MARYBOROUGH coach Anika Munn believes the Magpies have built a solid platform to challenge for a BFNL A-grade netball finals berth.
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The Magpies advanced their record to 3-1 on Sunday, with a surprise 52-39 win over reigning premiers Kangaroo Flat at Princes Park.
It's a victory that new coach Munn feels will build plenty of confidence within the playing group.
"It was a pretty tough win and a pretty physical game," she said.
"We were about six goals down at one stage in the first quarter, but by quarter time we were up (by three goals).
"From there we were able to maintain that lead and build on it, which was real pleasing."
The Magpies were able to outscore the Roos, who were without their star goal shooter Ruby Barkmeyer and captain Chelsea Sartori, in each of the first three quarters.
Kangaroo Flat produced its best netball in the final term to peg the margin back to 13 goals with a 12-10 quarter.
Munn gave much credit in victory to her defensive trio of goal keeper Chloe Egan, goal defence Eliza Roughead and wing defence Ash Lierich, while veteran Alicia Cassidy continues to be a steadying influence in the midcourt.
"Eliza Roughead has been a massive pick-up, she's been playing goal defence and goal keeper and she just works super hard," she said.
"And Chloe Egan has been doing an awesome job going from wing defence to goal keeper.
"They played a ripping first half and really shook the confidence of the Kangaroo Flat goalies."
Munn admitted the Magpies had been stung into action after a disappointing loss to South Bendigo the previous week, a defeat viewed in some circles as an upset result.
The loss has prevented the Magpies from joining Sandhurst as the competiton's only undefeated teams.
Munn, who only moved to Maryborough from South Australia's south east in February with her husband and young family, said she was enjoying the challenge of Bendigo league netball after many years of involvement in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara league with Bordertown and Kaniva Leeor United.
"(BFNL) is very competitive and everyone at Maryborough is very friendly and east to get along with," she said.
The third-placed Magpies are aiming for a second straight finals series after finishing fifth last season.
They continue their season after this week's inter-league break with an away game against Strathfieldsaye.
A run of tough games will follow against fourth-placed Golden Square, top-of-the-ladder Sandhurst, Gisborne (second) and Eaglehawk (fifth).