By Andrew Wiles – @andrewjwiles
2014 season wrap
2014 was a below par year for the Western Magpies. Coming into the season on the back foot after a difficult 2013, the Magpies managed just the five wins from their 18 games. Although a underwhelming home and away record, the Magpies were able to give senior experience to a large group of younger players, which will only be beneficial to their 2015 aspirations.
Who’s in?
The Magpies will add some serious senior experience into their line up this year. Club stalwart Tim McEvoy will pull on the black and white jumper once again in 2015. McEvoy, who has played over 150 games for the Magpies, which included three premierships, has decided to return to the game after a years absence. Also returning to the Magpies will be Luke Scott, who has spent the last four years in the NEAFL ranks with Mt Gravatt and Redland. In a huge boost to their leadership stocks, captain Callum Carseldine will return to the field in 2015 after missing all of last year following knee reconstructive surgery, leading the team once again alongside Lachlan Woods.
Who’s out?
In a sign of the direction they are heading, the Western Magpies have managed to retain their entire senior list from 2014, a footballing rarity.
Pre-season focus
Coach Glenn Humphrey has put a real focus on the Magpies in-close ball movement over summer. There will be a real responsibility on the ball carrier to share it around with other team mates in a quick but safe manner. It was a game plan that was implemented late last year by Humphrey, but given a real focus over the pre-season.
Coach Glenn Humphrey’s thoughts on 2015
“We have got a really young group, and with another season and pre-season under their belts they are going to be bigger and stronger. I think there will be a significant difference between this year and last year.
“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t make finals. How deep we go into the finals, that will depend on our standing by the time we get there and what our injury front looks like. We are not going to have the greatest depth in the world but we are going to need to have our best side out there to be competitive once we get to the finals.”
Who has the X factor?
Luke Scott is going to be a big plus for the Magpies in 2015, but don’t expect to see him where most would anticipate. Humphrey teased that Scott would play a different role in 2015, but everyone will have to wait until the Magpies run out in their round one clash with Morningside on April 11 to find out exactly what that holds.
Follow Andrew on Twitter: @andrewjwiles
