West’s Magpies State Cup Squad will come together on Tuesday 9 November 2009 at the Whitlam Centre, Liverpool for fitness testing prior to undertaking the rigors of full pre season training the following week. Whilst there are a number of changes to the 2009 squad, General Manager Mr Kevin Hammond stated he was more than happy with the Club’s recruitment to date. He spoke of the success of West’s Magpies State Cup Team over the past two years, which had seen quality players from other Clubs looking to come on board in 2010.
Mr Hammond further stated that he was delighted that experienced Head Coach Leo Epifania, along with his Assistant Tony Carson were remaining with the Club and that they were looking forward to molding their new look State Cup team into a formidable outfit. Scott Hartas and Derek McVey were appointed Head Coaches of West’s Magpies Harold Matthews and SG Ball Teams. These two representative teams are in full training as is the South West Sydney Academy of Sport Harold Matthews team and West’s Magpies Under 17 Development Squad.
The formal part of the season was concluded with the Club’s presentation night which was held on 29 October 2009 at West’s Ashfield, the Magpies major sponsor. Players from Harold Matthews, SG Ball and State Cup were joined by parents, friends and special guests including our loyal group of sponsors. Mr Stephen Humphries, General Manager, West’s Tigers and representatives from Group 6 Country Rugby League and Campbelltown Eagles Rugby League Club (West’s Magpies feeder club) joined in the festivities. Presentations were made to West’s corporate partners and the many volunteers who assisted the Club during the year. Highlight packages of each of the team’s games were well received during the evening. The major award winners for the 2009 season are –
**Harold Matthews**
Best & Fairest Player - James Tedesco
Best Forward - Pale Tanumaleu
Best Back - Mitchell Brasington
Ball Boy – Max Lucas
**SG Ball**
Best & Fairest Player - Guy Thompson
Best Forward - Mason Taloula
Best Back - Jesse Sue
Ball Boy – Ben Fallshaw
**NSW Cup**
Pratten Park Magpies ‘Clubman of the Year’ Award – Keith Hore
West’s Ashfield Leagues Club ‘Player of the Year’ - Dean Rysko
Best & Fairest Player - Rhys Pritchard who also took out the Alan Ridley Memorial Award for the ‘top try scorer for the year’ with 18 tries
Bill Carson Award, ‘best performed local in grade’ - Michael Stolk
John Donnelly Award, ‘best performed import in grade’ – Alfred Betham
Rookie of the Year Award – Andrew Everingham
Jack Ashley Memorial Award – Fa’alenuu Akeripa
Bob Fisher Memorial Award – Nathan Waters
Ball Boy – Bradley Gallant