Coach Dan Casey was relieved the undermanned Magpies emerged from the 15.17 (107) to 10.11 (71) victory without any injuries as they look forward to chasing their third consecutive win when they host South Warrnambool on Saturday.

Casey said the Magpies had endured a horror week off the field. Ruckman Marcus Powling suffered a calf injury at training last Tuesday, ruling him out, Jesse Gallichan suffered an injury in an intense drill at training on Thursday and then defender Jacob Mahony withdrew with gastro on Saturday. 

That all came after the Magpies lost interleague defender Nick Bateman, who suffered facial steam burns in a work-related accident.

The Magpies elevated Alex Place from the reserves into the ruck alongside key forward Jack Hickey and Aaron Davis took Mahony’s spot.

“I’m just proud to get the result, especially up there at Hamilton, after the tough week we’ve had,” Casey said.

Casey said the Magpies’ confidence was growing after two wins following five consecutive losses to start the season.

“We are starting to string some good games together and hopefully we can continue that next week,” he said.

The Magpies trailed by 11 points at quarter-time and 10 points at half-time after Kangaroos live-wire Brendan Huf kicked four first-half goals. 

After an inaccurate third term, 4.7 to 1.1, the Magpies went into the last term with a 14-point break and the momentum.

Meanwhile, reigning premier Warrnambool extended its unbeaten start with a 64-point win over Portland at Hanlon Park.

Jason Rowan kicked nine goals and Jed Turland five as the Blues claimed their first win in Portland.

Coach Scott Carter said he was worried at quarter-time as Portland held an 11-point buffer.

“We just didn’t work hard enough, very hesitant, and they took the initiative,” he said.

“But after quarter-time we played pretty well.”