Sport
27 August, 2024
Emotions run high for Pies
If this was the end for Maryborough’s football club as we know it — and here’s hoping it isn’t — the club can hold their heads up high for fighting their round 18 clash with Strathfieldsaye right until the end.
It was a tough day at Tannery Lane as the Storm, determined to ensure they would land the double chance, were keen to make sure they would make light work of the Magpies.
That they did, but they did get a Magpies unit who were willing to crack in.
A senior debut was handed to Mitch Stork, while Cooper Mark was also another young inclusion.
Strathfieldsaye started strongly in the opening term, kicking five goals to one behind to open up a 34-point lead at the first change.
Their strongest quarter of the day was the second quarter, which the Storm suitably dominated to kick eight goals to no score to increase the lead to 87 points at the main break.
The third quarter saw Strathfieldsaye kick the opening goal of the term, but a big contingent of travelling Maryborough supporters got rewarded after some good ball movement saw Sean Davidson run in and kick a goal to give the Magpies their first of the day.
That was a positive for the term, with the Storm kicking the remaining four goals of the quarter to increase the lead to 118 points.
The last quarter saw the Storm pepper the goals, kicking the first six goals of the last quarter, but another highlight was provided for Maryborough when Josh Britten was able to snap through their final goal of the season, as the final score saw Strathfieldsaye win 25.27 (177) to 2.2 (14).
Kya Lanfranchi was at his brilliant best, while Alex Brown was also playing a key role in defence. Joel Swatton was also named in the best, with co-coach Coby Perry battling on despite going through a calf complaint. Tom Myers and Britten completed the best players on what was an emotional day for all at the Magpies, given their uncertain future at the end of the season.
In the under 18s, Maryborough were also unable to compete with the Storm, running away with the game to take a 93-point triumph.
Jack Skinner kicked the only two goals for Maryborough, both in the second half, while Robert Castiglia, Mark, Bailey Walhouse, Judd Stevens, Stork and Zeb Potter were all named in the best.