Dragus Debut in ANZAC Clash

Californian recruit Bryan Dragus will debut for the Tradelink Western Magpies when they take on th Redland Bombers this Saturday at the Magpies Chelmer home ground. It will be a special day as both clubs this week requested to the QAFL that they meet annualy on ANZAC day weekend to simulate the annual Collingwood v Essendon clash. A pre game remembrance ceremony will take place at 1.50pm and an ANZAC Medal will be awarded post match to the player deemed by the Coaches and Presidents of both clubs who best demonstrates courage, scarifice, persistance and mateship in the ANZAC spirit.

The battle for the 4 premiership points should be an intense one as the Magpies and Bombers had two intense battles last season that were much more competitive than 2009 ladder positions would reflect. Their final meeting in round 17 last year at Victoria Point saw the Magpies give the Bombers a pre-finals scare going down by 27 points in a game the Magpies should have won.

If 2009 is any indication the Magpies are much more consistent and confident performers at Chelmer in front of loyal supporters and it may provide the atmosphere for an upset and a golden opportunity for a breakthrough QAFL win. The Magpies defence lead strongly by Ed McDonnell although young is starting to take shape with Cameron Mitchelhill to potentialy have a big challenge on Scott Clouston at full back joined by Greg Friis and Billy Moorhead who was in great form last week and Nick Ielasi who has worked his way back ino the Seniors.

Chris Mihalipoulos was moved into the Centre last week against Aspley to good effect and will start there adding experience to the midfield set up with Moore, Rozynski, Wenham, Jaenke-Cain and Judson. Luke Scott has been outstanding with 8 Goals in two games this seson and needs more support from his fellow forwards with Greg Lavey missing this week through injury. Laveys injury has paved the way for 6'6'' American Bryan Dragus to debut and he should cause pkenty of problems for the Bombers defence with his hieght and mobility. Zaine Pringle is improving each week and is ready to make a real impact while Pope, Hamill and Thompson will be looking to get a greater return on the scoreboard. Conrad Hudghton returns from U/18 State duties and is a handy in for the Magpies.

In the Reserves at 11.15am the Magpies will be looking to make it 3 wins in a row against the Bombers and will be strengthened in defence as club Vice captain Tim McEvoy wil make his return from a hamstring injury in a bid to return to the Seniors next week. jack Parkes and James Power were in goals kicking form last week and they will need to continue as they are both pushing for senior selection. Also in the eye of selectors is Kale Reed who has had leather poisonsing this season and he will need to keep it going tomorrow.

The Westside Asphalt U/18's play Noosa at Noosa on sunday afternoon at 2pm and will be looking for their second win of the season.

- League Administrator
(1454)