Sport
15 July, 2024
Pies gallant against Bulldogs
The final margin may have read an 118-point loss, but don’t be fooled — this was one of Maryborough’s best efforts of the year. It’s important to note a bit of historical context for this one. Gisborne were fresh off a victory over...
The final margin may have read an 118-point loss, but don’t be fooled — this was one of Maryborough’s best efforts of the year.
It’s important to note a bit of historical context for this one. Gisborne were fresh off a victory over ladder-leading Sandhurst, and had beaten Maryborough by 258 points in their last meeting.
So for the Magpies to lop 140 points off of their losing margin represents improvement in itself, although the Magpies were able to field a much stronger team this time around.
A senior debut was handed to Joe Lovel, with the young defender’s form across the under 18s too good to ignore.
Gisborne kicked the first goal, but Maryborough were provided a spark from the returning Kaian Constable, who intercepted a switch kick and converted from a set shot to level things up.
The Bulldogs were able to underline their class with the next nine goals of the contest, but suddenly, there were soon signs of life from Maryborough as they were able to even up the contest for the next 40 minutes in what was probably their best patch of football for the year.
Firstly, playing coach Matt Johnston was able to get on the end of a classy clearance from Coby Perry to take a clever mark, before converting the set shot from straight in front, before Constable pounced on a turnover in the Maryborough goalmouth to give the Magpies their third of the quarter to trail by 45 points at the first change.
Maryborough’s second quarter was impressive. While it only yielded one behind, the gulf in class meant that their efforts to hold the Bulldogs to just two goals was an excellent one, and showcased how much effort the Magpies were putting in. The margin at half time was 61 points.
Gisborne got things back on their terms in the third quarter as they looked to build their percentage in the race for top spot, and kicked eight goals for the term.
However, Maryborough did continue to fight hard. Seb Collins put through a goal with a good finish in traffic, while Johnston continued to showcase his excellent forward craft with a second terrific juggling mark inside 50 for the match, scoring his second goal to keep the margin below 100 at the final change.
With a 98-point lead, Gisborne were hoping to put together a big final quarter, but goals were harder to come by on this occasion than it was in their last meeting, and mustered six goals for the final quarter.
Meantime, Maryborough were able to find three goals, with Johnston adding his third from the goalsquare, continuing his terrific form, before adding a fourth shortly after from a snap. Constable rounded out the scoring for the day for the Magpies with his third.
Perry put in another terrific performance across the midfield as he continued such a stellar season, while Aidan Medlyn, Joel Swatton, Kya Lanfranchi, Collins and Constable were also named in the best players for the Magpies.
Maryborough’s under 18s had a tougher time of things against Gisborne, losing by 133 points.
The Magpies were unable to stop a 13-goal to one first half, and mustered three goals for the afternoon.
Cooper Mark put in a good effort, while Jack Skinner, William Soulsby, Mitch Stork, Tyson Hoban and Bailey Walhouse also named in the best.
The Magpies will now be hoping to back up this effort against the ladder-leading Sandhurst this weekend.