The Tradelink Western Magpies will be determined to put in a solid performance against reigning premiers Southport at Frankhouser Reserve this Saturday at 2pm and make their second trip to the Coast for 2009 a successfull one. The Magpies are on the improve as the playing group and coaching staff acclimatise to Div 1 Football and will look for a good start and a lay foundation for an upset. The Magpies will gain extra motivation with Thomas "TJ" Roberts earning his return to Senior ranks for his 50th Senior appearance for the club but also his debut in the QAFL Div 1.
With key players Josh Barton, Richard Wenham, Chris Judson and David Hamill showing signs that they are starting to feel more comfortable at QAFL Div 1 level and providing more support to Tim McEvoy, Val Pope and Ed McDonnell who have been the Magpies most consistent for all season openers the team is growing as a unit. This however will be heavily tested by the Sharks on Saturday and a solid performance regardless of the result is vital for the Magpies as they continue to strive for a sense of belonging at the top level and the confidence that will come with it.
Tragically the Magpies will be missing Zaine Pringle for the rest of the season with a broken leg after a third quarter marking contest last week. Pringle originally a shock selection had proven to be a master stroke by Coach Grentell and Chairman of Selectors Warren Vines as Prigles pace and tallent had an imediate impact and his performances across two games was turning heads and will be missed. Pringles injury has provided opportunity to Bundaberg recruit 18 yo Billy Moorhead whos consistent medium possession games highlighted by his clean possesions and quality ball use and decision making has impressed the Magpies Match Committee. Moorhead will make his QAFL debut for the Magpies but did debut at the level in 2008 as a Lions top up.
The other key debut for the Magpies this week will be 18 year old 198cm Ruckman Dominic Beer. Up until this week the Magpies have been pitch hitting in the Ruck department and for this week and perhaps a good period of time the Magpies have decided there is more value at developing young Beer from this point.
Keep an eye out for the Tradelink Western Magpies clash jumper to be worn against Southport this weekend. The jumper includes maroon, white, balck, green, gold and blue representing many of the Wests AFL clubs who's tallented youngsters fill the Magpies playing list for now and in to the future.
Swoop 09
Last Modified on 01/05/2009 16:51
