Despite losing Trent Logue and Will McGrath due to illness, the Magpies powered clear in the second quarter to set up the win.

Daniel Sharp also missed the clash.

“It was a fantastic effort by the boys,” coach Josh Maher said.

“We had a few out with the flu but everyone just dug deep and we got the job done.

“We need to win games like this if we are going to play and it was all about pressure, pressure, pressure for us.”

Damien Gray was outstanding with five goals while Daniel Maher, Shannon Gilson and Josh Senior played key roles.

Daniel Mannagh won plenty of touches before going down late with a knee injury.

Howlong, who played without its Northern Territory recruits, was best served by Ashley Johnson.