The Magpies were coming off a thumping defeat from Strathfieldsaye and short break, but showed plenty of fight to win 18.6 (114) to 15.17 (107) after earlier trailing by five goals at half-time at the Kyneton Showgrounds.

However, an eight-goal-to-one third term turned the game on its head and the Pies took an eight-point lead into the final quarter. You could have excused the Magpies for tiring, but they had the better of the first 15 minutes and set up a match-winning three-goal break.

Late goals to the Tigers gave the Pies a little scare, but it wasn’t going to be enough to deny Castlemaine victory.

Castlemaine’s conversion rate in front of goal was a key factor. Rhys Ford was superb, kicking seven goals, while Tommy Horne kicked three.

Jackson Hood was named best after keeping Kyneton star Ben Weightman to one goal. Nathan Thompson bagged five goals for the Tigers.