The margin at each break failed to venture beyond eight points, but the Pioneers were able to extend their lead to two goals with just six minutes remaining.
Northern drew back within a point to set up a grand stand finish, but Bendigo’s back six managed to stave off the Knights and navigate their way to their second win of the season.
“I think our offense was really good,” Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree said.
“I think it’s been a common theme that throughout the whole year our team defence is a real area that we need to work on, which is probably the same with a lot of (NAB League) programs.
“Essentially, a lot of our kids are able to showcase their talents which is great. There’s plenty to work on, but again we’ve got opportunities to win big games.”
Remarkably, the Pioneers fielded up to 17 bottom-age players, in an initiative coach Danny O’Bree touted as ‘development round’.
Top-age duo Harvey Gallagher (44 disposals) and Bode Stevens (37) dominated proceedings, but a trio of local talents also put their stamp on the narrow win.
Tongala’s Harley Reid returned to Pioneers duties following a barnstorming Victoria Country stint at the NAB AFL under-18 Championships, popping down forward to snare a goal.
Leitchville-Gunbower’s Oskar Smartt also hit the scoreboard with a major when goals were at a premium, and Echuca United’s Oliver Poole was tasked with putting the clamps on highly-touted Knights’ prospect Nate Caddy.
“Ollie had a really big role to play on their best player,” O’Bree said.
“We were pretty happy with the way he competed against him.
He was undersized, but his athleticism allowed him to stay in the contest.
“It was a real challenge for Ollie — I thought he stood up really well.”
Bendigo has now leap-frogged Knights into 11th spot on the NAB League ladder.
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