Sport
30 June, 2026
Maryborough Magpies have thrilling weekend
The Maryborough Magpies produced a heart-pumping weekend in the Bendigo Junior Football League, with matches in the under 12s and under 14s decided by less than a goal.
The weekend started with the Maryborough under 10s travelling to Bendigo to take on St Francis in ideal football conditions, but were met by a strong and physically bigger opposition.
Despite the challenge, the young Magpies never stopped competing and continued to show plenty of determination throughout the match.
Elijah Fedel produced an outstanding all-round performance, gathering plenty of possessions while working hard in every area of the ground.
Henry Noonan also continued his impressive development, winning the football often at the bottom of packs.
While the result didn’t fall Maryborough’s way, the team’s effort and commitment could not be questioned, and they will be eager to bounce back after the school holiday break.
The Maryborough under 12s made it back-to-back wins when they welcomed Quarry Hill to Princes Park in a tough, low-scoring encounter.
For much of the game scoring opportunities were limited, with the visitors’ congested style making it difficult for either side to gain the upper hand.
The game finally opened up in the last quarter as Maryborough’s runners began breaking the lines.
Trailing by three points with just 90 seconds remaining, Charlie Smith drifted forward and marked strongly 30 metres from goal before calmly converting to put the Magpies in front.
A tense final minute followed, but Maryborough held firm to record a thrilling 2.6.(18) - 2.3.(15) victory.
Equally pleasing for the coaching group was the contribution from the younger and first-year players, their refusal to never give up highlighted a genuine team performance.
The win was made even more memorable with Isla Costellow celebrating her 50th game for the club, a wonderful milestone and a terrific achievement.
Maryborough’s under 14s travelled to Ewing Park in Bendigo to face Sandhurst in one of the most exciting contests of the season, with momentum swinging several times before the match was decided by the narrowest of margins.
Maryborough started strongly, taking control during the opening half to build a handy 20-point lead at the main break.
Sandhurst responded after half time, dominating the third quarter by kicking four goals to one to edge in front before the final change.
Trailing by five points entering the last term, Maryborough fought desperately to regain the lead, but ultimately fell heartbreakingly short, going down by just a single point, 8.11.(59) - 8.10.(58).
Jalen Raats and Charlie Purchase produced their best performances of the season, applying defensive pressure and clearance from the back 50.
Despite the disappointment, the Magpies can take plenty of positives from their effort and will be keen to return to the winners’ list in round 10.