussion and full forward Alex Dickfos goes back to the Reserves to find some form after an indifferent start to the season.

Jaden Morton goes to CHF and Luke Scott to full back but supporters can envisage these roles to be reversed at some point in the game with Scott good when up forward last match.

Redlands listed forwards Jack Goodall and Matt Sondergeld were good last game and will be keen to continue their good form in an effort to put their names in front of the Redlands selectors.

Luke Mitchell has had a great start to the season and will look to again provide intercepts and run from the backline.

The Pies were beaten in midfield last match and this would have been galling for the midfield rotations of Cal Carseldine, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Tim McEvoy, Gareth Crawford and Drew Mitchell and expect them to come out firing on Saturday. Barling into the ruck will help out Dom Beer who shouldered a heavy workload last match.

Val Pope was down a bit last game and he will be looking to get back to form again to improve the Pies forward power and David Lewis at full forward is a good lead and mark and will give the Pies a good option going forward.

This season shapes as an even competition with no easy matches and any lapses can prove costly as proved a fortnight ago.

Coach Glenn Humphrey recovered from the disappointment of that loss to oversee a team desperate to atone and expect the Pies to be ferocious at the contest for the full 120 minutes. 

Western Magpies v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer  on Saturday May 7th at 2.00 pm

B: Luke Mitchell  Luke Scott   Rhys Bridge   

HB: Matt Davis  Chris HuntLachlan Woods (Co-Capt)

C: Brady Allen  Callum Carseldine (Co-Capt.) Aaron Maricic (R)

HF: Mitchell Stallard, Jaden MortonVal Pope

F: Matt Sondergeld (R) David LewisJack Goodall (R) 

Rucks:  Dom Beer, Ben Jaenke-Cain

Rover: Drew Mitchell

I/C  Nick Barling, Tim McEvoy, Gareth Crawford, Richard Wenham

24 Fit - Reserves Preview

PIES RESERVES LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

The Western Magpies Reserves will look to bounce back from a last round defeat when they meet old rivals Palm Beach-Currumbin on Saturday. The Pies are 2-2 while PBC look to have improved this year and are 3-1 after 4 rounds.

The Pies have been strengthened with the inclusion of regular senior full forward Alex Dickfos and half back Ricky Dudley.

Dickfos will be looking to regain the form that had him kicking 60 goals in the Seniors in 2015 and the experienced Dudley comes back after a slight muscle strain last match. Also in is smart young goalsneak Dom Morrison who has been in impressive form in the Colts.

Out are Richard Wenham promoted to the Seniors and Kurt Vine and Billy Johnson back to the Colts.

The Pies forward line looks strong with Matt Hockley at CHF and in full fitness after playing last match with illness. Dickfos will be a strong target and youngster Charlie Pershouse also provides a tall target with strong hands.

Another youngster in Geoff Gibb is showing good signs in ruck and Brodie Easton and Joel Workman should win plenty of midfield ball. Easton leads theseason possession countbut needs to make these more effective with more penetrating kicking, especially with Dickfos and Hockley as targets.

The Pies defence looks solid with a strong half back line of Dudley, Sean McEvoy and Gabe McKinnon and they will be keys to the Pies winning the match.

The Magpies will want to win to keep in touch the ladder leaders and with  coach Quentin Johnson having a more settled side will expecthis team to put in a big effort to gain the 4 points

Western Magpies Reserves v Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer at 11.30 am on Saturday, May 7th

B:  Jae Humphrey Todd Billing  Jamie Page

HB: Ricky Dudley - Sean McEvoy (VC) - Gabe McKinnon (Co-Capt.)

C: Lachlan Dennis - Chris Devlin -  Hunter Heath

HF: Charlie Pershouse - Matt Hockley (Co-Capt.) - Jesse Pukallus

F: Stuart Hubbert - Alex Dickfos -  Matt Mazarolle

Foll: Geoff Gibb - Joel Workman - Brodie Easton

I/c:  Josh Burton -  Sam Donovan - Trent Walker - Dom Morrison

Emerg: Matt Davis, Michael Hyndman, James Gainford

Sci-Fleet Taringa - Colts Preview

PIES COLTS lOOK TO CONSOLIDATE IN TOP FOUR
The Western Magpies Colts have the opportunity to kick start the day for the footy club with a win this week as they meet Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer at 9.30 am

After 3 wins on the trot, the young Magpies will be looking to consolidate their top 4 place with a victory over another top 4 contender. PBC have won 2 and lost one this season.

