By Tara Murray
Louis Pinnuck was the unlucky one last year but this year he was the match winner as the Victorian Football League beat the South Australian National Football League.
For the first time since 2002, the VFL side was able to taste victory against the SANFL as it made the most of its opportunities on Saturday.
The VFL won 18.6 (114)-15.13 (103) and there were plenty of celebrations.
Werribee star defender Pinnuck was the hero in the last quarter with two goals to seal the win and be awarded the Frank Johnson Medal as his side’s best player.
Pinnuck said it was pretty special to represent the state where he grew up and loves, along with the league.
“It was awesome and it was so much fun,” he said “The group this year got along so well and really connected.”
Pinnuck was set to play in last year’s game but was a late withdrawal due to a corkie having been with the side all week
It made him want to be involved eleven more this year.
“I wanted to come out and show my worth.”
The VFL led at each of the three breaks but couldn’t break the SANFL side. The teams traded the lead in the final quarter.
The Victorians found an unlikely source in front of goal in the final term to get them over the line, with Pinnuck kicking two goals last in the game.
“It was one of my better games,” he said. “I’ve only kicked about 20 goals in my VFL career in over 100 matches.
“Two in the last quarter, that was fun. I played a bit more of an attacking role and was playing higher up.
“They weren’t defending me and I had a bit of space and got a bit lucky.”
Pinnuck said the second of those goals wasn’t initially going to be a shot on goal but when the man on the mark overshot, he got onto it.
“I’m confident from that distance,” he said. “I flushed it, I knew that it was going through.”
Pinnuck finished with 21 disposals to go with his two goals.
He said to win the medal as his side’s best player was special.
“I came in this year wanting to be involved,” he said. “It was pretty exciting.
“It’s something I’m proud.”
Also among the best was Werribee teammate and VFL skipper Dom Brew.
Pinnuck said it was good to share the moment with his great mate.
“We’ve been on the same football journey since we both arrived at Werribee,” he said. “It’s my ninth year and I’ve played 110 games and played with him in most of them.
“It was just me and him this year. I know how he puts in at Werribee and for Victoria.”
Speaking before the game, Brew said it was special to be captain again.
“It’s always good to be recognised like this. (I’m) excited to get a bit of redemption and to actually have the privilege of doing it again is very good,” he said.
“Zane (Littlejohn) originally called me when he got the job to coach again. He reached out and asked what we could have done better, which has all been put into action now. It’s a better build up.”
The pair will be back in action for Werribee on Saturday against Sydney in Sydney.
The Tigers enter the match with a 1-2 record.
Pinnuck said it had been a little bit of a scratchy start to the season.
“We still have heaps of confidence,” he said. “We’ve been in both games that we’ve lost, we’ve been in the last quarter and against Footscray until the last 30 seconds.
“We’ve not far away and still super confident. It’s not panic stations yet.”
Pinnuck said they were looking forward to the trip away with a group of them spending an extra night up there to spend more time together.
“Hopefully we can get the win and make it more enjoyable.”
