Sport
17 July, 2023
Injury-hit Maryborough almost secure famous win
An incredibly brave performance from Maryborough almost secured them a famous drought-breaking victory over Kangaroo Flat on Saturday, before getting run over in the last term. In what turned out to be an incredibly physical game of football, key...
An incredibly brave performance from Maryborough almost secured them a famous drought-breaking victory over Kangaroo Flat on Saturday, before getting run over in the last term.
In what turned out to be an incredibly physical game of football, key ruckman Ty Stewart and defender James Macer suffered injury in the opening minutes of the game, leaving the Magpies two short on the bench for much of the day.
In their absence, youngsters Tom Myers and Taj Bond took over ruck duties, performing admirably.
The Magpies kicked the first goal of the afternoon through the return-ing Jake Lohmann, who took a strong contested mark and converted from his resultant set shot.
Soon after, the Magpies would open up a 13-point lead when a running intercept mark from Lucas Hurse helped set up Chris Freeman, who snapped a goal.
The Magpies opened up a 17-point lead at the 14-minute mark when Patrick Chard’s tackling pressure set up a set shot, which he duly converted. While the Kangaroos kicked the last goal of the quarter, it wasn’t enough to prevent Maryborough from taking a nine-point lead.
The second quarter was the Bond show, as he exploded and showed why he was called up to the Bendigo Pioneers earlier in the season, with two incredible goals from tight angles, as well as a third from straight in front, to help keep Maryborough in the lead by 20 points.
While the Kangaroos would respond with the next three goals, Mitch McClure would ensure the Magpies’ first half performance would be rewarded with the lead as he scored a fine running goal on the cusp of half time to give them a six-point lead.
The third quarter was a titanic struggle, with Maryborough looking to stay in front despite their vulnerability with two men down, and Kangaroo Flat looking to hit the front.
The Magpies struck first with Matt Johnston kicking a goal from a 50 metre penalty, before the Kangaroos responded. However, that would be the bulk of the goalkicking for the quarter, with Maryborough clinging on to a seven-point lead.
The final quarter was a genuine battle, but Kangaroo Flat were able to find themselves in front with three crucial goals, including two in the final 10 minutes to snuff out any chances the brave Magpies had of winning.
While Bond kicked his fourth goal of a sensational display, it proved too little, too late for the Magpies, whose brave resistance despite being injury and illness-riddled came to an end.
Kya Lanfranchi played an incredible game in defence, keeping the Magpies in it with numerous important moments, while Bond’s four goals and Myers’ ruckwork in the absence of Stewart was also noteworthy. Joel Swatton, Hurse and Darcy Bond also played their roles.
Elsewhere, Maryborough were unable to get into the winners’ circle on Saturday, with the reserves losing by 210 points, and the under 18s losing by 49.
The Magpies return to Barker Oval Princes Park this week in an intriguing encounter against Kyneton.