It shapes as the toughest test yet for the squad, and will be a great chance to see how much they have improved since the start of the year.

Again there are a few changes , Ash Gore out with a burst appendix, Josh Senescall & Jaiden Johnston - Bates unavailable and the team congratulates Dom Morrison on his well deserved promotion to the Reserves.

Coach Justin Gore is looking for a continuation of the hard contested footy that allows the fleet of slick runners to produce the exciting brand of footy that has earned the Colts wins in the last 3 rounds.

Come on down and have some brunch while you check out the next wave of senior Magpies strut there stuff at the nest this Saturday morning.

B: Thomas Luke - Kurt Vine - Cameron Smith

HB:  Ryan Vagne - Zeleke Fisher - Pat Renner

C:  Connor Green - Dom Misso © - Damon Allen

HF: Will Fletcher - John Mason - Billy Johnson

F: Phil Stumer - Jeremy de Rooy - Chae Lawson

Foll: Aaron Highlands - Rory Johnson - Liam Reynolds

I/C: James Gainford, Jesse Rigsby-Jones,  Callum Grant, Tom Rodrick

CK GROUP - PRESIDENT'S LUNCHEON - TRIBUTE TO JEFF LANGDON

Sherwood/Western Magpies President Kevin Kluver will host a President's Luncheon at 12 noon on Saturday when the Western Magpies host Palm Beach-Currumbin at Chelmer in Round 5 of QAFL football.

The Magpies will also celebrate the life of 1977-78 premiership player Jeff Langdon who passed away recently at 72 years of age after a short illness.

Langdon was a larger than life character who Kevin says was a cross between Phil Carman and Warwick Capper which made him a flamboyant but classy player in anyone's books.  

He was best on ground in Sherwood's 1977 premiership win over Mt Gravatt but was so exhausted after the game he was taken to hospital and put on a drip. He was also best and fairest winner in 1977. He played 88 matches for the Pies. He started at Wests Juniors then came across to Sherwood as a 14 year old. 

Jeff was a burst player who would turn it on for 10 minutes then would have a spell and turn it on again and again. It later transpired he had a heart valve problem and had a valve transplant 10 years ago.

After football he was a well renowned horseman with harness racing and went to New Zealand to train horses then returned to Brisbane and trained numerous winners on the Gold Coast and at Albion Park. He became the head farrier at Albion Park, a position he held for many years.  

Kevin Kluver relates a story that Jeff said he couldn't keep playing because it was too hard on his body and when Kevin asked him what he was going to do he said do some buck jumping at rodeos!!

He was also the lead singer with a well known rock band in Brisbane and did covers of the Rolling Stones. Kevin said he was an entertainer both on and off the field-- a singer and a cross between Carmen and Capper, he must have been an entertainer!!    

Kevin expects 10-15 players from the 1977-78 era to be at the tribute.

The club also offers a welcome and extends its sympathies to Jeff's two daughters Lisa and Tammy, his son Stephen, his brother Kenny and their families. 

BodyKey Chiropractic - Colts Review

COLTS THE SHINING LIGHT UNDER LIGHTS

The Western Magpies Colts were the shining light for the Pies when they easily defeated Caloundra under lights at Chelmer on Saturday evening. The Pies won by 99 points, 18.10-118 to 3.1-19.

The first quarter started with Caloundra, with 2 wins from 2 matches,  throwing out the challenge to the Pies before the Pies booted a couple of late goals to grab a 2 goal lead at quarter time.

The Pies got in top in the second quarter with a dominant midfield and a rebounding half back line to give their forwards plenty of opportunities to kick goals. The Pies dominated the second half to run out strong winners to be in the top half of the ladder after 4 matches.  

While both teams went into the encounter at less than full strength, the depth of the Pies Colts squad was on display as the 20 that took the field Saturday afternoon proved far to good for the visitors. The ball movement, commitment to the team one percentersand the improvement in the players'  fitness, allowed them to control the game right the way through.

After a tight first few minutes, the Magpies pressure around the contest and work to create space and time for the ball carrier saw them start to dominate through half back and the midfield. The tall forwards John Mason and Jeremy DeRooy enjoyed some good delivery and smart small forward Chae Lawson was having a field day feeding off any crumbs the talls didn't mark. The result was for the first time this year was more goals than points, a much better reward for the efforts of the team further up the field.

