Twelve months after delivering Victoria two match-winning goals in its clash against the SANFL at Gather Round, Pinnuck was at the coal face again with a crucial mark in defence to seal a memorable 15.13 (103) to 14.14 (98) for the Big V.
Pinnuck intercepted a forward entry with a minute to play in the April 11 clash at Stratarama Stadium in Glenelg after the Croweaters had staged a comeback from two goals down.
It proved a pivotal moment as the ball was repelled back down the wing and held there until the final siren, delivering the VFL its second win in as many clashes.
For Cobram-aligned Pinnuck, it was a particularly special outing as a first-time captain of Victoria, and last year’s best-on-ground was one of his side’s most industrious players with 19 disposals, nine marks and five tackles.
Saying it was a humbling experience to be appointed captain in the lead-up to the game, in his post-win speech it was all about legacy and connection.
“Before last year we hadn’t beaten [the SANFL] in 22 years so we wanted to make sure last year wasn’t just a one-off and create a bit of a legacy,” Pinnuck said.
“To our boys, it’s been so much fun, we’ve come across from three or four different states, and gelled so well across two training sessions.”
It’s yet another feather in the cap for the talented Werribee star, who continues to showcase his class after the AFL denied him a chance to audition for a supplementary selection period (SSP) position with North Melbourne back in February.
Werribee’s next clash is against Frankston this Saturday, while the Scott Oval faithful will be relishing any opportunity for Pinnuck to make another Murray Football League performance if state duties allow.
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