Sport
20 June, 2024
Maryborough seeking to ambush Castlemaine
After a rough run of results, Maryborough will be hoping the addition of more midfield grunt will help them in their quest to end their losing run against Castlemaine. The battle of the Magpies will represent a chance for Maryborough to have their...
After a rough run of results, Maryborough will be hoping the addition of more midfield grunt will help them in their quest to end their losing run against Castlemaine.
The battle of the Magpies will represent a chance for Maryborough to have their most competitive run at it since their loss to Kangaroo Flat in round two.
It also comes against an opponent the Magpies were able to enjoy a long patch of competitiveness against in round one on Good Friday, before the familiar bugbear of the season so far — injuries — hit hard.
On that occasion in round one, the Magpies were three goals up approaching half time, but were down to one man on the bench, with injuries to Fraser Russell, Kirk Looby and Seb Collins affecting the club greatly.
In the end, that handed the ascendancy to Castlemaine, who then bounded away to score a 69-point win.
Last week, the Magpies had a tough assignment against Strathfieldsaye, who are pushing towards the double chance, and were unable to keep up, losing by 226 points.
The Magpies had a number of injuries stemming from that game, which will leave plenty of intrigue over who will come into the team.
Thankfully, Maryborough will have some good support this week, with reigning best and farest Joel Swatton returning this week after travelling.
Swatton’s inclusion will provide some much-needed support for the likes of Coby Perry and Collins through the midfield, while it will also allow Ash Humphrey to thrive even more as another ball-winning option.
Last week, Maryborough were well-beaten in all statistical aspects, most notably in inside 50s, with the Magpies outpointed 86-11 in that stat, while also losing the disposal count 433-217 and clearances 53-33.
Kya Lanfranchi had a mighty game, despite all the pressure coming his way down back, collecting 35 disposals, seven marks and 10 tackles.
Perry again showed his continued brilliance, collecting 41 disposals, including 22 contested, with six tackles and 13 clearances.
Humphrey also played well, collecting 37 disposals, nine clearances and five tackles.
Maryborough’s under 18s will also take part again, and although they were unable to defeat Strathfieldsaye last week, the Magpies will be hoping for a scalp when they host Castlemaine.
Last time, the Magpies were well in the contest, but were unable to stop Castlemaine from running them over, eventually winning by seven points.