A slight change in how the midfield set up, with players placed there specifically to provide a physical contest and work to make sure our ball carriers , Reynolds, Misso, Stumer, Gainsford, Grant & Morrison had time and space to use their speed and skill. Credit goes Gore, Senescall, Green, Allen , and new player Tom Roderick , (who showed he will be a nice addition to the squad.) for the way they worked in close to create that space.

The backline stood up well, and while the scoreline may not show it, there was a bit to do and Tommy Luke, Pat Renner, Cam Smith, played close and tight, while also attacking when the time was right. Highlands and Fisher's ruck tandem continues to grow in strength. With Fisher showing glimpses of his exciting potential , and Highlands continuing his fine form which would have him high up in the B&F voting at present . Special mention also goes to fullback Kurt Vine and midfielder Billy Johnson for backing up after playing solid game time in the Reserves.

The Colts now head into the break with confidence , but there is still much work to be done.. Continued focus on fitness will see less injuries and provide a more stable squad to select from. There have been at least five each week and and the next month will be tough with all matches against expected finalists. It will shape the season and give the Pies Colts a true indication of where they sit in the pecking order. 

Magpies Colts 18.10 - 118 defeated Caloundra 3.1 - 19

Best: J.Gainford, C.Grant, J.Mason, D.Morrison, A.Gore, L.Reynolds

Goals: J.Mason, C.Lawson, D.Allen 3, D.Morrison, L.Reynolds, J.Gainford 2, P.Stumer, K.Vine, C.Grant 1

24 Fit - Ressies Review

RESERVES DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST

The Western Magpies Reserves were defeated by 12 points by Broadbeach in a tight contest at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies again had to re-jig the side from the selected side and there have been significant changes every week, impacting on continuity for the team.

The Pies also had to make late changes with half back Ricky Dudley not coming up after tweaking a leg at training and Luke de Nys getting a call up to the Seniors, with skipper Matt Hockley coming in after passing a fitness test and booting 3 goals for the match. 

The Pies, like the Seniors, had plenty of the ball in the first half but also did not capitalise on their possession and Broadbeach took advantage.

The Pies still had a chance to win the match late in the last quarter but the Cats made the most of their chances to kick a couple of goals on the rebound after turnovers across the Pies half forward line.

Vice captain Sean McEvoy was strong in the last line of defence and had support from Jamie Page, who continues to get better in his second season of AFL, with Richard Wenham getting plenty of ball in midfield on his return from injury. 

Joel Workman also worked hard in midfield and across half forward and with Wenham will be better for the game after interrupted starts to the season.

Brodie Easton continues to get plenty of the football in the centre and works hard backwards and Hunter Heath also played well on a wing. Youngster Lachie Dennis also did some good thingsto be one to watch for the future.

Coach Quentin Johnson was happy with his team's efforts but again lamented the missed opportunities early. He said getting consistency with his team having multiple changes each week has been a challenge. 

Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 5.4 - 34 | 8.5 - 53 | 10.8 - 68

lost to

Broadbeach 2.5 - 17 | 5.11 - 41 | 8.12 - 60 | 11.14 - 80

Best: S.McEvoy, B.Easton, H.Heath, J.Workman, R.Wenham, J.Page

Goals: M.Hockley 3, L.Dennis, C.Pershouse 2, S.Hubbert, C.Devlin, J.Workman

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES SNATCH DEFEAT FROM JAWS OF VICTORY

The Western Magpies threw the four points away when they blew a 5 goal halftime lead to be overrun in the last quarter to go down by 8 points against Broadbeach at Chelmer on Saturday. The Cats kicked a goal on the siren to win 14.11-95 to 12.15-87.

The Pies dominated the first half and should have had the game well and truly won at halftime with 36 inside 50s to the Cats 14. The Pies were wasteful in front of goal and it came back to haunt them in the final analysis. 

The Pies were shell-shocked at the end of the game where they were the better side for most of the first three quarters of the match. The old adage of "not giving a sucker an even break" was never a truer statement as the Pies left the door ajar for the Cats who started to win the mid-field contested ball then took control in the last 15 minutes to boot 5 goals and stun the home crowd into silence.

