Sport
6 July, 2023
Magpies look for competitive edge in clash with Eaglehawk
Maryborough are hoping to take lessons from their clash with Castlemaine before the general bye into tomorrow’s game with Eaglehawk. For the third time in 2023, the Magpies assumed the lead at three-quarter-time in a game when they held station by...
Maryborough are hoping to take lessons from their clash with Castlemaine before the general bye into tomorrow’s game with Eaglehawk.
For the third time in 2023, the Magpies assumed the lead at three-quarter-time in a game when they held station by nine points against Castlemaine — but also for the third time this year, they were overrun.
There is still work to be done in the winning department, but the signs are there that the club are edging closer to a long-awaited victory.
However, this week against Eaglehawk provides a different test.
The Hawks got back on the winners list in a big way against fifth-placed South Bendigo two weeks ago, winning by 56 points and avenging a month of football which saw them lose three games by three points or fewer, and pick up a draw.
The challenge for Maryborough is to improve on their 169-point loss that was suffered in round two, although recent rains have rendered many grounds around the state wet, and with more rain forecast this weekend, it could give the Magpies an opportunity to try prove their mettle at the coalface.
Looking back at the big stats from the Castlemaine game, ex-AFL player Sam Reid made his mark with the club in a one-off appearance, collecting 31 disposals and kicking a goal, while captain-coach Coby Perry has been a welcome on-field return, collecting 28 disposals in his second game back.
The talented Kaian Constable was also impressive in his first game back in the team, collecting 21 disposals and kicking a goal, while Mitch McClure was also good in his first game back from injury, getting 22 disposals.
The big key for Maryborough is limiting Eaglehawk’s movement around the ground, and by making it a contested game, it could help the Magpies stay in the mix for longer.
In their last meeting in round two, the Magpies were unable to keep up with the Hawks, who kicked 10 goals to one in the first quarter én route to their big win. Alex Brown was the sole goalscorer for the Magpies, while McClure, Chris Freeman, Brown, Nic Swan, Alex Gavriliadis and Jake Postle were all named in the best players.
Around the club, Maryborough’s reserves team will be armed with confidence after taking their second win of the season two weeks ago, while the under 18s will look to stay in the hunt for the double chance when they play the ninth-placed Hawks.