Sport
10 August, 2023
Maryborough up for Bloods challenge
Maryborough will be seeking a competitive effort against South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval as they head into the last three rounds of what has been a tough season. The Magpies were unable to keep up with Sandhurst last week, who were successful in...
Maryborough will be seeking a competitive effort against South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval as they head into the last three rounds of what has been a tough season.
The Magpies were unable to keep up with Sandhurst last week, who were successful in getting the game out of their grasp early on by kicking 12 goals straight in the first term to Maryborough’s sole effort, which came through the boot of debutant Bailey Jacobs.
But there were some positives throughout the day, with the second quarter showing that Maryborough were very much able to keep up with the Dragons, forcing them wider and missing set shots — 10 in total, to lose the quarter by just nine points.
In terms of positive performances for the day, Brady Neill was a standout, collecting 30 disposals, taking nine marks, six tackles, six clearances and six rebound 50s in an excellent all-round performance. Kya Lanfranchi continued his stellar season with 32 disposals, 15 rebound 50s and nine marks, while Kaian Constable was another to stand out, with his 21 disposals characterised by 16 contested possessions, 12 tackles and six clearances, as well as a goal.
Thankfully for the Magpies, it appears some help will be on the way this week, with the return of Jake Lohmann into the team, with Sandringham’s VFL team having the bye. Lohmann’s inclusion will provide some good drive through the midfield, and on the smaller expanses of Harry Trott, will relish the contested game.
Maryborough will be looking to reduce the gap from their 134-point defeat last time.
Nineteen goals to four in the second half helped guide the Bloods from a 39-point half time lead into a big win, and that came after Maryborough had their chances, kicking two goals from eight scoring shots in the second term.
Jai Howell played well, kicking two goals and was named in their best, while Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Neill, Oscar Tatchell and Chris Freeman were also named in the best players on that occasion.
In Maryborough’s other games, the reserves will be looking to improve on a 120-point defeat last time they played the Bloods, while the under 18s can seal a second successive finals berth if they can defeat the winless South Bendigo, having taken a 48-point victory in their last encounter.
Victory will also mean that the Magpies have surpassed their win tally of nine which was achieved in the under 18 competition last season.