It turns out Josh Meiselbach had it. 

The enigmatic ruckman returned to inspire a devastating six-goals-to-one opening quarter at Victoria Park which effectively put paid to the Northern Jets’ hopes of an upset, and ensured celebrations for TRYC’s premiership reunions of 1986 and 2006 could start on the right note. 

The Magpies overcame the late withdrawal of Aiden Ridley and Zane Litchfield, and late arrival of full-forward Andy Carey, to make a flying start on their way to a 12.11 (83) to 8.7 (55) victory.

With Meiselbach winning every tap, TRYC midfielders claimed the first 10 clearances of the game and Todd Hannam and stand-in full-forward Mitch Ward had kicked goals before Carey even got on the field in the ninth minute. 

Brad Moye kicked the Jets’ only goal of  the quarter after the visitors marched down field on the back of a 50-metre penalty. 

It was enough to give the Pies’ flashbacks to last week's loss to East Wagga-Kooringal – and at quarter-time co-coach Andrew Clarke instituted a mandatory rest for any player guilty of giving away a 50.

By then, they’d kicked another four goals in the last 10 minutes, including Carey’s first, Ward’s second and one to Scott Wolter – who had a strong start to his first senior game of the year. 

When Carey added two goals in the first six minutes of the second term, the Pies had brought up a half-century and led by 43 points.

The Jets finally responded, putting on three goals, while holding the Pies goal-less for the next half-an-hour of playing time.

The first of those was to 16-year old forward Jeromy Lucas who made a big impression on debut with three goals after some clever leads and strong marks.

Now at Melbourne’s Xavier College, Lucas’ return home during holidays was a highlight for the Jets who hope he’ll be an asset later in the season when his school and representative commitments quieten down. 

Lucas kicked the last two goals and the Jets had five of the last six scoring shots but the game had gone on the back of Meiselbach.

“He makes a massive difference – I wish he played every week – he’s just a natural footballer,” Carey said.

The Pies co-coach was also pleased with their strong start for the second week in a row but was concerned that their intensity waned late.

“The endeavour and effort and pressure (was good) and it’s something we’ve been trying to work on… (but) I thought we were a bit flat in the second half,” Carey said.

“I think the boys thought we had the game won and just relaxed a little bit.”

But four points is valuable in a tough draw, with Marrar and North Wagga next.