The Pies called up Luke de Nys for his first senior match as Doug Lawrence was re-called to Aspley. The Pies were up and about early and dominated possession and forward 50 entries but the tale of the day began early with gettable shots on goal going begging. Luke Scott started up forward and turned his opponent inside out 3 or 4 times to boot 2 early goals and set up another. Matt Sondergeld was busy and Mitch Stallard in his return match was getting plenty of the ball across half forward but also missed a couple of shots at goal. Scott was part of a rotation from half back to the forward line with Matt Davis and perhaps in retrosect he should have stayed forward as he always looked dangerous. Davis also played well up forward but played a different role to Scott.

The second quarter saw the Pies again dominate but were unable to capitalise on this and instead of being 7-8 goals up at the long break had just a 31 point lead which still kept the door ajar for the Cats and didn't reflect the dominance of the half.

The Pies intensity dropped off in the third quarter and Broadbeach closed the gap to 2 goals before the Pies regrouped with goals to Stallard and Jadan Morton had the margin at 4 goals at the final break.

Several perplexing umpiring decisions in the third and fourth quarters resulted in turnarounds and the Cats kicked 2 goals from these and it seemed to upset the Pies concentration and reversed the momentum of the game.

The Cats started to win the midfield battles and with early centre clearances booted 2 goals and it was game on. The Pies got 2 back and with 15 minutes to go the Pies still led by 4 goals but the Cats surged and with more run opened up the Pies defence and closed the gap. The Pies still led into time-on but poor decision making in pressure situations with short kicking to contests and missed targets resulted in turnovers which the visitors exploited.

Luke Scott was the Pies best whether up forward or across half back with 3 goals, Jack Goodall presented all day across half forward in his best match for the Pies, Reece Bridge mopped up well in the last line of defence and his depseration in spoiling at the marking contest was a highlight. Matt Sondergeld had plenty of the ball and Gareth Crawford worked hard all day in close. Alex Dickfos also presentedall day but just could not hold on to some of his grabs. Mitch Stallard also justified his inclusion and booted 3 goals and Luke de Nys played well and was not out of place across half back.

Coach Glenn Humphrey was bitterly disappointed in the loss and lamented his team's inability to slow the game down late in the final quarter and close out the victory.

The Magpies have 2 weeks to lick their wounds before they face old enemy Palm Beach-Currumbin before an expected big crowd at Chelmer as President Kevin Kluver will host a President's luncheon before the match.

Western Magpies 3.6 - 24 | 8.12 - 60 | 10.14 - 74 | 12.15 - 87

defeated by

Broadbeach Cats 1.2 - 8 | 4.5 - 29 | 7.8 - 50 | 14.11 - 95

Best: L.Scott, J.Goodall, R.Bridge, M.Sondergeld, G.Crawford, A.Dickfos

Goals: L.Scott, M.Stallard 3, M.Sondergeld, V.Pope, J.Morton, A.Dickfos, L.Woods, M.Davis

PLACE PREVIEW - MAGPIES RETURN TO THE NEST

The Western Magpies return to the nest for the first time this season and face another tough match when they host Broadbeach Cats on Saturday. 

The QAFL season is shaping up as very even with no easy matches, the proof last week when the Pies had the fright of their life before sneaking past a supposedly struggling Sandgate.

The Pies will relish playing at their Chelmer base after their scheduled second round home game had to be transferred due to damage to the ground from recent works on the Telstra Tower.  

The Pies were again forced to make several changes with 3 outs due to injury in ruckman Nick Barling, CHF Liam Dwyer and half forward Jake Heard. Interestingly Barling escaped suspension during the week after being found guilty of striking but given a reprimand by the Tribunal. 

Into the team come Mitch Stallard and Jack Goodall to the half forward line and Doug Lawrence back after a week at Aspley. Stallard has started to find the form he had in 2014 when he showed plenty of class and Goodall showed he can play in the key forward post with 5 goals from CHF last week in the Reserves. Lawrence adds steel to the pies defence and allows Chris Hunt to go back to fullback and releases Luke Scott to the forward line where he can add some firepower.

Richard Wenham will resume in Reserves after missing 2 matches with concussion and Sean Mewing and Brenton Saunders are still recovering from injuries while Tyler Jones holds his place at Redlands. 

Tim McEvoy moves back to the back flank where he played when he won his Bill Peirce Medal for the Pies in 2007 and Lachlan Woods goes to the back pocket and with Hunt and Luke Mitchell, who is in great form, forms a very strong last line of defence. The versatile Jadan Morton moves into the ruck rotation to join Dom Beer who has again been his consistent self.

