Advertisment

Sport

1 June, 2023

Maryborough looking for competitive outing against South Bendigo in first of two home games

Maryborough returns home to Barkers Oval Princes Park for the first of a two-game homestand when they host South Bendigo, with the Magpies determined to put in a competitive showing. Unfortunately for the Magpies, it’s been a tricky period of...

By Michael Thompson

Maryborough under 18 captain Aidan Medlyn looked to dish off a handball in last week’s loss to Sandhurst.
Maryborough under 18 captain Aidan Medlyn looked to dish off a handball in last week’s loss to Sandhurst.

Maryborough returns home to Barkers Oval Princes Park for the first of a two-game homestand when they host South Bendigo, with the Magpies determined to put in a competitive showing.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, it’s been a tricky period of games since their 17-point loss to Kangaroo Flat in round three, with an average losing margin of exactly 200 points in their last three encounters against Kyneton, Golden Square and Sandhurst.

From a longer-term perspective however, it’s been a good chance for many youngsters to understand the ropes of senior football, as well as giving playing-coach Coby Perry the chance to assess from the sidelines while he waits for his return from wrist surgery.

There were some impressive performers last week, notably Chris Freeman, who gave his all in collecting 28 disposals, with 15 of them contested, as well as laying 10 tackles.

Defender Kya Lanfranchi continues to fight hard against the best forwards in the competition, and continued his good form with 24 disposals, 12 marks and eight tackles on the weekend, while Joel Swatton fought hard in the midfield with 20 disposals and nine tackles.

Younger players were also giving an opportunity to show their wares, and none were more impressive on the statsheet than Lachlan Bursill, who collected 17 disposals in a terrific outing.

The challenge now is to match it with South Bendigo, who have fallen off the pace a little bit after two consecutive losses to Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye respectively.

Last season saw Maryborough lose both their encounters with South Bendigo, although the first match was certainly an encouraging affair, with the Magpies going down by 51 points.

Sandringham VFL midfielder Jake Lohmann was in the team for that one, and he was one of their better players, alongside Lanfranchi, Thomas Gardam, Freeman, Jayden Hooper and Lucas Hurse, with Freeman kicking four goals.

The return meeting in round 17 saw the Magpies celebrate Perry’s 100th game, but it was not to be for the Magpies, who eventually went down by 115 points.

Mitch McClure, Perry, Gardam, Brady Neill, Jake Postle and Lachlan Hull were the best players for the day.

Advertisment

Most Popular