"We went into the game probably not knowing what was going to happen as Launceston was in the same situation as us," he said.

"To keep Launceston to two goals in the second half was a testament to our good backline and when we were able to get the ball forward we managed to kick some goals."

Brown said it had taken Devonport's record to 3-3 and kept the team in touch with the State League's top six.

Things get a bit tougher in the next game when the Magpies take on unbeaten Clarence at Bellerive when the team will be without its Tassie Mariners.

"But if we perform like today we'll be competitive and that's all I can ask for."

Yesterday's game was played in perfect conditions at the Devonport Oval. Most of the first half was an arm wrestle with barely a goal separating the two sides.

Then in the last two minutes of the second quarter Devonport scored consecutive goals from Beau Sharman and Jesse Johnson to give the home team an 11-point break at the long change.

After the break, Devonport took control kicking 8.11 to 2.5 to take out the game by 47 points.

Devonport had a good balance of youth and experience with Aaron McNab, Kade Pitchford and Ryan Keep the most productive.

McNab and Pitchford finished with the highest yield with four goals each.

Brown praised first gamer Nathan Rataj and said another youngster, Tyler Gavralas, continued to stand out as a midfielder.

Devonport and Launceston went into the game on equal billing, having won two of their five games and a win yesterday was crucial for both.

The win keeps the Magpies in touch with the top six, and given the expected improvement from the young players in the second half of the season a place in the finals isn't out of reach.

Launceston coach Scott Stephens appears to have a tougher task to rebuild his team.

Yesterday, the Blues gained terrific service from the experienced group of Joe Groenewegen, Tom Claridge, Jordan Harris and Josef Boyce while the younger players in the team will continue to benefit from more exposure.