Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League had a tough encounter when they met Geelong District Football League in the Worksafe Country Championships.
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This was despite the outstanding leadership of captain Daniel Parkin.
Parkin led the young Maryborough outfit and showed them what football at the next level is all about.
From the outset the Maryborough team looked to be threatened by the size and maturity of the Geelong District team.
The first half of the game was played at a high tempo with both teams applying maximum pressure.
With the additional pressure Maryborough tried hard to counteract, but in being so eager they came unstuck.
"We were hurt a little by everyone being too eager to impress," Parkin said.
"We had two or three go to the ball each time where Geelong always had that free man off the pack."
Some poor decision making saw Maryborough down by six points at the main break.
"Inside 50 stats showed we were going in more than they were," Parkin said.
"Bad decision making and skill errors cost us badly."
At half time coach Shane Fisher was reasonably upbeat and commended the players for working their way back into the contest.
"He really reinforced that they weren't that much better than us, but they were converting their opportunities," Parkin said.
Maryborough let the game slip from their grasp in the second half again missing some basic opportunities.
Overall Maryborough were disappointed to lose 7.14. 56 to Geelong's 16.10.106, but there were still many positives.
"It was an impressive effort, We had quite a few younger blokes in the team," Parkin said.
"If they continue in the league it will make the league stronger in years to come."
Cody Driscoll and Jayden Folkes were two Navarre players in the younger brigade that showed great potential.
Ash Driscoll kicked two goals and Navarre coach Parkin, took best on ground honours for Maryborough.
Lexton duo Nigel Reid and Matt Brown were good in the ruck and in the forward line.