This Saturday is a huge day for the Tradelink Western Magpies and diminutive Co Captain Chris Mihalopoulos as he will lead the Magpies out on to Powenyenna Oval (Chelmer) in his 200th game for the club against the Aspley Hornets at 2pm. There will never be a more appropriate stage for the Magpies to snap its 30 game losing streak since rejoining the QAFL in 2009.
From a coaching point of view Jarrod Thorpe has reinforced all week to his players that the focus remains on the process that has seen the Magpies improve significantly under his charge and not the results. “We need to remain focused on our intensity, structures and game plan and the scoreboard and results will take care of them selves”, Thorpe said.
The two clubs have had 3 hard fought encounters since they both entered the QAFL in 2009 but the Magpies will need to rectify the trend of giving the Hornets as start which has cost them in the wash up on each of those occasions.
Greg Friis will also reach a milestone for the Magpies as he plays his 50th Senior game for the club, Conrad Hudghton will return to the side after missing last week through State U/18 commitments. Lachlan Woods-Honour will make his Senior debut for the Magpies following making his QAFL debut with the Lions two weeks ago and a good performance in the Reserves last week as well as consistent performances in the U/18 team.
Jason Evans has gained selection in the Senior side following a 3 goal return in the Reserves last week and a solid game the week prior against Broadbeach. His inclusion will provide some extra height and structure to the forward line as the Magpies know they need to be able to register a score capable of securing 4 Premiership points. David Hamill recently crowned Mr Magpie 2010, will be pumped and it could be the boost he needs to produce a big one and kick a bag of goals.
Val Pope has a great record against the Hornets and he will be at his dangerous best but the Magpies will need to reproduce the defensive and midfield effort that saw them compete with Southport for 3 quarters last week. Gerard Moore, James Rozynski, Mihalopoulos and co will have to be on their game from the first bounce to ensure the forwards including Luke Scott and Jye Spencer get ample opportunities to apply scoreboard pressure.
The defense lead by Mark Dowley and Ed McDonnell has improved every week and will be bolstered by the return of Conrad Hudghton, Cameron Mitchelhill to join Conrad Lavey who was very good on debut last week. Drew Mitchell was also good in his return to Senior ranks and debutant Lachlan Woods-Honour will also form part of this dynamic defensive unit. If the midfield can provide the foundation this defensive unit could play a very effective attacking role in plotting the Hornets downfall.
The Tradelink Western Magpies Reserves have a vital match against the Hornets at 11.15am as the Magpies sit in 5th place on the ladder and the hornets 1 game behind in 6th. The Magpies were comfortable 36 point winners back in Round 2 and they must reproduce or better that performance to reestablish themselves as a genuine finals contender. Matt Thompson will need to return to his brilliant best and kick a bag with the promotion of Jason Evans.
Reid Dobson as always will be the barometer for the team and joined by a rejuvenated Brett McEvoy they are both primed for a big one. They are enjoying school holidays and were reportedly seen together at a midnight screening of Twighlight Eclipse earlier in the week.
The Westside Asphalt Western Magpies U/18’s have another crunch match against Labrador at Chelmer on Sunday at 2pm. The Tigers mauled the Magpies down the coast in Round 1 by 56 points but the Magpies were a very rusty disjointed unit on that day and have since played a much better team oriented brand of football.
The game is another great opportunity to put the sword to one of their closest rivals as the Tigers sit third on the ladder and are one of 5 teams just 1 game behind the Magpies on the Premiership Table. They will need to do it without the in form Tony Flynn who will be topping up for the Brisbane Lions against Morningside.
Tony Flynn will be joined by Hayden Thick who will both be playing for the Brisbane Lions against Morningside at Esplen Oval at 2pm on Sunday. Good luck and enjoy boys!
Go Magpies!
Last Modified on 02/07/2010 11:49
