It has been a long week at the Tradelink Western Magpies with Coach Paul Grentell resigning at the beginning of the week and the players will need to stand up and be counted this Saturday 2pm at Chelmer against the Broadbeach Cats. Whatever the catylist for Grentell's departure the challenge now sits squarely with the players to overcome the weeks events and transform from a unit who has built a reputation for having a crack against the odds to a unit that can win against the odds.
It is a lack of self belief and belief in each other that has seen the Magpies unable to convert a number of winning opportunities at three quarter time since returning to the QAFL. There is no greater opportunity than a pending change in coach to throw caution to the wind and play with freedom and flair and trigger the self belief required to win a match.
Broadbeach will not be concerned with the Magpies problems as they have a chance to break into the top five if they can win at Chelmer although a practice match Broadbeach was the victim in the Magpies only win in this current stint at QAFL level.
The Magpies will have to shut down Dayne Zorco who drives the cats run all over the ground while generating their own run in order to break the lines at half back and half forward to penetrate the forward 50 and convert efficiently to create scoreboard pressure. This is a time where there can be no individuals and team unity is paramount.
The Tradelink Western Magpies Reserves bounced back from a loss to Mt Gravatt with a resounding win against Redland last week to get the season back on track. Sitting fourth on the ladder with only percentage separating second to fourth and Broadbeach on the bottom holding the rest it is a golden opportunity for the Magpies to notch up a big win at home and claim second position.
The Westside Asphalt U/18 team are sitting third oon the ladder after a solid win over Tweed/Coolangatta last week to get their season on track. The U/18 ladder also has alogjam with 2nd through 5th (Broadbeach)all on 4 wins and 2 losses making this game a must win for the young Magpies if they are to break away from the pack and set up a top two finish.
Alex Dickfos will play for the Brisbane Lions Reserves on Saturday against Southport at Frankhouser while Chris Hunt will be playing at the MCG on Saturday Night in the Curtain Raiser in the curtain raiser to the Dreamtime at the G match between Richmond and Essendon.
Congratulations to Hayden Thick hailing from Brothers Bulldogs in Bundaberg who has been named in the Senior Squad and will likely make his QAFL debut for the Western Magpies following a BOG performance in the Reserves last week. Hayden has played QAFL matches as a Brisbane Lions top up in 2009.
Last Modified on 21/05/2010 11:11
