Sport
11 August, 2026
Magpies show determination in tight battles
After enjoying a couple of home fixtures, the Maryborough Magpies under 10s started an important weekend for the club’s junior football teams on the road to face a strong Huntly outfit at Staunch Reserve.
It proved a challenging contest, but the young Magpies never stopped competing and continued to show impressive improvement.
Elijah Fedel and Tex Harnetty worked tirelessly in defence, while Jordy Thompson and Dusty Steen battled hard through the midfield.
The continued development of the young squad remains the club’s main focus and there were plenty of encouraging signs for the future.
Also on Saturday, the under 12s produced one of their most spirited performances of the season despite falling just short against ladder leaders Maiden Gully at home.
Celebrating his 50th game for the club, Charlie Bucknall led the side onto the ground before Maryborough made a flying start, with early goals from Manny Shepherd and Hux Mockridge energising teammates and supporters alike.
Maiden Gully fought back during the second term to take the lead into half time, but the Magpies responded brilliantly in the third quarter to close within a goal and set up a thrilling finish.
The visitors eventually broke clear with a late goal to claim victory, but Maryborough’s outstanding team effort has them full of confidence heading into the final home and away round.
A win over fifth-placed Quarry Hill would see the Magpies leapfrog their rivals and secure a place in the top five.
Cold, wet and wintry conditions greeted the Maryborough under 14s on Sunday as they hosted Sandhurst at Princes Park, but the wintry weather didn’t dampen the home side’s determination in a hard-fought contest.
Inspired by the welcome return of teammate Noah Thomson following surgery, the Magpies started strongly, kicking two first-quarter goals to take an early advantage.
Their defence stood tall throughout the opening half, with Dean Liddicott, Alfie Boyes and Charlie Purchase leading an outstanding backline effort as Maryborough carried a two-goal lead into the main break.
The third quarter was full of forward opportunities, but despite repeated entries inside the attacking 50, the Magpies were unable to convert their dominance onto the scoreboard.
Sandhurst finished strongly in the final term and managed to edge past Maryborough by a single goal in a heartbreaking finish.
With one round remaining, the Magpies still control their own destiny, knowing a victory over North Bendigo would secure fifth position and a well-earned finals berth.