A Friday night thriller at Marvel Stadium has headlined a successful weekend for the black and white as three sides took on North Melbourne.
In what was the second game of a double header under the roof, the Pies’ AFL side triumphed by just four points in a classic against the Roos.
In a back and forth game, the Pies held narrow leads at each of the main breaks, however were down for the majority of the final term before a late goal secured the win.
Tim Membrey was the goal-kicker for that all-important major, while Jack Crisp had earlier kept the Pies in the contest with a brilliant running finish.
It was part of a strong final term for the left-footer, who alongside Nick and Josh Daicos (61 disposals between them) and Darcy Cameron (27 hit outs, 26 touches) led the Pies.
Dan McStay kicked three goals to take his season tally to 29, while Pat Lipinksi finished with two goals.
It was the black and white’s fourth win in a row since returning from the bye and helped them jump into eighth on the ladder by the end of the round.
Earlier in the day, the Pies’ VFL side had hosted North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, producing one of their best games of the year to run out 43-point winners.
A four-goal to two start in the first term set up the strong performance, with the Pies displaying some slick ball movement.
They led by just six points at the main break, however a 12 goals to six in the second half blew the margin out to a comfortable win.
VFL-listed forward Max Mahoney starred with five goals, while midfielder Josh Browne collected 32 touches.
Young AFL-listed players Roan Steele and Jakob Ryan both notched 23 disposals, while mid-year recruit Mitch Podhajski kicked two majors.
Aiming to round out the weekend with wins all round for the black and white, the Club’s VFLW side suffered a narrow three-point loss on Sunday to reigning premiers North Melbourne Werribee.
The Pies led by nine points at half time in tough conditions at La Trobe University, however the Kangaroos worked their way into the contest with a strong second half.
They would kick five goals to the Pies’ three to secure the win and hand the black and white their first loss of the season.
The Pies now sit third on the ladder behind the Roos and Williamstown, with a clash against the Box Hill Hawks awaiting them this weekend.
The VFL squad will observe a bye, while the AFL team will take on Carlton in a huge clash on Saturday night.
