The Tradelink Western Magpies in their last game of 2010 will take on the form side of the competition in Mt Gravatt at Chelmer 2pm on Saturday. Mt Gravatt have won their last six games including the top three in Labrador, Southport and Morningside and are charging toward the finals but there will be plenty of spice and interest in tomorrows contest.
The Magpies gave the Vultures an almighty fright in Round 5 at Dittmer Park when they physically challenged them all day long but Mt. Gravatt were able to hold their nerve to win 11.15.81 to 9.3.57. Back then Jarrod Thorpe was in the Mt.Gravatt Coaches box as David Lakes assistant and he would love nothing better to take the 4 points over his former mentor.
Following that match David Lake said, “They will get someone, mark my words” and Magpies players, coaches and fans alike will be hoping he was right and that he becomes the victim of his own quote.
There are many factors about this match that lends itself to an upset. Mt. Gravatt have been up and running for six weeks and taken all before them and can not improve or worsen their ladder position win lose or draw and could let their guard down against the winless Magpies.
The Magpies however have plenty to play for and the first positive is they have always been more comfortable and more competitive at home over the past two years and they pushed the Vultures at Chelmer last year. With the uncertainty of the Northern League concept in the midst this could be the Western Magpies last game in tier 2 competition and a nothing to lose and no tomorrow mentality may spark an above par performance good enough to win.
Val Pope was the Magpies best player kicking 3 goals back in Round 5 and he has been building steadily over the past month and is primed for a repeat performance. Conrad Hudghton returns to the line up after missing last week due to illness as does Todd Dunn restoring some experience and poise to the Magpies defense. The Magpies forward line will also receive a boost with return of Jye Spencer from holidays, when he last played he kicked a 4 goal bag against the NT Thunder in Alice Springs.
The Tradelink Western Magpies Reserves have now secured a finals berth and results in the final round are unlikely to see any changes the top five positions which will give the Magpies a free swing at the second placed Vultures. When they met in Round 5 it was a high quality contest which saw the Vultures finish the better in last quarter to notch a 16.11.107 to 13.9.87.
The Magpies Reserves will have plenty to play for as Coach Pete McClennan will have up to 38 players to select from heading into week 1 of the finals and this will be the last opportunity under match conditions for players to secure their position in the team.
McClennan would have been impressed by his team’s great start last week against Morningside but concerned with the final quarter fade out. No doubt his focus this week will be to keep the good start but making sure his chargers maintain the performance over 4 consistent quarters.
Matt Mitchell, James Power and Matt Green return to the Reserves after serviceable stints in the seniors and Chris Judson also returns after missing last week through injury. One goal wonder Anthony McDonald has been un-mercilessly sent back into retirement where he belongs.
Good luck boys!
Last Modified on 20/08/2010 11:42