A Sam Swadling inspired VFL outfit proved too strong for ladder-leading Geelong over the weekend in what was the most memorable result in the black and white’s six games of action.
Heading down the highway to GMHBA Stadium on Friday afternoon, the young squad knew a tough challenge was awaiting them, with the Cats in the midst of a 12-game winning streak.
While they were down by 14 points at the half, a blistering third term where they kicked eight goals to none flipped the game on its head.
It set up what would eventually be a 28-point win, with forward Mitch Podhajski and Max Mahoney (both three goals) important factors.
Swadling was the standout, finishing with 39 disposals and nine clearances, while Jakob Ryan continued his strong season with 28 touches.
The win was retribution for the two Clubs’ AFL clash the night before, where the Cats triumphed by 25 points at the MCG.
A nine-goal to one start to the game had Geelong in the box seat from the outset, however the Pies began to claw the margin back towards the end of the second term.
It was just a 17-point deficit by three-quarter time, however an experienced Geelong line up held their nerve.
Dan McStay starred with a career-high five goals, while Nick Daicos worked hard all night to amass 35 disposals.
ON Saturday, it was the Club’s AFLW side who took to Whitten Oval to close out their pre-season, taking on the Western Bulldogs in four quarters.
In a tight tussle impacted by strong breeze favouring one end, the Pies ran out 16-point winners and with confidence high ahead of Round 1 on 15 August.
The team put 10 majors on the board in a strong sign of their attacking prowess in 2026, with Ruby Schleicher and Sabrina Frederick both kicking multiple goals.
They’ll now re-fresh before taking on the Tigers in their first home and away season clash of the year at Ikon Park in less than two weeks.
The Club’s VFLW squad weren’t as successful on Saturday, falling to the Cats by nine points.
In a low-scoring affair at Deakin University, the Pies only managed two goals for the day and would rue some missed opportunities.
Stella Huxtable (27 touches) and Abbey Tregellis (25 disposals) impressed, while Macy Watkins and Amelia Peck were the goal-kickers.
It was finals time for the Pies’ two Wheelchair teams, with both the Championship and Community sides taking on Hawthorn.
In an unfortunate way to bow out of 2026, with Championship side were thoroughly defeated by the Hawks to the tune of 85 points.
The Community squad however had a day out, putting 25 majors through the big sticks to seal a 136-point win.
Andrew Paddle led the way with 13 goals, while Jack Elliott finished with eight.
They’ll now advanced to the prelim against Richmond on Sunday.
