Football returned for season 2026 last weekend for the Castlemaine Junior Magpies and their campaign got off to a flying start at Castlemaine Fresh Oval at Wesley Hill.
With the opportunity to play on ANZAC Day, and drawing a strong crowd of supporters, all teams showed the right spirit and commitment to honour the day suitably.
The opening match of the day saw the first of the Castlemaine Under 12 teams playing against South Bendigo. Both sides enjoyed perfect conditions for football which allowed for some neat skills and slick ball-movement, but it was the home team who settled quickest and began to hit the scoreboard. Jonah Forbes Casey was looking threatening, while George Davey looked to be everywhere. Quarter time scores had the Pies 3.2 (20) and the visitors yet to score.
The second term was a continuation of the first as Arlo Sherry became heavily involved in scoring opportunities and Baz Fitzpatrick was everywhere, helping the home team to double their lead by the main break. Half time saw Castlemaine lead by 40 points.
The second half continued the trend of the first as the Magpies took charge in general play and produced multiple scoring opportunities. Reg Fitzpatrick took his opportunities in front of the big sticks to record two goals and Arlo Sherry’s goal capped his best-on-ground performance. Other key performers included Todd Haire, Jonah Forbes Casey (including four goals), Alex Pearson and Baz Fitzpatrick as they ran out winners 13.9 (87) to 0.1 (1).
The second of Castlemaine’s Under 12 teams then took on the Golden Square Bulldogs in another clash played in positive spirit and excellent conditions. After an even first part of the quarter, Castlemaine begin to establish superiority, holding the ball in their forward half and generating numerous shots on goal. At quarter-time, the Magpies enjoyed a 22-point lead, 3.4 (22) to 0.0 (0).
The second term began in similar fashion as Castlemaine immediately surged forward and looked to close down the run of their Bulldog opponents. Newly minted co-Captains Sid Wiese and Reuben O’Sullivan were instrumental in their teams’ strong field position, while Eliza Minster was looking dangerous up forward.
Half-time scores were 5.6 (30) for Castlemaine while Golden Square were yet to score.
A consistent second half of football followed as Castlemaine continued to push the ball into their forward line and create scoring opportunities for multiple players. This approach across the game allowed Aidan Scicluna and Tanner James to both hit the scoreboard. Much of this was due to the work of Fletcher Cheesman, who maintained a strong presence around the ground.
In the end, a strong team performance saw the Mighty Pies run out winners by 70 points, 11.10 (76) to 1.0 (6).
Best players were Wiese, O’Sullivan, Cheesman, George Cordy, Clancy Hendrickson and Darcy Brown.
In away games across the weekend, the Under 14s travelled to Kangaroo Flat and recorded a strong 12.14 (86) to 8.4 (52) win, while an undersized Under 16s competed hard against White Hills for a 15.12 (102) to 4.10 (34) defeat.