The QAFL Velocity Sports Cup Season extends into the second half this weekend with Round 10 which has the Tradelink Western Magpies taking on its nearest neighbor in the competition Mt. Gravatt at Ditmar Park on Sunday with U/18 (9.15am), Reserves (11.15am) and Seniors (2pm) once again on show. The Magpies on the back of a torturous first half of the season culminating with an 11 goal to nothing last quarter against Morningside will no doubt be using the halfway mark to create a clean slate against an old rival for whom there is no love lost.
There could be no better opportunity for the Magpies to fire up and start the second half of the season with Mt. Gravatt suffering some injuries to key players including Tom Tarrant leaving the door slightly open if they can rise to the occasion. Mt. Gravatt were key beneficiaries of the Western Magpies four year absence from the top level in regard to players they have recruited from the Magpies in that period which provides even more spice to the contest. No doubt coach Paul Grentell will be demanding his players take the opportunity to make a statement to the clubs rivals through actions on the field rather than just talk!
Very few Magpies were able to walk from Esplen Oval with any sort of satisfaction in personal performance last week however Josh Barton was able to take some strong contested marks followed with some clinical finnishing from limmited opportunity and will be looking to string two good games together in what has been an up and down season to date. Matt Dillon provided some real run and carry for the Magpies of half back pushing forward and taking the game on at every opportunity and seems hell bent on keeping his spot in the side after an extended period in the Reserves following starting the season in the Seniors. Ben Heffernan-Roper continues to consistently show he is all class while Tim mcEvoy as always busts his guts for his team in the clinches and Val Pope showed plenty early but faded again after plenty of attention from the opposition is searching for a four quarter performance.
Finally Sunday will see the possibility of yet another Magpie debut with Matt Skubis in some doubt as to if he can recover from missing last weeks game with the flu giving the possible opportunity to former Bundaberg youngster Matt Mitchell who has been named in the squad of 25 in case Skubis does not come up. Mitchell has impressed in the Ruck for the U/18's and was named best player for the Magpies in the Reserves last week after recieving a late call up with the promotion of Scott Musson to the Senoiors through the withdrawl of Skubis. Mitchell only started playing AFL at 16 when a mate from Agnes Water got him involved in AFL at ATW Bundaberg AFC where he played U/17's and then Reserves and Seniors. He turned his back on an athetics background and moved to Brisbane with his family to give AFL a shot at the Western Magpies and posseses hight, athletic ability and a good skill set that is always improving.
The team line up is attached.
"fornicar ellos"
Last Modified on 19/06/2009 12:32
