The Magpies were never expected to make it to the final four teams in the race for the 2010 Bendigo Advertiser Cup.

However, three wins in their final four home and away matches, and a stirring 15-point elimination final victory over Sandhurst, have Maryborough primed to cause more damage in September.

“We’ve got absolutely nothing to lose,’’ Maryborough coach Shane Fisher said of Sunday’s cut-throat final against South Bendigo.

“Everyone expected South Bendigo to play in the grand final before last Saturday and everyone still expects South Bendigo to beat us.

“We’ll give South Bendigo the respect they deserve because they’re a good footy side, but at the same time we’ll give it everything we’ve got.

“Hopefully, we’re still in the game late and anything can happen.’’

The Bloods handed Maryborough 64 and 68-point thumpings in their two home and away matches this season, but that will count for little on Sunday.

The Magpies have improved dramatically since the two sides last met on July 17 and the Bloods face the mental pressure of an unexpected elimination game following their poor performance against Eaglehawk last week.

One of the main reasons behind Maryborough’s late-season resurgence is the return to form of former skipper Joel Malone.

For so long the main man in Maryborough’s midfield, Malone spends most of his time across half-forward these days because his body can no longer handle the heavy load of an on-baller.

The move forward has worked. Malone was critical in Maryborough’s elimination final win over Sandhurst, kicking three goals.

“When you talk about leadership we don’t have a lot of players out there that stamp authority with voice, but Joel plays with leadership and I think our players get a real edge when they see Joel going hard at the ball,’’ Fisher said.

“He’s super important for us and I’m sure he’ll play a big role for us this week.’’