In a top of the table clash that was match worthy of a final, a full-strength Yarrawonga Pigeons outfit finished too strong for Albury at the Albury Sportsground to claim top spot on the Ovens and Murray ladder.
It was the first time since Saturday, August 4 2012 that the Pigeons had left the sportsground victorious.
The Pigeons got off to a brilliant start in the dry conditions as Nick Fothergill snapped truly to get proceedings underway. A short time later, play was stopped due to an unfortunate concussion incident that occurred deep inside the Pigeons forward fifty.
Following the delay, Willie Wheeler took things up a notch with some scintillating individual efforts. Wheeler was on fire early as he found Michael Gibbons on the lead with a beautiful left foot pass that travelled the best part of 40 metres.
Gibbons played on from outside fifty to slide through the Pigeons second.
The defensive aspect of the game was a clear focus for Yarrawonga as Albury had previously cut up the Pigeons through the corridor with slick ball movement in round one this year.
Ned Pendergast, who was swung back down in defence this week, set the tone early with a 30-metre spoil that cleared the area which in turn set up the Wheeler/Gibbons passage of play. It was clear that the Pigeons had brought the right mindset to the Albury Sportsground.
In the early stages of the second quarter, Albury struck first through Jacob Conlan. However, it did not take long for the Pigeons to hit back as the crafty Willie Wheeler put Bailey Frauenfelder into space with supreme class.
Frauenfelder cut through the Albury defence and popped it through the big sticks.
Bailey Frauenfelder has been pivotal for the Pigeons.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
One thing Pigeon’s supporters have become accustomed to is Nick Fothergill finding space inside fifty. Fothergill, the true professional from the set shot, guided through his second and his team’s fourth as the visitors began to skip away from the Tigers.
And when Leigh Williams marked strongly and converted truly from the set shot, the margin had stretched out to 20-points at the 12-minute mark of the second quarter.
A complete shift in momentum then occurred in the blink of an eye at the Albury Sportsground. Four unanswered goals in favour of the home side was something no one could see coming.
Not only did the Tigers take away the Pigeons run and drive, but they also took the lead right on the stroke of half time.
Coach Steve Johnson did not panic at the main break and remained calm with his messages. To get back ahead of the game, the Pigeons needed to bring back their intent they had brought earlier in the contest.
The first goal is always a big one after half time, but this one seemed to have a little bit more riding on it. It was the Pigeons, through relentless forward line pressure who would eventually find the big sticks through the reliable Willie Wheeler who snapped beautifully.
A noticeably big lift in work rate from the likes of Mark Whiley and Ryan Bruce helped lift their side to be able to outscore the Tigers four goals to one in the third quarter.
Whiley’s recent inclusion back into the side after injury has given the Pigeons a huge boost. His ability to lead with strong direction and communication on field is of high value to the Yarrawonga outfit.
The lead of 13 points at the final change was a handy one, however as O&M supporters have seen many times before, Albury are never out of the game.
Cam Wilson kicked one of the Pigeons 12 majors and was named in the best.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Within just seven minutes into the final quarter, Albury had kicked three unanswered goals through Bice, Garlett and Heiner-Hennessy and all of a sudden, the Tigers were in front.
Enter Mark Whiley. A handball received from Williams to then snap with poise from the pocket had put the Pigeons back in front at a vital stage of the game.
Matt Casey then marked strongly on the wing and opted to play with dare rather than playing safe. Casey hooked a ball to find Willie Wheeler in the corridor who then found Ryan Bruce streaming down the wing.
Bruce cleverly lowered the eyes to find Logan Morey who would have a set shot. The Morey shot was successful, and you could see the Tigers heads drop.
The final goal of the game went to Cam Wilson who was awarded a free kick with a bump off the ball. Wilson with ultimate poise nailed the goal and sunk the Tigers.
The final siren sounded with the Pigeons recording a famous victory, their first in 10 years at the venue.
It was a genuine arm wrestle all day between two good sides and there were a lot of good players with Willie Wheeler playing a blinder with 30+ disposals, 10 clearances and a goal.
Gibbons sent a scare through the Pigeons camp as he was helped from the field in the first half with a hamstring niggle however early reports indicate that he hasn’t reinjured the hamstring that forced him to miss a fair chunk of last season.
W Wheeler was the standout however Fothergill, Bailey Frauenfelder and Cam Wilson were also impressive for the victors.
Oakfm votes from Yarra win over Albury: 5 Willie Wheeler, 4 Isaac Muller (Alb), 3 Ryan Bruce, 2 Jacob Conlan (Alb) 1 Nick Fothergill.
