The Pioneers belted out the team song on Sunday after its under 19 team ran away with a comprehensive 64-point victory against country rival Murray Bushrangers in the first round of the NAB League.
Leading from start to finish at Shepparton's Deakin Reserve, the Pioneers stamped their authority on the contest late in the game to earn its perfect start to the season.
But for new Pioneers coach Danny O'Bree, just having football back was the greatest win of all.
“It was good to have it back, it's been so long,” he said.
“At the start of the game, I told the guys to take a big deep breath – and think back over the last 18 months.
“It was really satisfying to get back here and fingers crossed it's consistent all year.”
With a number of contributors both around the ground and on the scoreboard, O'Bree said he was pleased to see the three phases of Pioneers football on show for all to see.
“Ball movement was certainly a highlight,” O'Bree said.
“Our contest method all over the ground was good, though we still need to put a bit of work into our shape around the ground and the contest.
“These are things we've been working on since November. It was just good to see the players trust in our (coaches') methods.
“And the reward was the result.”
Among the winning circle was Jack Evans, who celebrated his first win as captain, as well as fellow Echuca player Joe Guiney, with both being described as "exciting" on the day.
“Jack just keeps impressing me every time he comes on the training track,” O'Bree said.
“Just in regards to his passion and want to improve - a lot of the kids feed off of that.
“He's a good emerging leader and during parts of the game, he wanted more responsibility, so we're excited to provide him with those.
“And Joey was really solid in defence. He plays his part particularly well and is an important element to our group.”
One player local fans can expect to see later in the season is Billy Barnes, who didn't line up on Sunday but should get his chance later down the stretch.
“We've made it clear in these early games, playing our 19-year-olds is the priority,” O'Bree said.
“Billy being 18, there will be that opportunity for him later in the season, depending on positions.”
O'Bree thanked Pioneers’ parents and supporters for their assistance and loyalty on Sunday.
“We were incredibly proud of the support from families and supporters,” he said.
“We had regional coaches come and present jumpers to our first gamers, which was a real highlight.
“And just people travelling for their kids and our region's kids - I'm really proud of that and want to thank them for it.”
The Pioneers will head back to Bendigo this Sunday for its first home game of the season.
And while historically they haven't played that well at Queen Elizabeth Oval, O'Bree remains confident if the team didn't overcomplicate things, the Pioneers would be in with a strong chance against Gippsland Power.
“We just want to keep that consistency to the way we go about it,” he said.
“And put aside those distractions of playing at home, and who is there and watching.
“If we keep it simple, the result will always take care of itself.”
Murray Bushrangers 9.7 (61)
Bendigo Pioneers 19.11 (125)
H. Gallagher 3, X. Mitchell 3, C. Ernst 3, H. Hamilton 2, R. O''Keefe 2, R. Monti 2, C. Smith, J. Evans, B. Stevens, S. Conforti.Bendigo Pioneers goal kickers:
Bendigo Pioneers best players: S. Conforti, J. Evans, B. Stevens, X. Mitchell, C. Hamilton, J. Hickman
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