The Club’s 19-point win in Round 22 of the AFL season has headlined a weekend full of close fixtures.
Taking to Optus Stadium against West Coast without over 1000 games of experience, a young Magpies side hit the ground running with six first quarter goals on Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles ramped up their intensity in the second term and took the lead for periods, as the back and forth contest continued to produce plenty of goals.
The Pies would trail by single digits at the main break, however the half time reset proved to be just what the doctor ordered, as they put on five goals in quick succession.
That helped them to a 23-point three-quarter time break, and while they were outscored in the final term, some brave defensive efforts saw the black and white hang on for victory.
Nick and Josh Daicos starred with a combined 74 disposals, while three goals each to Lachie Schultz, Tim Membrey and Dan McStay were important.
Billy Frampton was also dominant in defence as he led an undermanned backline, with debutant Noah Howes showing some promising signs is his maiden game at the top level.
The win secures a place in the top 10 regardless of the Pies’ remaining two results to come against Hawthorn and Brisbane respectively.
Sitting eighth on the ladder with and six points adrift from the Lions in fourth place, a spot in the top six or four is still possible with a fortnight left in the home and away season.
On Saturday it was the Club’s VFL side that took the field at Windy Hill, taking on Essendon.
The squad was drastically different to previous weeks after multiple players were elevated to the AFL side, however a gallant effort was produced that ultimately ended in a shattering one-point loss.
A slow start saw the Pies trailing by 20 points at the main break having kicked just three goals, however a blistering third term had them right back in the contest.
They would kick seven goals to one on the back three from Jack Buller and a trio from brother Max and Harry Mahoney, taking a 17-point lead into the final term.
It set up a thrilling finish, however a goal to the Bombers in the dying stages saw them regain the lead and escape with victory.
Josh Browne (27 touches) and Jakob Ryan (26 touches) did their best all day, while Harrison Kennedy (21 touches and six tackles) played one of his best games of 2026.
Unable to make finals, the Pies will play their final game of the 2026 season on Saturday against Port Melbourne.
It was also heartbreak for the Pies’ Community Wheelchair side over the weekend, with the team going down by three points in their Preliminary Final against Richmond.
The black and white controlled the majority of the game and look destined for victory, however a late major to the Tigers saw them steal victory.
Tim O Connor and Jack Elliott (three goals each) provided the spark and fight throughout the game but ultimately it wasn't enough, as their season ended.
The Club’s VFLW side observed a bye and will resume their strong campaign against Port Melbourne this Saturday, while the Club’s AFLW season will officially kick off this Saturday when they take on Richmond in Round 1.
