The Western Magpies have what could be argued as a season defining match against the current second team on the ladder in Broadbeach on Saturday at Chelmer.
This is the first of three matches in a row against strong ex-NEAFL clubs and the Magpies will find out where they sit in the QAFL pecking order after this match. A win sets them up for a strong tilt at a top three place and will instil plenty of confidence in the young Pies outfit—a loss puts them back in the bun-fght for a fifth spot for the finals and will mean they have plenty of work to do to be competitive against the top teams.
The Magpies have strengthened the team with six inclusions. In comes fullback Hayden Thick and clever winger AaaronYusia-Maricic—both return after unavailability last round--, midfielders Ben Jaenke-Cain and Cory Hopkins after 1 week out with injury and concussion respectively, half back Peter Kilroy slots straight back in after several weeks out with injury and Under 18 Queensland player Matt Uebergang also returns from State duties.
Out goes key defender Blaic Ablett with a knee injury and Cam Thomas, Brady Allen, Mitchell Stallard, Luke Mitchell and David Lewis will be in a strong Reserves line-up.
Coach Glenn Humphrey will be looking for a four quarter effort to apply pressure consistently at the contest and will want a more disciplined approach from all his players.
Broadbeach have snuck over the line in matches in which they were warm favourites in the past 2 matches so if the Pies can hit the ground running and apply pressure from the first bounce then they will be a big chance to defeat another ex-NEAFL team.
Matt Hockley starts in the centre after a fine performance last week and with Dom Beer getting better each week in ruck, Richard Wenham and Lachlan Woods returning to form and Mr Perpetual Motion Chris Judson providing a high workrate, the midfield should give strong go ahead to allow smart forward Val Pope and key forwards Jordan Bain and Matt Garland enough goal kicking opportunities to kick a wiinning score.
With Thick and Kilroy joining inform Doug Lawrence in defence the Magpies will be confident of holding the visiting Cats to a losing score.
STRONG RESERVES TO CONSOLIDATE IN TOP TWO
The Western Magpies Reserves will field their strongest team for the year with five inclusions from the First Grade, but will need to still play well to defeat the fourth placed Broadbeach.
The inclusions are all young talented players to add to other inform youngsters in Brodie Easton, Ben Hooper and Harry Buchanan, all getting better with each match.
The mid field experience of Luke Boulton, Bryce Crossley and Tom Ielasi will be invaluable in an expected tight contest, tall forwards Scott Musson and Jesse Hampel with provide headaches for the Cats defence and down back Todd Billing, Sean McEvoy and Gabe McKinnon have good form and the experience to contain the Broadbeach forwards and provide run out of the backline.
Last Modified on 23/05/2014 21:04
