Sport
29 April, 2024
Toughest day yet for undermanned Pies
Maryborough bore the brunt of a heavily undermanned lineup, three injuries through-out the afternoon and a Gisborne team hell-bent on returning to the summit of the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) with a 258-point loss on Saturday. It was...
Maryborough bore the brunt of a heavily undermanned lineup, three injuries through-out the afternoon and a Gisborne team hell-bent on returning to the summit of the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) with a 258-point loss on Saturday.
It was a devastating day for the Magpies, as they had to make do with a forfeit in the reserves, as well as dealing with the heaviest loss seen in the BFNL since 1996.
The Magpies called on all hands to help out, with senior debuts handed to Zeb Potter and Tyson Hoban — the latter of whom enjoying a nice moment as he got to make his senior debut alongside father Troy, while Brad Wootton, Sam Johnston, Jack Shay, Spencer Fithall and co-coach Matt Johnston were also among the inclusions.
Gisborne kicked the opening three goals of the game, but Maryborough were offered a path to goal early on and Fraser Russell delivered, kicking a goal from a set shot.
However, the 14-point buffer would be as close as Maryborough were for the remainder of the afternoon, as Gisborne dominated the rest of the proceedings.
They kicked six goals to finish with nine for the quarter, and would lead by 54 points at the first change.
It was all the Bulldogs in the second quarter as they were relentless in their pursuit of making a statement, kicking 14 goals to three behinds, as they increased their lead to 138 points at the main break.
The Bulldogs continued on their ruthless run in the third term, adding another 12 goals as they were able to dictate terms entirely, while Maryborough remained scoreless, as they trailed by 214 points at the final change.
While it was arguably one of the roughest days in the Magpies’ history, the club still continued to fight hard despite the obvious gulf in class, and were rewarded with a second goal in the final term through the boot of returning co-coach Matt.
Gisborne continued to play hard, and kicked seven more goals in the final term to eventually win by 258 points.
Tom Myers stood tall against a relentless blue, white and red tsunami and fought hard, as did Kya Lanfranchi, Alex Brown, Mitch McClure, Coby Perry and Josh Britten.
Around the club, it was no easier for the under 18s, who would eventually lose by 163 points, similarly undermanned throughout the afternoon.
The task for the Magpies next week sees them host premiership favourites Sandhurst at Barker Oval Princes Park.