Hallelujah: Top-notch Pirates down Marcellin to record their first win of the season.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth contest before the Pirates gained control. Goals to George Fletcher and Brendan Dunne stretched the lead, but could only manage 0.6 with the scoring end which gave Marcellin a let off from any more scoreboard damage, as the Pirates held a deserved 18-point buffer at halftime. The strong first half was slightly dimmed as Luca Tonner went down with a knee injury, but the three goal lead ensured spirits were high at the main break.

An early major from the Pirates pushed the lead out to 24 points, forcing Marcellin to play catchup. Jesse Somdecerff was a prolific in the forward half, capitalising on his opportunities with three goals on the day, further boosted by debutant Matty Stone, who stepped up from the Under-19s and provided relentless run and carry all day off half back. Bailey Payze inflicted more pain on Marcellins defense with a clinical snag from 40 tucked on the boundary in just his first game back from a shoulder reconstruction.

Following his 53 disposal outing, Hugh Peacock remained untouchable once again, ruthless in all parts of the ground. Despite his impact, Marcellin manufactured a late push led by their skipper, Josh Daniel, who converted two of their three successive goals which wiped out the Pirates' lead, leaving the game all square 76 points apiece heading into the fourth.

Holding a delicate five-point lead, the Pirates flexed their muscles with three consecutive goals, leaving them one major away from sealing the deal in the last 10 minutes. However, Marcellin responded quickly with a sneaky goal out the back to reduce the deficit to 12 points, sparking a late offensive surge that threatened the Pirates lead; but two extremely gutsy defensive efforts from Ben Goates and Nat Turner willed the boys on.

A free kick and 50 brought Marcellin within a solitary goal and a chance to take the lead in the dying stages, but a blocking free kick at the centre bounce secured an emphatic, hard-fought win for the Pirates. Both in their return from injury, Bailey Payze and Jaycob Johnson were among the best on.

With a critical first win of the season secured and the team finally nearing full strength, the Pirates now face another massive home matchup against Glen Eira, where a win will will be huge for both the Seniors and Ressies in their 2026 campaign.