PORT Macquarie Magpies got their AFL North Coast season off to a great start on Saturday, turning a quarter-time lead into a full-time triumph over Coffs Breakers.
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The Magpies led at every turn to win 13.10 (88) to 8.10 (58) at Wayne Richards Park.
It was 18-16 at the first break, 35-34 at half time and 67-45 at three quarter time.
Jesse Schmidt and Adam Mannes booted three goals each for the hosts.
Angus Scott and Riley Irwin kicked two. Brice Hayward, Luke Boxhall and Kyle Lynch also bagged six pointers.
The Magpies' game started to click in the third quarter. Earlier, they struggled in the heat, but coach Anthony Beasley said he was pleased with how the players stuck to their guns.
Their strong running game meant the forwards got plenty of ball, and the goals started to flow.
Beasley was impressed with Scott, one of a host of new faces at the club, at centre half forward.
"They've been a breath of fresh air," he said.
Will Wright was great in defence.
"He was solid," Beasley said.
"He did all the one percenters, all the time."
No injuries was a plus for the Magpies.
"Just a bit of sun stroke, I think," Beasley said, referring to the hot conditions.
The next match for the Magpies is a big road trip to Grafton to take on Tweed Heads.
That's part of the season expansion this year which pits clubs from AFL Northern Rivers against the North Coast teams.
"They're testing the waters there," Beasley said.