Callum Carseldine and Gareth Crawford both had good matches last week and will again be the keys with Drew Mitchell to gain the midfield ascendancy. The Pies are down in the stoppage clearance numbers from last year where they dominated the clearances and a lot of work has gone into the stoppage work at training to get the Pies back to where they were last year.

This is a classic 8 point match as a win for the Pies puts them well inside the five and sets a launching pad for the rest of the season.

The Magpies will enjoy a return to their home ground and an expected big Anzac weekend crowd will be keen to see a Pies victory.

The match will be preceded by a small service to commemorate Anzac Day, led by President of Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL, Kevin Alcock.

Western Magpies vs Broadbeach Cats - HOME - Saturday April 23 @ 2pm

B: Luke Mitchell - Chris Hunt - Lachlan Woods (C)

HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence - Tim McEvoy

C: Brady Allen - Callum Carseldine (c) - Aaron Maricic (R)

HF: Mitch Stallard - Jack Goodall (R) - Val Pope

F: David Lewis - Alex Dickfos - Luke Scott

Foll: Dom Beer - Gareth Crawford - Matt Sondergeld (R)

INT: Jadan Morton - Drew Mitchell - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Reece Bridge

BodyKey Chiropractic - Reserves Preview

PIES RESERVES LOOK TO CONSOLIDATE

The Western Magpies Reserves have reshuffled their line-up for their clash with Broadbeach on Saturday. The Pies lose 5 goal CHF Jack Goodall and on baller Mitchell Stallard to the Seniors but welcome back regular senior player Richard Wenham returning from injury.  

Broadbeach are winless this season but have gone down narrowly to Morningside and Mt Gravatt so will be tough opponent for the Pies.

Wenham goes into the centre and Chris Devlin to the ruck rover role so the Pies still have some serious mid-field muscle and with Hunter Heath and Jae Humphrey both in good form last week the Pies midfield looks good. The backline has a mix of experience and youth with Luke DeNys knocking on the door of a Senior debut and Todd Billing playing consistent football with skipper Gabe McKinnon moving to CHB. 

The half forward line is youthful with both Lachie Dennis and Charlie Pershouse adapting well to senior football and Joel Workman starting to gain form after an interrupted start to the season.  The forward line has also been reshuffled with Warwick recruit Trent Walker to full forward after several weeks in the ruck. 

Geoff Gibb is also finding his feet at this level and has improved in each match and Brodie Easton has been the sides leading ball winner in each match this year.

Coach Quentin Johnson has not had a stable team this year but will ask his young forwards to keep presenting as targets and will look to experienced players in McKinnon, Billing, Humphrey and Devlin to provide leadership for the team.

A third victory will set the Pies season up and they will be keen to start well at home. 

Reserves vs Broadbeach at HOME - 1130am, Sat April 23

B: Todd Billing - Sean McEvoy (VC) - Jamie Page

HB: Ricky Dudley - Gabe McKinnon (C) - Luke DeNys

C: Jae Humphrey - Richard Wenham - Hunter Heath

HF: Lachie Dennis - Charlie Pershouse - Joel Workman

F: Stuart Hubbert - Trent Walker - James Gainford

Foll: Geoff Gibb - Chris Devlin - Brodie Easton

Int from: Matt Mazerolle - Jesse Pukallus - Josh Burton - Troy Hartman - Sam Donovan - Michael Hyndman

CFMG Capital - Colts Preview

The Western Magpies Colts will be keen to make it three in a row in front of a twilight home crowd when they take on Caloundra on Saturday evening at Chelmer. 

The Pies depth will be tested with a cloud over the fitness of CHF Jeremy de Rooy and full-back Jesse Rigsby-Jones, both selected but need to pass fitness tests before lining up. 

Captain Dom Misso in the centre and winger Connor Green were good last week and CHB Ryan Vagne controlled the back line. Aaron Highlands in ruck gave the Pies first use of the football which rover Liam Reynolds enjoyed and these two will be again need to give the Pies first use of the football.  

For the first time on our home ground, in the new exciting late afternoon time slot, the young Pies have the perfect opportunity to gauge the improvements made in the first 3 rounds. After copping a mauling in week one of the season, the boys have regrouped and reset the training standards, commitment to the team and worked extremely hard to post victories in the last 2 weeks to sit 7th on the ladder, one spot below this week's opponents.

