Charles Sturt University survived a pre-finals examination from The Rock-Yerong Creek on Saturday, hanging on for a nail-biting five-point win at Peter Hastie Oval.
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Three weeks out from their first finals campaign in seven years, the Bushpigs were thoroughly put to the test in the 10.9 (69) to 9.10 (64) win, as the Pies landed four last-quarter goals but fell a kick short.
The home side had only led by a goal at quarter-time and two goals at the next two breaks, before finding themselves under more pressure in the final term from a Magpies outfit desperate to finish the season on an upward swing.
“They played really good footy, they always seemed dangerous and like they could’ve got the upper hand at any time but we were lucky to come away with it,” CSU coach Pat Noonan said.
“They were breathing down our necks, which we didn’t really want to have that stress (a week after sealing a spot in finals) but, anyway, that’s what we got.
“They were up and about, it was a challenge and it was good to see how the boys would react to that.”
The Bushpigs were a little unsettled after five changes, including missing centre-half-forward Joe Stapleton and their general in defence, Diarmid Cleary.
“Our backline was awesome today. There was a lot of pressure and they handled it very well,” Noonan said.
“Diarm’s a very pivotal part of our team and I value him highly so it was a bit of a test for them as to how they went without him and they went well.”
Jake Raves led CSU’s defensive effort while Brayden Ambler had a big game in the middle taking some strong marks.
But the Pies, with young tall Jack Driscoll very impressive in just his third senior game, and a clever Heath Russell booting five of their nine goals, were almost able to spring the upset.
“There’s only so much I can say at the breaks,” Noonan said. “When the pressure is on, it’s how you react to that that matters. Most of our blokes reacted well and some probably got a bit of a wake up call.”
Rob Herzfeld in the midfield and Tom Stapleton playing forward and swapping in the ruck also stood up for the Pigs, who head to Gumly next week to take on East Wagga-Kooringal, who they’re set to meet in the elimination final later this month.
An ankle injury to Jordan Ackland was a disappointment for the Bushpigs.
