The Western Magpies U/21 v Western Taipans U/18 regional team Russell Green Memorial Trophy Match has been postponed until Friday February 20 at 6.45pm due to the heavy conditions. Brisbane West Regional Manager Jim Urquhart expressed playing the match in heavy conditions would not acheive the goals of the coaching staff for the match in terms of game plan, structure and selection of a final squad. Western Magpies Club Development Manager said from his clubs perspective the countless hours of work the club is putting into the playing surface would be for nothing if it was damaged by playing a practice match in heavy conditions so postponing the match is a wise move. The Western Taipans will have regular training at Corinda SHS and the Western Magpies will train as usual accept they will use the junior oval if required.
The match also represents signifigant importance to Western Magpies players and coaching staff as it will be a good indication of how the intense pre-season program endured by the Western Magpies stands up under match conditions for the first time. Also many of the U/18 Taipans will be aiming to play State League Division 1 football at the Magpies this season and in conjunction with securing their spot in the Taipans squad for the State Championships they will also be looking to impress Magpies coach Paul Grentell with a veiw to securing a position on the Magpies Senior list.
The emotional side to the clash is that in 2008 the annual match was named the Russell Green Memorial Trophy after the late Russell Green who was a great player, junior coach and clubman of the Sherwood Football Club over many years. Quietly spoken and knowlegable in the game Russell coached various teams from U/12's to U/16's winning several premierships. He combined football with his other passion in establishing a link between the Sherwood Football Club and the Mermaid Beach Surf Lifesaving Club which resulted in many Sherwood Juniors acheiving a Bronze Medalion.
Russell is survived by his wife Denise and sons Ben and Matt and evryone at the Sherwood and Western Magpies Football Clubs will hold the family in their thoughts and prayers.
Matt Green is employed with AFL Queensland's Brisbane West Office which operates the Western Taipans development program and last year played in the match as a Western Taipan and will this year will play for the Western Magpies following his graduation form the Taipans Program in 2008.
The match will start at 6.45pm on Friday February 13 at Chelmer Park home of the Western Magpies.
"Swoop 09"
Last Modified on 13/02/2009 11:32