Under pressure: Pioneer Charlie Hillier attempts to take a mark. Photo: Steve Huntley
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steve Huntley
Bendigo Pioneers have stunned the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League wildcard play-offs to qualify for 2022 finals.
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The Pioneers dislodged the fifth-placed Chargers to claim just their third win of the season, running away with a thrilling 10.11 (71) to 8.11 (59) triumph.
With the scores locked at 24-apiece at half-time, Bendigo’s third quarter proved the difference with four goals to one, taking a 17-point lead into three-quarter time.
Despite trailing by 28 points 10 minutes into the final quarter, Oakleigh finished hard but the Pioneers did enough to come away with a two-goal win.
Tongala’s Harley Reid hit the scoreboard first for the Pioneers and his influence was felt for the majority of the game, named in the best players for his contribution.
Echuca product Noah Long was also in the thick of the action, slamming home a major himself to have a say on the outcome of the contest.
Deniliquin’s Charlie Hillier continued his fine form with two goals of his own. Harvey Gallagher was judged best-on-ground.
Despite having just three wins to their name this season, the Pioneers progress under the wildcard round system that allows teams in the lower half of the ladder to play off for a finals place.
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