Scores were level at the 25-minute mark of the final quarter, but a late goal to the Jets lifted the home side to a 9.11 (65) to 8.10 (58) win.

“We played well for three-and-a-half quarters, but we had a lapse in the second quarter where we let them get a few goals in front and that was the difference in the end,’’ Pioneers’ coach Rick Coburn said.

“To the boys’ credit they toiled hard and won the second half.

“We got into the position to win the game, but just couldn’t quite get the job done.”

The Pioneers trailed by 22 points midway through the third quarter, but kicked four of the next five goals to level the scores in time-on in the final quarter.

“After the centre bounce the ball went to our half-forward line and we gave away a free kick,’’ Coburn said.

“They took the ball deep inside 50 and they got another free kick on the boundary line. They kicked the goal and that was the game.”

Coburn was elated with the effort and was full of praise for some of the new players that made their debut.

“Oscar Perez (wing and half-forward) came in and kicked a couple of goals and played really well,’’ Coburn said.

“Braydon Vaz (half-back) played particularly well. He intercept marks well and he gave us plenty of drive.” 

Ruckman Daniel Keating, centre half-back Will Wallace, midfielder Noah Wheeler and skipper Jacob Atley also played well for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers have next weekend off before hosting the Murray Bushrangers at the QEO on Sunday, June 17,