Player of Year Leaderboard: 25 Willie Wheeler (Yarra), 19 Sam Murray (Wang Rov), 18 Tim Broomhead (Nth Alb), Nick Fothergill (Yarra) and Josh Mathey (Wod), 16 Isaac Muller (Alb), Daniel Sharrock (Wang) and Angus Baker (Wod).
Reserves
Albury 5.9.39 def Yarrawonga 7.4.46.
The Pigeons Reserves have strung together three important victories in a row following the win over the Albury Tigers on Saturday.
Yarrawonga were dealt several blows before the first bounce with key midfielders in Jordan O’Dwyer, Will Robinson and Tom McKimmie all ruled out of the round 10 clash.
The Pigeons turned to their depth which included Hunter Frauenfelder coming out of the thirds to play a pivotal role in defence.
Jess Koopman was pivotal for the reserves, booting 3 of the sides 7 majors to finish 7 point victors.
The Pigeons were forced to play off the back foot early as Albury were relentless in their forward attacks.
Defenders in Cooper Bennett, Jarryd Hatton and Jacob Bartlett were under enormous pressure early however were able to withstand the majority of it in a great show of fight.
Trailing by 14 points, the Pigeons began to get into the groove of the game as they slowly chipped away at the deficit.
The new look midfield which was made up of Beau Seymour in the ruckman, Jess Koopman and Tim Lawrence grew in confidence as the game wore on.
Max Hemphill stood up in the absence of the key midfielders, winning key contests throughout the middle of the ground and surged the Pigeons forward on multiple occasions.
With just one point separating the teams heading into the final quarter, coach Matt Grinter instilled belief in his players that if they could continue to shut down the space of Albury, they would eventually tip the ledger in their favour.
Jess Koopman was able to spend some time in his preferred role up forward and proved to be a headache for the opposition booting through 3 important majors for the day.
His efforts throughout the day were exceptional however none more than his final contest as Albury were surging forward in a last-ditch effort to pinch the game. Koopman with courage put his body on the line which unfortunately led to a dislocation of his shoulder.
The Pigeons saw out the game strongly and recorded one of their finer victories of the season by 7-points.
Goals: Jess Koopman 3, Craig Frauenfelder 1, Max Hemphill 1, Beau Seymour 1.
Best: Beau Seymour, Jess Koopman, Reid Clarke, Tim Lawrence, Max Hemphill, Douglas Arnold.
Thirds
Albury 14.11.95 def Yarrawonga 3.7.25.
Goals: Jack Eales 1, Ned Harvey 1, Dom McInness 1.
Best: Mitchell Parker, Griffin Surrey, Lockie Dwyer, Alexander Di Cioccio, Jack Eales, Dom McInness.
Pigeons Loft
Well our matches against the Tigers were great contests and to pull out of the Sportsground with 6 wins from 8 starts is a good result.
While our two junior teams in the netball and football did not get upm they competed well without saluting. It must be said the U15 girls showed all just how much they have improved. Well done ladies!
On the court the remaining netball teams did what they do best with some big wins. Also, a number of our ladies headed down the highway for interleague duties and did our club proud.
On the field at Albury, the Reserves game went right down to the wire but the senior small forwards Koopman and Lawrence (released into the middle of the ground) were the difference along with the ever reliable Beau Seymour.
In the senior game it was a genuine arm wrestle between two good sides. Whilst there were lots of good players, the little “Wombat” Wheeler, turned in a blinder with 30+, 10 clearances and a goal.
With a bye this week next at the JC Lowe Oval we face a Hoppers club on the march, in what should be some cracking contests in particular the 3 junior games and the seniors match.
The Hoppers 1sts have won 4 of their last 5 matches and it all looks set for a crackerjack set of contests.
We hope you all come down and enjoy all of the JC Lowe Oval whether that be the warm bar upstairs (which you are also invited to after the conclusion of the 1st XVIII match), the canteen or Godfathers’ stand can-bar.
We take this opportunity to thank our major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Blum, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and Yield Finance for their support.
Pigeon Con Special: A grasshopper walks into a bar. The bartender says: “Hey we have a drink named after you.” The surprised grasshopper says: “You have a drink named Tony?”
Awards: Supporters Awards: Squires Winery – Clinton Shopee.
Football Awards: Yarrawonga Hotel – Nick Fothergill, Yarrawonga Hotel – Reid Clake and Tim Lawrence.