The Bendigo Pioneers produced their best performance of the NAB League season on Saturday.
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In a confidence-boosting effort, the Pioneers defeated the higher-rated Northern Knights 13.9 (87) to 7.9 (51).
Leading into the game, Pioneers coach Rick Coburn spoke about his side decreasing 10-minute lapses that had proved costly on the scoreboard.
His players did just that on Saturday.
"Apart from a patch just before half-time where we let them (Knights) kick two goals it was as close to a four-quarter performance as we've had all year,'' a proud Coburn said.
"We were very happy with the work rate of the boys. Our tackle count would have been one of our best of the year and we were able to put on really good pressure."
Coburn was also happy with the way his side responded after half-time.
After the Knights kicked the final two goals of the first half, the Pioneers lead was cut to 12 points and the home side had all the momentum.
"We were able to lock them down. They were a very good side with their uncontested footy,'' Coburn said.
"We turned the first part of third quarter into a contested game and then we were able to open them up as the game went on.
"Our forward line functioned really well and our midfield got on top and were able to give us good supply.
"As per all year our backline was really solid and gave us great drive. It was a really solid team performance. It was one of those games where it was really hard to pick our best six players."
Jeremy Rodi was superb for the Pioneers. The midfielder had 17 possessions, six marks and six tackles.
"Jeremy's work rate is second to none and he has high energy and intent around the footy,'' Coburn said.
"He wins a lot of footy himself and brings his team-mates into the game with his good hands."
Bottom-age players Jack Ginnivan and Jack Hickman stood up for the Pioneers.
Ginnivan had a team-high 22 touches and kicked one goal, while Hickman had 15 possessions and one goal.
"It's encouraging to see bottom-age players have good games,'' Coburn said.
"Josh Treacy and Jack Evans were other young players who played really well."
Riley Ironside set the game up for the Pioneers off half-back, while ruckman Aaron Gundry was the best big man on the ground.
The Pioneers (5-8) are on the road again next week when they face Greater Western Victoria Rebels (4-9) in Ballarat on Sunday.
The Pioneers have the weekend of August 10-11 off before rounding out the home and away season on August 18 aginst Gippsland at the QEO.
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