The Tradelink Western Magpies face another big challenge when they take on the reigning Premiers Morningside in Toowoomba this Saturday at Heritage Oval 2pm. Following a great performance first up under new coach Jarrod Thorpe against the Brisbane Lions last Saturday just falling short of a break through win at QAFL level a fresh challenge looms. Can the Magpies reproduce the intensity and effort required to push and perhaps topple the champs given the history of teams under a new coach can have a let down after a good first up performance.
Thorpe although impressed with his teams first up performance under his charge has outlined in reality they still fell short of the win. The key goal of gaining respect on and of the field in the QAFL remains on the agenda and no better opportunity presents than the reigning Premiers and second positioned Panthers.
The more direct game plan implemented by Thorpe along with some structural changes in the forward set up was the most exciting thing about the Magpies who no doubt now have the belief of their ability to kick a winning score. Jye Spenser was a revelation kicking 4 goals as a small forward but more importantly Val Pope, Luke Scott, David Hamill and Kale Reed were all amongst the goals and the midfield through Chris Mihalopoulos, James Rozynski and James Pennycuick also scored majors and Tim McEvoy notched one up for the backline. This mix of goals is a recipe for success and the Magpies will require a similar spread again this week. Forward pressure will once again be a key requirement.
Gerard Moore is in outstanding form in the Ruck and will relish the challenge against some more experienced combatants from Morningside and be well backed up again by Chris Hunt. The midfield group more than matched the Lions last week and the same will be required again this week from Wenham, Rozynski, Mihalopoulos, Lavey, Jaenke-Cain and Pennycuick. The long left foot of James Pennycuick penetrating inside 50 was a key factor and will be again. The question is can he reproduce and maintain his discipline and performance and cement a spot in the Seniors this time around.
The ideal blend of youth and experience again stood strong in defense and this unit led by Ed McDonnell, Mark Dowley and Tim McEvoy complimented by young guns Billy Moorhead, Conrad Hudghton and Cameron Mitchelhill become more accomplished with every game. They will need to be at the top of their game to thwart Mugavin, Lucy and Co. No doubt they will get more enjoyment from seeing their hard work being converted on the scoreboard rather than having the ball rebound back with interest.
Congratulations to Tim Colburn and Callum Carseldine who have both been named in the squad and are likely to make their QAFL debuts for the Magpies. Congratulations also to Zaine Pringle who has forced his way into the Queensland U/18 team who play Western Australia in Sydney.
Respect is the prize and opportunity beckons!
The Tradelink Western Magpies Reserves have slipped from second to fourth on the ladder after falling 4 points short of beating undefeated Southport now three games clear of a logjam of Mt Gravatt, Labrador and the Magpies all on 20 points. This weeks opponents Morningside are 1 win further back in 6th position which makes this weeks game at Chelmer 11.15am on Sunday a must win if the Magpies are to maintain their top three ambitions.
The Westside Asphalt Western Magpies U/18’s, also have an important clash at Chelmer on Sunday at 2pm when they take on Sandgate. The third place Magpies who have 24 premiership points the same as second placed Labrador and first placed Mt Gravatt are only 1 game clear of Sandgate who are in a group of three teams on 20 Premiership points.
Go Magpies!
Last Modified on 04/06/2010 08:57