Caloundra come to the Nest with a reputation as a high scoring outfit and our boys will need to be ferocious in the contest, tight defensively, and work for the full 4 quarters to earn victory.

The squad welcomes Damon Allen from a silly suspension, the silky Phillip Stumer from holidays , and smart and skillful small forward Chae Lawson back into the side as well as having first gamer Tom Roderick make his debut in the Black and White. 

These inclusions will improve the leg speed and foot skills of the side and should make the delivery into the forward line more efficient to give big forwards John Mason and Jeremy DeRooy every chance to shine in front what should be a great crowd. It's a classic must win game, victory will only be achieved through the TEAM 1st principles the club is proud to instil into all the sides, and there is no better feeling than earning a hard fought win in front of your own supporters.  Coach Justin Gore will opt for a mobile forward line if de Rooy is out with the inclusion in smart small forward Chae Lawson a bonus to join another goal sneak in Dom Morrison and John Mason moving to CHF.

The match starts at 4.45 Saturday and the lads need your support, so come on down, enjoy a meal and beverage and watch the boys do battle under the new bright lights at Chelmer in what should be a great game of Colts football.

Magpies Colts vs Caloundra - Sat April 23 HOME @ 4:45pm

B: Thomas Luke - Jesse Rigsby-Jones - Cameron Smith

HB: Kurt Vine - Ryan Vagne - Callum Grant

C: Connor Green - Dom Misso (c) Phil Stumer

HF: Joshua Senescall - John Mason - Billy Johnson

F: Dom Morrison - Jeremy de Rooy - chae Lawson

Foll: Aaron Highlands - Ashley Gore - Liam Reynolds

INT from: Zeleke Fisher - James Gainford - Damon Allen - Patrick Renner - Tom Roderick

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Sci-Fleet Taringa - Colts Review

COLTS MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

The Western Magpies Colts emulated the two senior Pie teams by winning over Sandgate in a match that never reached great heights under lights on Saturday night. The young Magpies won a contest that much like the Senior game didn't provide a spectacle for the crowd , but showed they can hang tough and win ugly when needed.

In a low scoring contest, short on highlights but full of effort and commitment , the Colts won 8.10-58 to 5.5-35.

Coach Justin Gore said " Not our best performance, but we realise we are a work in progress. The pleasing thing was anytime we were challenged, we stood up and answered with interest. The base of a very good side is here, we just have to keep working on our combinations, set ups and ball movement. The next few weeks will be a challenge, and we are under no illusions we have plenty to work on, but also there is plenty to work with ."

Better players were CHB Ryan Vagne, ruckman Aaron Highlands, midfielder Liam Reynolds, centreman Dom Misso, half forward Dom Morrison and winger/half forward Connor Green. 

Best: R.Vagne, A.Highlands , L.Reynolds, D.Morrison, D.Misso, C.Green
Goals : J.deRooy 2, J.Johnston-Bates, D.Morrison, D.Misso, J.Mason, J.Rigsby-Jones, R.Vagne.

The Colts next play Caloundra at Chelmer on Saturday night straight after the First grade match. Caloundra have won their 2 matches to date but the relative strengths of teams in the 19 team Colts competition is yet to be determined.  

The Pies have a chance to go 3-1 for an early season confidence booster.

CK Group - Ressies Review

Pies win in tight contest

The Western Magpies Reserves made it 2 out of 3 with a hard fought 21 point victory over Sandgate on Saturday. 

The Pies won 11.9-75 to 7.12-54 in a tight contest with little separating the teams until the Pies hit their straps in the last quarter. 

The Pies dominated possession in the first half but once again poor decision making and missed targets cost them dearly. Coach Quentin Johnson lamented his team's overuse of the ball and called it "pretty football" which broke down often. The Pies were more direct in the last quarter and started to hit their targets and as a result were able to gain a three goal break early in the quarter and hold on for an important win. 

Redlands listed Jack Goodall had a fine game at CHF and finished with a match-winning 5 goals and showed he has the attributes to be a key forward--he has played the majority of his matches for the Pies across half-back. 

Mitchell Stallard gets better with each match and with growing confidence is showing why he is highly regarded at the Pies. 

