After holding their own against a strong breeze in the first term, the Magpies were blown out of the water by high-profile recruits Jamie Sheehan and George Burbury.

“We played well in first quarter and broke even against a five-goal wind but then we went away from our behaviours in the second quarter,” coach Mark Knobel said.

“We went back to our defensive structures after that and held our own.

“I was reasonably pleased.

“It’s good to put valuable time into the kids against quality opposition and I just think it showed the boys how important team behaviours are.”

Wangaratta, who lost to Myrtleford by 97 points last weekend, went into the clash without a host of key players including Matt Westhoff, Daniel Boyle, Jamie Allan, Xavier Norden and Matt Kelly.

Judd Porter was as reliable as ever in defence while the only injury concern for the Magpies was Jai Canny suffering a broken nose.

Wodonga Raiders lost to Shepparton United by three points at Shepparton.

Jydon Neagle played well around the packs while big men Nick Nott and Hayden Heta rotated between the ruck and full-forward and finished with three goals between them.

Myrtleford’s strong pre-season form has continued with the Saints dismantling Wangaratta Rovers by 71 points.

With Brad Murray and Kristan Height a constant worry playing out of the goal square a, the Saints never looked troubled.