WESTERN Magpies will be keeping a close eye on proceedings across town when they play improvers Springwood at Chelmer Oval.
By Terry Wilson
If Sandgate fall over against Palm Beach-Currumbin, the way could be opened up for the Magpies to join the Hawks and Noosa level on top of the points ladder.
But first things first, and the Magpies have to deal with Springwood, who gave them a real run for their money when they clashed at Lowe Oval in round nine and lost by only three goals.
“We’ll wait and see what happens this weekend,” said Magpies coach Peter McClennan of the possibilities that lie ahead.
“The whole thing with Springwood is getting some respect, they have young blokes with nothing to lose and they’re going to come out hard.”
The Magpies have just the one stage, omitting ruckman Sean McEvoy and replacing him with wingman Bill Moorhead, who is back from the Brisbane Lions reserves.
A target for the Magpies, said McClennan, is to cut down on the number of points the side is conceding.
In the race for a top-three finish percentage is going to be a key and currently the Magpies have a number of 130.4, the worst of the current top five sides.
“We allowed too many goals again last week,” said McClennan. “That’s the thing we’re worried about.
“:But it comes with our style, so the guys have to tighten up.”
In past seasons the Magpies concentrated on a sdefensive style, but under McClennan – and back a division from State League – the Maggies have a refreshing all-out attack psyche.
Springwood, who scored their third win of the season against Maroochy-Northshore last round, have suffered a major blow with inspirational skipper Shane Murrihy out with on-going knee problems.
Definite ins are full-back Alan Phillips and utility Grant Jobson but the Pumas were waiting until match morning to decide who misses out on first-grade action.
“We’ve been okay the past few weeks, but the opposition this time is much tougher,” said football manager Adrian Wallin.
“We went all right against them the last time, so the boys are pretty confident.”
Wallin agreed the loss of Murrihy, so highly regarded at Springwood, will be felt.
“He’s had the same problems for two seasons now which is a pity because we really need him,” said Wallin.
“He’s our football club on and off the field.”
