The ladder-leaders stamped their authority on the game early before cruising to a 18.19 (127) to 11.6 (72) win.

Not for the first time this season the Dragons had issues in front of goals, kicking 5.10 in the first quarter.

“We missed set shots in the first quarter that you just shouldn’t miss,’’ Sandhurst coach Brett Fitzpatrick said.

“It’s our Achilles heel at the moment.

“You miss opportunities like that and it allows the opposition to stay in the game for longer.”

Aside from the goal kicking woes, Fitzpatrick was happy with the performance against a Maryborough side that he said had improved dramatically.

“We won the ball well and our field kicking, generally, was pretty good,’’ Fitzpatrick said.

“It was a good effort because Maryborough were relentless at the content and they shared the ball well.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Maryborough gets a good scalp by the end the of the season.”

Centre half-back Matt Thornton was Sandhurst’s best ahead of Joel Wharton, Lachlan Ross and ruckman Tim Martin.

For the second match in succession Billy Mahony was named the Magpies’ best. Skipper Luke Bucknall won plenty of the ball and Jayden Hooper impressed.

With games to come against top six sides Strathfieldsaye, Golden Square and Eaglehawk, Maryborough will have a big say in who plays in the finals.