One of the oldest rivalries in South east Queensland Football will be rekindled on Saturday when the Western Magpies return to Ron McClennan Oval in Upper Mt Gravatt to play Mt Gravatt.
The Magpies (then Sherwood) and Mt Gravatt had a great rivalry in the now defunct South Queensland Association when they squared off in numerous Grand finals before both went to the QAFL. Mt Gravatt were able to survive in the QAFL whereas the Magpies have had several forays into the top level only to drop back for a variety of reasons.
This season in the new look QAFL sees the Magpies at a 2-1 win-loss ratio while the Vultures were touted as early season favourites for the wooden spoon due a loss of a large part of their list, but had a good win over Surfers Paradise in round 2. Given the Magpies took a good while to shrug of the Demons in round 3, a tight contest may be in the offing. The other point of interest is that Peter McClennan is now football director at the Magpies and will return to the ground named after his father
The Magpies will go into the match without rebounding defender Peter Kilroy who sprained an ankle last round but this may open the way for utility Drew Mitchell to return to the side.
Val Pope has started the season in scintillating form and has shown his class and will be looking forward to a match against the old enemy.
Matt “Doc” Davis started to hit his straps in the past 2 matches and provides another option to complement key forwards Matt Garland and Jordan Bain , a trio who will tests the Vultures defence—add goalsneaks Pope and Matt “Clock” Thompson and the ‘Pies forward line is starting to look more potent by the week.
Blaec Ablett, Hayden Thick and Chris Hunt are marshalling a solid defensive unit , with Thick also valuable as a pinch-hit ruckman—he will shoulder the load this week in the absence of the injured Dom Beer.
In midfield Cory Hopkins, Chris Judson and Ben Jaenke-Cain have all been in good form and will need to work hard on the large Mt Gravatt Oval. All three have had a great start to the season and will need to carry their good form into this match to ensure the ‘Pies finish on top.
Youngster Matt Uebergang was impressive on debut last week but has been called up to Queensland under 18 duties, but with more first grade experience he and other first year players Luke Mitchell, Mitchell Stallard and speedster Aaron Yusia, returning from injury, give the Magpies the exuberance of youth as well as getting valuable experience at the top level.
The Magpies copped several shellackings from Mt Gravatt in the last foray into the AFLQ in 2009-10 and will be looking to exact some revenge and chalk up their first win over the Vultures on over 20 years.
Last Modified on 02/05/2014 13:40
