Plucky Pirates fall short in action-packed season opener

Despite the absence of veteran Tom Feldgen and young gun Bailey Payze, the Pirates found their Gear 2 in the second, slamming on the first four goals of the term, sparked by talisman Hugh Peacock, who acted as the standout across the ground with an immense 47 touches and a goal. Nelson Forrest complimented the hard work with two second-quarter majors of his own. By the main break, a five-goal-to-four term had sliced the margin to just a point in favor of the visitors.

Former Peninsula Grammar First XVII captain Luca Tonner was another standout in his Pirates debut, forced into a solo rucking effort after two early injuries in the third term. Tonner more than held his own, consistently winning the ball at stoppages to keep the Pirates in the hunt.

With the scores locked at nine goals apiece ten minutes into the third, Hampton began to find their voice. The visitors forced turnovers and gave themselves repeat inside 50s with the final five scores of the term, though a determined defensive effort that ensured the damage was contained, leaving Hampton with a slender nine-point lead going into the final change.

Ned Evans-Brumby carried his sharp form from last season into the opener, causing a headache for defenders all game with three majors, while Jake Lovett found plenty of the footy throughout the afternoon, racking up 37 touches along with 7 tackles.

With the game on the line in the final term, player-coach Brendan Dunne sparked the home side, reeling in an outstanding one-handed mark in the forward pocket and converting to bring the Pirates back within a kick. A classy front and center goal from Hugh Peacock kept the pressure on, but the toll of a depleted interchange bench eventually became noticeable, as Hampton took full advantage of the Pirates undermanned side, storming home with the final four goals of the match to blow the margin out to 27 points at the final siren.

Despite the scoreboard, the Pirates will take significant belief into next week with their sights set on a bounce-back win against a recently struggling Mazenod side.

Earlier in the day, the reformed Under 19s cruised to a dominant 50-point victory over Beaumaris building immediate momentum to their 2026 campaign. Unfortunately, the results were mixed for the reserves; despite a gutsy effort, the heavily undermanned side was outdone by a younger more polished Hampton outfit.