It’s been 1049 days since Maryborough last tasted success – a one-point win over South Bendigo at the QEO in round 16, 2014.

Saturday’s home clash with fellow battler Castlemaine has been pencilled in as Maryborough’s big chance all season.

Castlemaine won the round one clash between the two clubs by six goals, but since then Maryborough has shown more signs of improvement than the Maine.

“I could only imagine the people that have been at the club for longer than me would relish it (a win),’’ Maryborough coach Shane Skontra said.

“It’s hard one because it (a win) doesn’t happen unless we execute well, so we can’t afford to look at the fantasy component of the game.

“We have to play well enough to give ourselves a chance.”

Maryborough gave itself a chance to win when it led Gisborne into the final quarter of their clash at Princes Park a fortnight ago.

The Pies were like a deer in the headlights in the final term and the Bulldogs ran over the top of them.

Skontra hoped that experience would help his side if a similar scenario plays out on Saturday.

“Anything is possible and we are extending our competitive moments in games,’’ he said.

“We need to stay the course as long as we can. In the (final quarter of the) Gisborne game we went away from the things we were doing well. That was a good learning experience for us.”

Maryborough’s quest to snap its 47-game losing streak hasn’t been helped by injuries to four of its best players.

Coby Perry, Hamish Watts, Glen Coleman and Tanner Hamilton would make a huge difference to the Maryborough side if available.

“We’re bound by our depth and we don’t have heaps in the shed we can pick from,’’ Skontra said.

“I’m sure the guys will stick to their task.”