PORT Macquarie Magpies got back into the winners' circle in a massive way on Saturday.
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The Pies were way too hot for North Coffs, winning by 200 points at Wayne Richards Park.
Port won 31.15 (201) to 0.1 (1) in a dominant display across the paddock.
The match was one which Magpies coach Scott Abercrombie had pencilled in as a likely win before the season even started, and the victory was essential to the Pies getting their season back on track.
New face Taylor Stone made a good start for the home team, booting five goals in the forward pocket.
Stewart Todd kicked seven, Ben Hutchins four and Tim Baur three.
Michael Kemp, skipper Jesse Schmidt, Caleb Dobos and Troy Kelly booted two each.
Singles went to Mick Gentle, Josh Jeans, Jacob Hall and Isaac Brambley.
Despite the big scoreline, Abercrombie wasn't getting ahead of himself.
He said it was important the circumstances were taken into consideration.
North Coffs didn't finish the match with a full side.
"They had a couple of injuries, and finished short on the field," he said.
The win had some positives for the Pies though, like captain Schmidt getting through a whole game.
He had been cleared of having a broken leg just a week before.
"For him to get through a full game was great," Abercrombie said.
The Magpies will hope to back up on Saturday night for the big local derby with the Camden Haven Bombers.
Pick up Friday's Port News for more Aussie rules coverage