Sport
23 August, 2024
Pumas finish off 2024 campaign with loss
Maryborough's AFL Vic Country Masters football season has ended with a 50-point defeat at the hands of an impressive Echuca-Moama United team in Echuca on Sunday.
The under-strength Pumas proved no match for the hard-running Emus, the home team kicking 12.10 (82) to the visitors 5.2 (32).
Decimated by injury and player unavailability, Maryborough started brightly and often won the battle in the middle of the ground.
But the fit and fast Emus outran the Pumas when they won the ball back, scoring easily and often as the match progressed.
Maryborough coach Terry Hillier said the club needed to be better when playing away from its Princes Park fortress.
“There were a number of reasons we weren't able to travel with a full side but it does make it very tough,” he said.
“The players who pulled on the jumper did a great job, and Echuca helped out with extra players as well, but having a full-strength team makes a huge difference.”
Lauchlan Williams and Jibb Iglesias were outstanding for the Pumas while Sean Hellyar played perhaps his best game for the club.
Jake Meyer was Maryborough's best defender, while Trev Chapman presented strongly until injuring his hamstring.