A Bloods’ attack which included the marking power of Justin Maddern, five goals, and Leigh Burke was complemented by the pace and skill of Galea and Tom Dargaville at ground level.

South had not been beaten by Maryborough at the QEO since 2004 and stamped its authority on the match from the opening term.

Inaccuracy was the only blight on South’s brilliant start as it scored 4.7 (31) to 1.0 (6) in the first quarter.

The Magpies fought back to score two goals in the second, but South added four into the breeze.

Bloods’ captain Brady Childs was in plenty of the play and set up many attacks as South slammed on 7.4 to nil in the third term.

Nine Bloods goaled in the 18.11 (119) to 4.4 (28) victory.

A strong defence led by Brad Wright and Marcus Varley kept the Magpies to just four goals.

The goalkickers for the Pies were  Matt Johnston, Tyson MacIlwain,  Josh Malone and Coby Perry.

Best for the Bloods were Childs, Maddern, Wright, Varley, Glenn Scholtes and Blake O’Halloran.

Maryborough’s best were MacIlwain, Perry, Cole Roscholler, Tom Cahill, Matthew and Nathan Bond.

Victorious coach Rick Coburn said the 91-point win was a great lift for the team’s confidence ahead of matches at Golden Square, at home to Castlemaine, and at Eaglehawk.

“Today’s game has done a lot to build our confidence,” Coburn said.

“We had the advantage of a strong breeze in the first quarter and dominated a lot of contests.

“Brady Childs was fantastic, especially in the wet conditions.”

The coach was rapt to have Galea back in attack after a knee construction.

“Alex has worked extremely hard in his comeback. It’s great to have him back crumbing a lot of contests and kicking goals.”

Galea had been a “runner” in the senior games this season and played one game in the reserves.

The Jeff Brennan-coached Maryborough has a rest this Saturday as the Pies are drawn to play Kyneton.

A tough finish to the Borough’s season will be at home to Golden Square and Sandhurst at the QEO.