Long time rivals from Pineapple Hotel Cup days in the Western Magpies and Palm Beach-Currumbin square of in a vital clash on Saturday at Chelmer that will go a long way to determining the fate of both sides in this year’s premiership race.
The Magpies only loss was in round one against Wilston Grange when the Pies looked a little underdone after an interrupted practice match schedule
PBC Lions pre-season was impressive and their early form indicated they were a better side than last year’s Division One Premiership outfit but 2 narrow losses to ex-NEAFL clubs Morningside, arguably premiership favourites at this stage, and Labrador, have them on 2-2 after 4 rounds.
The Lions have a new look side compared to 2013 so again it is the great unknown going into this clash.
The Magpies welcome back ruckman Dom Beer, midfielder Cory Hopkins, who was emergency for Redland last week, and rebounding half-back Billy Moorhead for this clash, while half forward Matt Davis, who was getting to peak form, misses with an ankle injury which is not as bad as first thought and Tom Ielasi and Ben Hooper move back to the Reserves.
Beer gives the Pies more flexibility as it allows Hayden Thick to stay at fullback to curb the dangerous Bryce Perry-Bolt. Thick has had the PBC full-forwards measure over the past 2 years and his ability to contain him will go a long way to determining the outcome.
The midfield ascendancy will be vital and the Pies will look to Beer to give the inform Hopkins, the prolific if wayward Chris Judson, Ben Jaenke-Cain, in great form, and the versatile Val Pope, who can swing between midfield and forward, the necessary ball to drive the Magpies forward.
With Davis missing, coach Glenn Humphrey will ask Matt Garland, who has been serviceable in his first few matches at the Pies, to provide a focal point and Redland listed key forward Jordan Bain to give options across half forward.
The Mitchell brothers Luke and Drew had good matches last week and will be looking to maintain that form and Doug Lawrence has been terrific in defence, showing maturity beyond his 19 years in a key defensive role.
It will be a big test for the Magpies to see where they sit in the pecking order--they have a good record over the years at home against Palm Beach and will be looking to add another notch to the belt on Saturday.
This is the first of 3 home matches in a row for the Magpies with next week against UQ then Broadbeach--all winnable matches for the Pies--and if successful will set them on the way to the QAFL finals series.
Reserves Face Test
Western Magpies Reserves, undefeated to date face a test against PBC on Saturday. The Pies will be missing several key players, including captain Sean McEvoy and key forward Jaden Morton, both unavailable due to attending weddings. Several other players are unavailable due to making other arrangements because the match was originally scheduled for Sunday.
However, the return of the experienced Tom Ielasi and youngster Ben Hooper from First Grade duties and the possible return of last year’s First XVIII captain and CHF Gerard Moore to the playing ranks will cover most player losses.
Regular first grader Brady Allen returned to form last week after missing the week before with injury but was given another week in the Reserves to consolidate his form and youngsters David Lewis, Luke De Nys and Harry Buchanan have continued to develop into strong performers and will soon be pushing for Senior selection.
Jesse Hampel up forward --5 goals last match-- and pinch-hitting in the ruck gives the team a tall forward option.
On paper at home the young Magpies are favoured to remain undefeated and hold top position on the ladder.
Last Modified on 09/05/2014 15:01
