Roxburgh Park has proved that Hadfield is beatable, handing the Essendon District Football League division 2 ladder leader its first loss of the season.
The Hawks were outrun and outplayed by the Magpies for their 13.4 (82) – 7.14 (56) win.
Before the game, a 30-point loss for Coburg Districts was the closest anyone had come to the Hawks.
Magpies coach Paul Reddick saw the result as his side finally putting its best foot forward when it counts, at the season’s pointy end.
“It was our most consistent performance this year, even though the boys lost touch with their men in the second quarter,” Reddick said.
“Against an undefeated side, you need to run hard and be listening to instructions, and the players did play to them.”
Going into the last quarter with the Magpies 19 points up, Reddick was confident his team would run the stronger and win.
“They were kicking to the scoring end and we knew we had to stick to our guns and keep running hard.
“We knew we had to score goals, too; not just defend.”
Jayden Walker kicked five goals for the Magpies.
Anthony Omogrosso and Luke Capuano were among the best, along with second gamer Mitchell Kerslake.
The win means the Magpies remain in second spot, two games clear of fifth-placed Moonee Valley.
“We still have to play the sides that are third, fourth and fifth on the ladder in the run home,” Reddick said. “If we keep winning games, then our finals hopes are in our own hands. If we lose, we’re at the mercy of others.”
Reddick is hoping last year’s experience of grand final action will help players deal with the pressure of winning big games.
“We’re a chance of beating anyone if we play our best football each week.
“If we can do what we did against Hadfield, we’re a chance. You need to be playing your best football at this time of year.
“We messed up at this time last year and, hopefully, we’ve learnt from that.”
Reddick is hoping the club can avoid its forwards’ injury curse in the run home. Tim Blacker and Matt Walker missed the weekend’s match, but Reddick hopes to get them back before finals.
Jacana, still in the finals fight, did its hopes no harm with a 19.15 (129) – 8.7 (55) win over Moonee Valley.
The win also puts two games between the Jaguars and fifth-placed Moonee Valley. The Jaguars are third, only percentage behind Roxburgh Park.
