Magpies and finals haven't been in the same sentence for a while but as the season draws closer to September action the men in black and white have an opportunity to make their stay in the top 4 a longer one when they host the Moranbah Bulldogs at the Magpies Nest.
It will be a heated Round 9 encounter as the reigning Premiers Moranbah look to knock off the soaring Mackay Magpies.
Moranbah win and they will keep in touch with the top 4 and will go equal on points but the Bulldogs will remain in fifth due to their percentage. Magpies win and results go their way, they could see themselves climb into third on the ladder and that if a third place finish comes their way, a home final is on the cards.
Last time these two sides met, it was the Magpies first win in over 18-months and sent the playing group into celebrations. However, the novelty of their first win is well and truly behind them and the hard work must now start.
The Magpies ran out 41-point victors which was on the back of an impressive 6-goal third quarter.
Ever consistent Heath Thiele was the main contributor and no doubt received the 3 votes and was supported well by ruck Craig Tyson, Eddie Trewin and skipper Jaebyn Drefke.
Playing Coach Aaron Thompson was the Bulldogs best along with Daniel Pullan.
Both sides will come into this Allied Pickford's Round 9 contest with similar line-ups and this is a season defining match and will decide who the contenders are. With the match now at Magpies Sports Park, the Magpies will start as favourites something that hasn't been the norm for the Glenella based club.
Last time they started favourites was against the Tigers and the men in black and white ran out 10-goal victors. However, today the Magpies will no doubt feel the full force of the Bulldogs.
Match Details
First Bounce: 1:30pm
Where: Magpies Sports Park, Glenella
When: Saturday 13th June
Who: Mackay Magpies Vs. Moranbah Bulldogs
In the weekend's other matches the Bakers Creek Tigers will face the North Mackay Saints at Etwell Park, as the Saints will be looking to keep their breathing space between themselves and fourth place.
Bakers Creek will be looking to record their second win of the season and at home they are a tough out-fit. New coach Bernard Wheeler has been working closely on his sides cohesion and the competition is about to feel the roar of the Tigers.
Mean-while over at Harrup Park the Mackay City Hawks will face the Whitsunday Sea Eagles and looking to go back on equal points with ladder leaders the Eastern Swans.
If the Sea Eagles can upset the Hawks, they the Magpies lose they will go on equal points and be within striking distance of the top four.
Allied Pickford's Cup Round 9 Matches
Saturday 13th June, 2015
Mackay Magpies Vs. Moranbah Bulldogs @ Magpies, 1:30pm
Bakers Creek Vs. North Mackay @ Etwell Park, 2:45pm
Mackay City Vs. Whitsunday @ Harrup Park, 2:45pm
Photo by Kaz Morrison (edited for story)
Last Modified on 16/06/2015 14:56