Both the Tradelink Western Magpies and the Aspley Hornets will be desperate to emerge victorious from their R2 clash at Graham Rd on saturday afternoon at 2pm. Neither team managed to come away from R1 with any premiership points and both teams will see this as a golden opportunity to get off the mark in 2010. Adding to the contest this will be the first of two Rivalry Challenge matches between two clubs as part of the QAFL Rivalry Challenge series of games with its own ladder and prize to the club on top once all matches are completed.
The Western Magpies will be looking to improve in a number of areas from R1 in order to atone for two narrow losses to the Hornets in 2009. Ed Mcdonnell will be strong as always in defence for the Magpies but with attacking flare he produced in the trial matches. He will be assisted by the return of the enigmatic Chris Hunt along with Pennycuick, Mihalipoulos, Wehnam and young gun cameron Mithelhill a unit that can defend and rebound strongly to create attacking opportunities.
Across the centreline Ben Jaenke-Cain, Greg Friis and Chris Judson although gallant in their efforts last week will all need to improve both indvidually and as a unit if the Magpies are to triumph. Gerard Moore battled all day against Labrador and along with Dom Beer have the opportunity to dominate the stopages and give James Rozynski and co first use of the footy. Tagger Blake McClennan will be looking to shut down a Hornets key mover and provide time and space for his onball counterparts.
Luke Scott was the highlight for the Magpies last week kicking 4 goals and will return to the key post of CHF with the clever Will Fozard and freakish Val Pope supporting on the flanks. Greg Lavey who was outstanding in his QAFL debut last week presenting, taking marks and producing forward pressure although he will be looking to add to his solitary goal with multiples. Goal sneak Matt Thompson comes into the team following a 6 goal haul in the Reserves last week and Zaine Pringle will look to build confidence in his second game back fro serious injury.
The rotation station will consist of Dom Beer, David Hamill, Billy Moorhead in following consecutive strong outings in the Reserves, the versatile Scott Clarke and Tom Ielasi (brother of Nick) off the supplimentary list making his QAFL debut following a top performance in the Reserves last week.
Alex Kitching and Lachlan Woods-Honour will make their QAFL debuts with the Brisbane Lions Reserves at the GABBA tomorrow evening while Corad Hudghton will play for the Queensland U/18 Scorpions against GWS in Blacktown.
The Reserves will be starting at 11.15am at Graham Rd while the U/18's play Toowoomba at home 2pm on Sunday.
Last Modified on 16/04/2010 15:04