Maryborough played arguably its best football for the season on Saturday, smashing an insipid Kyneton team by an even 100 points — 20.14 (134) to 4.10 (34).

It was round nine of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League, the halfway mark of the season and with the victory, the Magpies forced their way back into the top five.

This encounter at Princes Park was billed as a danger game for the Magpies but from the opening bounce the home team held sway.

With Matt Johnston rampant through the middle of the ground, the forwards were given plenty of chances.

The Magpies were kicking to the scoreboard end of the ground which was favoured by a slight breeze.