Match Previews | Both tribes of Magpies in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL will be aiming to end their ’24 season on a high in Saturday’s 18th round.

Castlemaine will be on home turf at Camp Reserve to take on Sandhurst, while Maryborough makes its way to Strathfieldsaye Storm territory at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

It’s been a season of contrasting fortunes for the Magpies.

A seven-eight record has the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine in sixth place.

Key players in the rise include Hartley who has capped his first season of coaching by kicking 42 goals and also had stints in the ruck.

It’s been a dramatic improvement on recent seasons for the Magpies who until a week ago were in the running for a top-five finish.

Defeat at Gisborne ended those hopes, but there is still plenty for Castlemaine to play for.

The Magpies face a massive challenge against the ladder-leading Sandhurst, but a win for the black and white could push the Dragons from top spot and into a qualifying final.

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