The game was a tussle throughout, with the hosts getting away to a 18-8 lead at half-time and only just holding out a fast-finishing Wellington outfit to secure victory in front of a packed Apex Oval grandstand.

“It’s always good to get a win,” Pacemakers skipper Travis Hill said.

“The guys dug in deep. You’ve got to give credit to our forwards – Corey, Wade, Matty, and Dylan Hill coming back after two years, that’s a big boost for us.

“I’ve got my brother back playing, he’s got a dislocated finger same as me! But we’ve got to go on, that’s how it is.”

The Dubbo Pacemakers now progress to round two and will face the Gilgandra Sand Goannas on Apex Oval 3 at 10.50am on Sunday.

Hill said the side was looking forward to the challenge, and going further than last year’s top ten finish.

He paid tribute to the fallen Wedgetails, urging them to enjoy the weekend and push forward to the 2019 Knockout.

“Keep going,” Hill said.

“They’re a young side, they’re like us, all local talent, so they’ve got to keep their heads up and keep pushing forward.”