Ricky Dudley and Jae Humphrey were good in defence and Brodie Easton won plenty of midfield ball. Young ruck man Geoff Gibb stood up as well and improved as the match progressed. 

The Pies had quite a few new players  on show and as they get more used to the team structures can only improve in coming matches.

Magpies 3.3 - 21 | 5.4 - 34 | 7.8 - 50 | 11.9 - 75

defeated

Hawks 1.3 - 9 | 4.5 - 29 | 6.8 - 44 | 7.12 - 54

Best: Goodall, Stallard, Dudley, Gibb, Easton, Humphrey

Goals: Goodall 5, Stallard 2, Dennis, Workman, Pershouse, Mazerolle 1

METIS WEALTH MATCH REVIEW - PIES PREVAIL IN SCRAPPY AFFAIR

The Western Magpies won a scrappy contest when they prevailed in a mistake riddled and tough contest by 9 points at Sandgate on Saturday.

It was a 'Steve Waugh victory' --an ugly win, better than a sparkling loss!

The Pies won 9.8-62 to 7.11-53 in a tight finish.

The Pies now move into 5th place on the ladder with a 2-1 record and face another tough contest at home against Broadbeach next Saturday. 

A tricky cross wind did not help the skill level of either team and Sandgate obviously turned up to play on their big home ground after 2 disappointing losses to start the season. 

The Magpies won plenty of ball early in the first quarter and should have had a 4 goal lead but after 2 early goals squandered numerous chances, which set the tone for the day. 

The Magpies were guilty of overusing the football and again missed targets proved costly and slow ball movement into the forward line resulted in congestion which was the order of the day.

In fact Sandgate missed several shots at goal in the final quarter that could have cost the Pies dearly but they were able to hold on to a valuable win and lock away the 4 points. 

The defence led by Luke Mitchell, Luke Scott and Chris Hunt repelled numerous Hawk attacks and Mitchell in particular was superb in mopping up and made some telling intercept marks and tackles and without his contribution the Pies may not have won the game. 

Callum Carseldine and Gareth Crawford won plenty of contested ball to drive the Pies forward and both also were good as link players when the ball came out of the back line.

Redlands listed Matt Sondergeld had his best game for the Pies with plenty of possessions on the wing and across half forward and he was a busy player all match.

Another Redlands listed player in Liam Dwyer played also played his best match for the Pies at CHF and in the ruck. His was a brave effort as he kept running and presenting all match despite a foot injury suffered in the first quarter. X-rays later confirmed a broken bone in his right foot and he will miss for 6 weeks. 

Ruckman Nick Barling was reported for striking and will be in doubt for the next match, depending on the Tribunal hearing. He played under duress suffering back spasms in the match. 

Senior Coach Glenn Humphrey had this to say:

“It was a scrappy contested football game, where neither side really got any flow going.

“It was a struggle for most of the day. We are happy to win ugly, but if it was any uglier I wouldn’t date it.

“The important thing is we got the four points on the board, and we will take a few things out of the game in terms of structures, some things we didn’t do well, and some things we did.”

The Pies will look forward to playing their first match at home at Chelmer next Saturday against Broadbeach with a 1-2 record. 

Western Magpies 2.1 - 13 | 6.3 - 39 | 8.5 - 53 | 9.8 - 62

defeated

Sandgate Hawks 3.2 - 20 | 5.5 - 35 | 4.7 - 37 | 7.11 - 53

Best: L.Mitchell, C.Carseldine, G.Crawford, M.Sondergeld, L.Scott, C.Hunt

Goals: A.Dickfos, D.Mitchell 2, D.Lewis, G.Crawford, C.Carseldine, V.Pope, B.Allen 1

24 Fit - Colts Preview

Colts look for back to back wins in twilight match

This week the Western Magpies Colts travel to Sandgate to take on the Hawks in a twilight game starting right after the Seniors.

It is  the first of many twilight matches for the squad and we are looking forward to the later start time and and atmosphere created by playing straight after the Seniors sides.

This week the Colts are looking to back up last weeks great rebound win and consolidate a solid start to the season. Coach Justin Gore is looking for the team leaders to continue their strong start to the year, and continued improvement shown by the likes of Callum Grant, Cam Smith, Kurt Vine, and in particular Tommy Luke, who is showing the benefits of a senior pre season and a total commitment to training.

The side will have a reshaped forward line due to some key players missing, but the coaching group are very confident in the depth of talent in the side that the players given the opportunity this week will step up to the challenge.

