The Pies almost blew a 45-point first term lead against Wodonga Raiders on Saturday, but regained their composure after having livewire Nick Richards sent off for 15 minutes and charged with striking Jordan Rouse following a second quarter melee, while the team had no bench from early in the second half.

Wangaratta lost the lead briefly in the third, but profile players Jade Cleeland, Dylan Van Berlo and Michael Newton guided the home team to a pulsating 12-point win.

Stone refused to speak to two media outlets after the game, including The Border Mail, although he did say “it’s nothing against you”.

Like most coaches, Stone has always been obliging with the media after games.

The Pies’ camp was frustrated with the umpiring, particularly the free kick count and report.

Raiders’ coach Daryn Cresswell said after the game Rouse had a suspected broken cheekbone.

After that fiery second quarter, Stone was walking towards the Pies’ dressing rooms at half-time and said something to the umpires, around 25m away.

At least one umpire spoke back to Stone.

Interestingly, Stone approached captain Newton immediately after the game, who quickly called a team meeting.

When Cleeland was approached a minute later, he politely declined an interview, declaring he wasn’t allowed to speak.

Pies’ veteran Mat Grossman did speak with one radio station, but Ben Douthie was called back in. 

Stone did speak with another media outlet around 40 minutes after the game, where he called it the best home and away season win in his two years.

Cresswell was quizzed on the umpiring.

“I thought it was good, I’ve got no problems,” he said.

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