Fielding a team of 18 bottom-age players at IKON Park, the Pioneers held sway by 15 points at half-time, 8.1 to 4.10, as they made the most of their opportunities.

But the Pioneers tired in the second half and the Power straightened up in front of goal to win 17.16 (118) to 12.5 (77).

“Our first half was exceptional, but after that the bigger bodies of Gippsland took a toll,” Pioneers coach Brett Henderson said.

“They had a really experienced side in and we had 18 of our bottom-age players in.”

Fergus Greene and Jarrod Brander kicked three goals apiece for the Pioneers, who were outscored 13.6 to 4.4 in the second half.

Greene, Paddy Dow, Braidon Blake and Laine Fitzgerald were the best for the Pioneers, who end the season in 11^th position with a 4-14 record.

Four wins is the equal-most the Pioneers have had in the past eight years, while they have also played 34 bottom-age players among the 60 who have taken to the field this season.

“We’ll definitely take a lot of positives out of this year. We’ve had more wins than last year (two), had seven play at the National Championships and have four or five in the draft frame, which is really good,” Henderson said.

“All the coaches have put a lot of work into the boys, and with 34 bottom-age players having got a taste of it this year, we think it will hold us in good stead going into next season.”