During the AFL’s hugely popular Gather Round in South Australia, where every team in the league converged on the state, the VFL and SANFL held a state representative match with the best players from the two competitions.
One player donning the Big V was Goulburn Valley product Louis Pinnuck — premiership star and leader at Werribee.
The match was held at Tanunda Recreation Park in the Barossa Valley and was an electric encounter featuring high-scoring and a tight finish.
Thanks to some accuracy in front of the big sticks, VFL claimed the bragging rights over its interstate rival by 11 points, 15.13 (103) to 18.6 (114).
Pinnuck — currently a part of Cobram’s list, but unlikely to feature due to Werribee commitments — kicked the go-ahead goal late in the final term after a handy baulk and bomb from outside 50 with nine minutes left.
The 26-year-old then slammed home another goal to strengthen VFL’s grip on the contest.
Pinnuck reflected on his crucial final moments with AFL.com.au
“At the start of (the first set shot) I didn't really know what I was doing,” Pinnuck said.
“I was trying to kick it to the fat side and then the guy on the mark kind of overdid it, then once he stepped the wrong way, I knew I was in range, so just gave it a roost and got it home … kicked another, yeah, that one (was) a bit more easy.”
Chair of selectors Nigel Carmody said the VFL appreciated having players such as Pinnuck in its league.
“We were having a conversation at the team hotel this morning and again, you think the players are just players sometimes, but (Pinnuck’s) someone who even I didn't have quite the depth of understanding as to how much he is invested in the league, not just his club at Werribee, but the league and its future and its health,” Carmody said.
“We're lucky to have people like that, let alone as players, but as people.”
The Strathmerton junior’s day kept on getting better after the final siren as he was awarded the Frank Johnson Medal for best-on-ground.
Playing in defence, Pinnuck finished the game with 21 touches, six marks and two goals as he steered VFL to victory.
Pinnuck played his junior football for Strathmerton in Picola District Football League, before joining Werribee in 2017 and winning a flag in 2024.
In a new role for the experienced campaigner, he was announced as deputy vice-captain of Werribee for the 2025 season.
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