Tough day out for the Pirates as Ormond get the job done in fierce Grand Final rematch.

The Pirates maintained overall possession of the footy for much of the second, but again a failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly. Ormond was swift on the rebound, punishing turnovers and inaccuracy to record 7.1 for the quarter. Luca Tonner was a standout, keeping the Pirates in the contest with two goals and hard work both behind and ahead of the footy; Jesse Somdecerff also prominent with a goal in just his second seniors game. Two late majors from Ormond hurt the Pirates' hard work and highlighted the importance of taking your chances as the score blew out to 40-91.

Despite the margin of 51 points at the main break Dunney fired up the boys and urged them to stay in the contest, declaring the need to tighten up in front of goals and maintain the pressure with the belief that the scoreboard would take care of itself.

Dunney backed up his halftime address with an early goal, followed by a major from Ned Evans-Brumby to spark some genuine belief. The match became increasingly physical as tensions rose and began to boil over, with some undisciplined play and “questionable” umpiring decisions gifting back-to-back majors and firing up the home side. While the Pirates toughed out the next 15 minutes, they struggled to stop Ormond's high-speed rebounding from their defensive 50, trailing by 60 at the final change.

Hugh Peacock worked his magic at all parts of the ground, penetrating the ball inside 50 and encouraging presentation ahead of the footy. Meanwhile, Luca Tonner continued his exceptional start to the season, earning his fourth best player mention in four games. His athleticism and elite disposal by foot was one of the Pirates strengths even in a tough day out.

The boys struggled with fatigue in the final term, as the still incomplete lineup aided a strong return performance from Ormond ruckman Flyn O’Toole. More inability to capitalize on the scoring end allowed Ormond to fill their boots, eventually finishing with a 96-point victory.

We now have the next two matchups at home against Marcellin and Glen Eira the following week. Again more players returning from injury will help fortify the lineup and give us the manpower needed to record some crucial wins.