The mids  have been very good so far, a real strength of the side , but the big open spaces of the Sandgate ground will test the fitness of a few of them and keeping as fresh as possible through rotations is going to be a key.

Coach Gore says" If we can continue to put great pressure on the opposition, and then take them on when we have it , continue the gains made with skill level and ball movement, we know we are very hard to beat . We'll be down a bit on manpower , but these are the games that build a season and really solidify the squad if we can stay the course and earn a great victory"

Round 3 : Sandgate v Western Magpies at Sandgate @ 4.45on Saturday, April 16th

B: Tom Luke  Jesse Rigsby-Jones  Callum Grant

HB: Kurt Vine  Ryan Vagne  Cam Smith

C: Billy Johnson  Dom Misso (c)  Conner Green

HF : Josh Senescall  Dom Morrison  Jaiden Johnston-Bates

F: Zeleke Fisher  Jeremy deRooy  Luke Brown

Ruck: Aaron Highlands  Liam Reynolds

Rover:  Rory Johnson

Int : Ash Gore, James Gainsford ,  John Mason , Chae Lawson.

PLACE PREVIEW - PIES LOOK TO BUILD MOMENTUM

The Western Magpies will look to build on last week's victory when they travel to Sandgate to take on the hawks on Saturday.

The Pies bounced back with a strong victory last week while Sandgate have two losses but have been competitive both weeks.

The match poses a danger game for the Pies and look no further than opponents last week in Wilston Grange for a cautionary tale as the Gorillas, after a big victory over the 2015 Premiers in Round 1, did not bring the same intensity to their clash with the Pies a week later and were well beaten.

The Pies have included versatile big man Jadan Morton into the senior side and he will start at fullback, the position he played in the Pies 2006 premiership. Morton can play at either end of the ground and in ruck and gives the Pies plenty of big man options with his inclusion. Also in are Co-captain Lachlan Woods and centreman Ben Jaenke-Cain, both missing last week due to unavailability, so they will be fresh for the contest. New recruit Brent Staker is still recovering from a hamstring strain and will again miss.

Out are Doug Lawrence for his debut with Aspley after terrific form at CHB for the Pies and all at the Magpies wish Doug all the best on Saturday. Tyler Jones has also been rewarded for his scintillating form last week with a recall to the Redlands team and Brenton Saunders misses after rolling an ankle last week. 

Morton at fullback releases Luke Scott to the back flank where his intercept marks and attacking football is important for the Pies. Chris Hunt to CHB adequately covers for Lawrence and with Matt Davis again in good form the Pies half back line is strong. Reece Bridge was good on debut last week and takes one back pocket with Luke Mitchell continuing his good pre-season form in the other pocket.

Callum Carseldine gave the Pies the midfield  grunt they were missing in round one and with Gareth Crawford finding his feet with a superb Round 2 showing and the return of Woods and Jaenke-Cain the Pies can control the midfield.

Dom Beer, Nick Barling and Liam Dwyer rotating through the ruck should give the Pies first use of the ball from the midfield and around ground..

Up forward Alex Dickfos will rotate between full forward and CHF. He has worked hard but has yet to hit the form of last year but another week of hard work should see him notch up a few goals this week.  Small forwards Jake Heard and Matt Sondergeld were both busy last week with Sondergeld playing his best game for the Pies in last week's good win.

Val Pope was again good last week despite carrying a sore foot but with another week to get better will cause the Sandgate defenders a few headaches. Most sides find him a difficult match up and as a measure of the respect they hold him do much of their planning in how to curtail him--usually without success!

The Pies will be looking to make it 2 from 3 and get their season well and truly on track but will need to be wary of complacency and to be on their guard to thwart a Sandgate ambush.

Western Magpies vs Sandgate Hawks - 2pm Sat April 16 @ Sandgate

B: Luke Mitchell - Jadan Morton - Rhys Bridge

HB: Matt Davis - Chris Hunt - Luke Scott

C: Brady Allen - Callum Carseldine (C) - Aaron Maricic (R)

HF: David Lewis - Liam Dwyer (R) - Val Pope

F: Jake Heard - Alex Dickfos - Matt Sondergeld (R)

Foll: Dom Beer - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Drew Mitchell

INT: Tim McEvoy - Nick Barling - Lachlan Woods (C) - Gareth Crawford