Playing under interim coach Danny O'Bree for the first time, the new-look Pioneers defeated Murray Bushrangers by 26 points at Yarrawonga.

In three games last year the Pioneers scored a total of 34 points before the season was cancelled because of COVID-19 pandemic.

In one game on Saturday they scored 49 points.

The Pioneers conceded the first goal of the match, but then put the Bushrangers away by kicking six unanswered goals on their way to an impressive 7.7 (49) to 3.5 (23) win.

"Murray came out of the blocks really quickly and after the first five or so minutes we thought we might have been up against it,'' O'Bree said.

"For the girls to compose themselves the way they did was a credit to them.

"Over the game we still made plenty of mistakes, but that's fine because they were trying things and they kept believing in what they were trying to do.

"We gave the girls plenty of ownership and they trusted in what they were doing and kept putting pressure on the opposition.

"We couldn't be happier with the effort the girls put in."

With seven first-gamers in the team the Pioneers needed their experienced players to stand up and that's exactly what they did.

"(Centre half-forward) Tara Slender led from the front and played a great captain's game,'' O'Bree said.

"Elizabeth Snell was fantastic. She was really high energy and kicked a couple of goals.

"Maddie Marks was sensational in the ruck. She was at a massive ehight disadvantage, but she wore them down as the game went on.

"Drew Ryan was great on her wing. Jayda Richardson (two goals) and Octavia Di Donato were fantastic as well."

O'Bree said the victory would give the girls plenty of confidence going into their round two game against Greater Western Victoria Rebels at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve next Sunday.

"With about five minutes to go in the game one of the more experienced players in the team said 'I just don't want this game to end'.'' O'Bree said.

"That feeling of excitement, and the fact they're improving and they can see it, it's an exciting time for them,'' O'Bree said.

"From the coaching group's point of view it was very pleasing to see how much the girls enjoyed themselves today."

Bendigo Pioneers 2.1, 4.2 6.4 7.7 (49)

Gippsland Power 1.0, 1.4, 2.5 3.5 (23)

GOALS - Bendigo: E. Snell 2, J. Richardson 2, C. Mitchell, B. O'Rourke, K. Fullerton.

BEST - Bendigo: J. Richardson, E. Snell, L. Keck, M. Marks, B. O'Rourke, T. Slender.

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