Sport
24 July, 2023
Maryborough outclassed by Kyneton
Maryborough were brave throughout their encounter with Kyneton, but the Tigers proved too strong throughout the second half as they recorded a 58-point victory. The Magpies had the 1998 premiership team watch on throughout the afternoon as they...
Maryborough were brave throughout their encounter with Kyneton, but the Tigers proved too strong throughout the second half as they recorded a 58-point victory.
The Magpies had the 1998 premiership team watch on throughout the afternoon as they celebrated their 25-year anni-versary, but despite their presence, it was not enough for them to record a much-needed victory.
A raft of changes were made by the Magpies in the wake of injury issues the week before, with Brady Neill, Kaian Constable, Aidan Medlyn, Luke Dunne and Alex Brown returning to the team, with Patrick Chard, Ty Stewart, Lucas Hurse, James Macer and Sandringham-bound Jake Lohmann going out.
A strong start was needed from Maryborough, and they were able to get it when some loose checking from the Tigers allowed newly-appointed co-coach Matt Johnston to take an uncontested mark, where he was able to convert.
While Kyneton hit back with the next goal, their ill-discipline cost them soon after, as a free kick and 50 metre penalty allowed Chris Freeman to give the Magpies a one-point quarter time lead.
The second quarter was a battle for the Magpies, as they desperately tried to preserve their lead.
They were able to kick the first goal of the quarter through Brady Neill, who converted a set shot to extend their lead to seven points.
It was goal for goal, with Kyneton adding their second goal of the afternoon, before Taj Bond responded with a terrific goal from the scoreboard pocket after winning a free kick.
That was the bulk of the Magpies’ goalkicking for the half, however, with the Tigers responding with the last two goals of the term to take a six-point lead at the main break.
With the game on the line, the Tigers got off to the stronger start to open the third quarter, kicking the opening two goals, but the returning Kaian Constable was able to find some space inside 50, and converted to keep the Magpies within 13 points.
But two more late goals to the Tigers effectively snuffed out the contest, as they were able to extend their lead to 28 points by the final change.
The last quarter saw Kyneton break the shackles, as they enjoyed their best quarter of the afternoon. They kicked six goals, while Maryborough’s sole effort came through Coby Perry, who kicked a nice running goal.
While the loss kept Maryborough winless, their improvement in recent weeks has been clear to see, with the Magpies improving from their 156-point loss in round four.
Elsewhere, Maryborough’s reserves put up a brave fight against the Tigers, eventually going down by 97 points, while the under 18s have essentially locked in their spot in the finals, taking a thrilling five-point win in a result which sees the Magpies four games clear in the top five with five games remaining.