In round 16 of Goulburn Valley League, the Eagles were able to snap a six-game losing streak.
After a strong start to the season, the Eagles have lost players to injury, the VFL and overseas travel.
Mansfield was on a record of 6-3 heading into the first bye round.
From there, the Eagles lost their next six games before taking on Tatura, a team ravaged by injury, on Saturday.
Star midfielder-winger Harry Mahoney was back in the Eagles’ side — Mahoney has been playing for Collingwood in the VFL, but the Magpies had the bye at the weekend — and kicked two goals to help Mansfield stay in the hunt for the finals.
The Eagles were eager to build a lead early and did so in the first half, with the score 52-21 in their favour.
Mansfield’s player-coach Jack Hutchins was a strong target up forward for the home side, booting a game-high five goals.
In the second half Tatura fell away and could only manage 1.6 in the final two quarters.
Meanwhile, Mansfield’s lead would have been bigger if it had kicked straight.
The Eagles booted 5.6 and 5.5 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
Mansfield’s Billy Hogan (four goals) and Ben Reardon (three) were potent in front of the big sticks.
In the end, the margin climbed out to 90 points as Mansfield won the match 17.21 (123) to Tatura’s 4.9 (33).
Despite the poor run of form Mansfield is still in contention for finals.
Due to faltering performances from Euroa, Shepparton Swans and Kyabram, the Eagles sit only one win outside of the top six.
Mansfield (seventh on the ladder) also has a greater percentage than Euroa (sixth).
The Magpies’ next fixture is against Benalla, which they will expect to win, while Mansfield faces a tough match-up against fourth-placed Mooroopna.
If the Eagles can overcome the Cats it will set up a mouth-watering clash between Euroa and Mansfield in the final round to decide who claims the last spot in finals.
For Tatura, the 2024 season has been extraordinarily tough, with many injuries and heavy losses.
In Saturday’s match, the Bulldogs were unlucky in facing an Eagles side with finals on the line.
Tatura’s last two rounds of the season are easier on paper, with matches against Shepparton United (11th) and Benalla (10th).
The Bulldogs sit in last place; if they win their remaining two games, that could change.
But for Paul Barnard and his side, where they finish on the ladder is irrelevant now.
With what players they have standing, the Bulldogs need to fight with all their might in the final two games to show themselves — and prospective signings — that the future is bright at The Kennel.
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