Magpie Eric Guthrie steers the NTFL Magpies out of the dark

The Magpies are back in town after a long finals drought and midfielder Eric Guthrie is leading the way.

SEVERAL wise heads at NTFL Premier League side Palmerston reckon midfielder Eric Guthrie is the key to unlocking the club’s long finals drought.

Out of the March action since 2011, this season’s Magpie side has already swooped on two opposition sides in its bid to get past the home and away season.

Guthrie’s No.20 jumper has been instrumental in the resurgence with his ability to find the football and bring teammates into the game.

The 25-year-old from Harrow in Victoria’s western districts was at it again on Saturday night when the Magpies ruined Buffalo veteran Matt Campbell’s 100th game with their comprehensive 41-point win.

Palmerston's Eric Guthrie looks for a disposal option. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT

‘It was a fantastic win, a lot of hard work has gone into getting us here and to win two in a row is pretty good,’’ Guthrie said in the Magpie rooms post-match.

“We knew Campbell is a bit of a sharpshooter up forward and an important player so we had a bit of a plan we stuck to.’’

Palmerston’s foot and hand skills have been exemplary in the two wins, factors Guthrie puts down to intense training sessions under first year coach Josh Heath.

“We’ve been training for that with a lot of short 45 kicks and it’s paid off,’’ he said. “I think we can go a fair way by matching it with most sides in the competition from now on.

“Certainly our gameplan stands up against the best, so I think we can match them in most aspects.’’

Guthrie’s arrival in Darwin came about through the normal mate of a mate telegraph that lures footballers from the southern states.

“I came up with my partner when we decided to make the move for a bit of warm weather, fishing and footy,’’ he grinned.

“The first year was a bit of a shock to the system, but I’ve done a bit of work in the off-season to get myself into a bit of shape.’’