MARYBOROUGH has achieved back-to-back victories for the first time in two years after Saturday's hard-fought 25-point win against Kangaroo Flat in the Bendigo Football League's 10th round.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a contest where momentum swung dramatically in the slippery conditions, the Maryborough Magpies dominated the final term to win 14.12 (96) to 9.17 (71).
Kangaroo Flat stays in sixth place on a 5-5 record.
Maryborough's 11-point lead at half-time turned into a three-point deficit at a quarter to go after the Roos dominated the third term.
Led by the play of captain Luke Bucknall, key forward Matt Bond, and onballer Lachlan Edwards, the Magpies slammed on 6.2 to 1.4 in the last.
A superb finish to a top contest was capped with three goals by Matt Bond as Joel Radlof, Ryan Connellan and Tyson MacIlwain chipped in with majors.
The Kangaroo Flat attack was led by small forward Matt Giri, who was often on the end of passes and kicked a team-high five goals.
For the Borough it's two wins in a row following the 59-point victory on home turf against Kyneton at Barkers Oval, Princes Park the previous round.
Maryborough's co-coaches Glenn Chadwick and Jamie Bond have played key roles in the club's resurgence.
Chadwick said the team's self-belief had lifted markedly since the clash with South Bendigo in round seven.
"Although we were beaten in that match the pressure on the opposition and the teamwork was a big improvement," Chadwick said.
After a closely-fought loss at Eaglehawk, the Magpies have stunned Kyneton and Kangaroo Flat.
Chadwick said it was great to see the hard work being turned into victories.
"I am so proud of how the boys have gone about their footy," Chadwick said.
"A goal for us is to make Maryborough the most difficult place to play at.
"In our past two home games a big focus was on starting well.
"Kangaroo Flat got the jump on us back in round one.
"Today the pressure was on from the first contest."
The Magpies went to a 22-2 lead before Giri kicked his first goal.
Giri's strength to push off his opponent, gather the loose ball and goal put the Roos within seven points early in the second term.
Superb teamwork by the Borough on the outer wing was capped by a Matt Bond mark and goal.
The Roos kept the heat on as Bryce Fletcher goaled.
Maryborough had the answers to the Flat's challenge.
It was Matt Bond again who took a sliding mark and kicked truly from the scoreboard pocket to make it 36-25 by half-time.
Third quarters have been a Kangaroo Flat strength this season and so it proved again as Giri (3), Matt Tregenza and Corbin Fleming were on the end of passes set up by a dominant half-back line and midfield.
Although momentum was with Flat, it was the Borough which finished full of running to take the premiership points and climb another rung on the ladder.
Chadwick said there were 22 contributors to the win.
"Luke Bucknall was outstanding at so many contests," he said.
Bucknall, 25, is in his fourth season as the Magpies' senior captain.
"He works so hard, not just in matches, but at training," Chadwick said.
Maryborough's best included Matt Bond, Joseph Collinson and Lachlan Edwards.
Best for the Roos were Lincoln Frost in defence, Giri, co-captain Luke Lougoon through midfield and onballer Corey Greer.