Senior club profile: Port Macquarie Magpies
The Port Macquarie Magpies were a foundation club of the North Coast League when it started in 1982, having participated in the New England competition in the previous season.
The club endured a challenging season in 2020 but are back at full strength and will be fielding teams in all four grades in this year’s Senior Competition.
HOW IS 2021 SHAPING UP? (Mik Rolfe, President)
The Magpies are coming in to the 2021 season in really good shape. We’ve kept our Executive Committee from 2020 and added some fresh faces to the general committee. There’s real enthusiasm amongst the committee and plenty of people willing to get things done.
The club has appointed new coaches for our Senior Nen’s and Women’s teams and also welcomed Adrian Ryan (Under 17 coach) from the Junior club together with a large group of players graduating from the Junior ranks to the Senior Magpies.
A lot of new players have joined our Women’s side and it’s exciting to see how quickly Braden Saggers and Kye Taylor (Coaches) are developing a strong team spirit.
Matt Clarke (Senior Coach) has come prepared for pre-season training and has delivered some great sessions. There’s a great vibe around the ground and everyone is putting in the hard work to build their fitness ahead of the season proper.
MEN’S TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Matt Clarke
“There’s a zest of energy at the Magpies this year. The fun and enjoyment at pre-season sessions has been like nothing I’ve experienced before, and it is more than just wanting to win games of footy. It’s a pleasure to be around and a great foundation for creating a mindful football club.”
Leadership group: T.b.a.
Who are you expecting big things from?:
Tom Dickson is built to cause some trouble in the packs. Braden Saggers is flourishing as a leader and role model at the club, and has been great for the younger players coming up. Kye Taylor is ready to become the most dominant mid in the competition.
Big ins:
The Magpies have had a number of players join the club and all have exciting prospects.
Big outs:
- Blake Nelson (Grafton)
- Kye Wilson (UNSW)
WOMEN’S TEAM PROFILE
Coaches: Braden Saggers and Kye Taylor
“After not being able to field a side in 2020, we’ve welcomed a huge group of new girls to the club. The fresh faced Women’s side makes up for the lack of experience with incredible will and belief that they can compete with the best. With past players Fiona Bagley and Sahara Elfar leading by example and helping grow the skills of our new team, the 2021 Women’s side are looking to be a tough match up for any team in the competition.”
Leadership group: T.b.a.
Who are you expecting big things from?:
Ella Heeney has the ability to run all day long, a positive attitude towards progressing her skills, and is shaping up to be a powerhouse for the Magpies. Fiona Bagley has taken 2021 in her stride already and learned a lot from training with the senior side last year. Look for her to be a highly skilled player this year.
Big ins:
The whole team!
Big outs:
Nil
