Magpies swoop on Saints to claim second win in thriller

By Alexander Dabb

May 18, 2025

Euroa’s Cohen Paul was named best-on-ground in the Magpies’ win over Benalla at the weekend. Photo by Megan Fisher

It was a see-sawing duel at Euroa’s Memorial Oval on Saturday between the Magpies and Saints, but it was the home side that swooped to pick up the four points – by four points – in a brilliant battle.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

With both sides heading into the contest at 1-5, there was plenty on the line, and it was Euroa that held its nerve to prevail 10.13 (73) to 10.9 (69) in a tight and tough affair.

Benalla has made a habit of blistering starts in 2025 and Saturday was no different, as the Saints slammed home an accurate five straight majors in the opening term, although the Magpies managed three of their own to stay within touching distance 11 points back as they headed into the quarter-time huddle.

The Magpies made their move in the second term, slotting the opening three goals to establish a lead of their own, which could have been larger after peppering the goal face with seven behinds for the quarter, while restricting the Saints to 1.3 to ensure they carried a five-point advantage into the long break.

It would prove enough as the second half saw scoring tighten up, as neither side was able to make a decisive move to snatch the game away for certain.

The Saints closed to four points behind by three-quarter time, outscoring Euroa by a single point in the third term to set up a thrilling finish, one they looked to be on the right side of after a strong start to the final quarter.

Two behinds closed the margin to two points, before young gun Cooper Gracie booted his second major of the contest to hand Benalla the lead by four points.

After a couple of errant shots for either side, Declan Redfern stepped up to slot the match winner, edging the Magpies ahead by two points and it would be the last goal of the contest, with Euroa hanging on to seal its second victory of the year in gritty fashion.

Young gun Cohen Paul (one goal) continued his brilliant year for the Magpies with yet another best-on-ground performance, awarded the Les Reed Medal for his efforts, while Jacob Gleeson, Jake Penman, Jack Frewen and Marcus Varley rounded out the best in what was a tenacious victory.

Redfern bagged two goals alongside both Jett and Nate Trotter, with Nick Asquith, Jayden Gleeson and Lachlan Hill each slotting one for the Magpies, while Benalla coach Jarrad Waite kicked a game-high three for the Saints.

The win moves Euroa into eighth spot on the ladder, two games outside of the top six with a 2-5 record heading into the inter-league bye, while the Saints are a game further back in 10th spot at 1-6.