IT seems strange to use phrases such as “ladder leaders” and “top of the table” about the Murray Magpies.
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But after opening the season with four wins from five matches, the Magpies sit on top of the league ladder.
The Pies have claimed the scalps of Rand-Walbundrie, Lockhart, Holbrook and Billabong Crows.
Their only defeat has been a narrow loss to CDHBU.
Coach Corey Lambert was yesterday quick to downplay the achievements of his team so far this season.
He said they wouldn’t be fully tested until meeting league heavyweights Henty, Howlong and Brock-Burrum.
“It’s been a promising start but there’s still a lot of work to be done, obviously,” Lambert said.
“When we looked at the draw, this is where we wanted to be sitting.
“We have ticked that box but are fully aware we have achieved nothing yet.
“We realise our biggest challenges lie ahead but, at the moment, we are going to cherish being on top of the ladder and fight as hard as we can to stay there.
“We feel we have improved, our recruits are doing a great job and the those from last year have gone to another level.
“Guys like Alex Jones, Josh Senior and Ryan Johnson have really stepped it up.
“So when you put all that in the mix, we are a stronger outfit.”
Lambert said the Pies also had a lot more depth this season.
“Last weekend, we had Josh Maher (suspended), Zac Doyle (broken finger) and Ben Clements out and lost Jesse Johnston (shoulder) before half-time and still had a big last quarter to get over the line on a day when we were a bit flat.
“It proves we have got a bit more depth than previous years, but we wouldn’t want too many more injuries.”
Jindera recruit Ash Murray has enjoyed a stellar start to the season to lead the goalkicking table on 24 goals, including bags of eight against Lockhart and 12 against Holbrook.
The burly forward is thriving under Lambert after struggling for form and fitness with Jindera last season, booting 16 goals from six matches.
“I’m not surprised by Ash’s start to the season,” Lambert said.
“I always knew he was capable of producing that sort of form.
“Sometimes in footy and coaching it’s about getting the best out of blokes and Ash is the perfect example of that.
“To his credit, he has really turned things around and is training hard.
“He wants to succeed, he is doing everything right and is getting rewarded for it.”