The Yarrawonga Pigeons have responded after the previous week’s defeat with an emphatic victory over the Wodonga Bulldogs at the JC Lowe Oval.
After reviewing the loss against the Wangaratta Rovers, the Pigeons had one clear focus coming into the game against the Bulldogs. The Pigeons had identified that they needed to bring a stronger intent to the contest and to be harder to play against.
Yarrawonga made three changes for the clash against the Dogs. Star Harry Wheeler was welcomed back after suspension, youngster Ben Kennedy and also ruckman David O’Dwyer who had won his way into the Pigeons best 22 after a string of superb performances in the Reserves.
As expected, the pressure was at a high level in the first quarter. Although dominating the majority of the play, it took the Pigeons until the 15 minute mark to kick the first goal of the game.
This goal came through the class of Michael Gibbons, who for the second week in a row has kicked the Pigeons opener.
Early in the contest the Pigeons were being well served by both wingers in Ryan Bruce and Ryan Einsporn. The pair’s ability to not only be pivotal in attack but have a willingness to defend in the back half is of such value to the Pigeons side.
Wodonga were able to rally late in the second quarter after the Pigeons had got out to a lead of 12 points. A late flurry of goals to the visitors saw them take the lead by a single point in the low scoring first half.
At the main break, coach Steve Johnson remained positive to his troops knowing that the Pigeons had dominated large portions of the first half but just weren’t getting the reward for it.
Dave O’Dwyer contests the ruck tap and wins the hit out to Matt Dwyer.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Yarrawonga took just 26 seconds to hit the scoreboard in the third quarter through Logan Morey and the feeling around the ground was that this Pigeons outfit was ready to put the foot down.
A few minutes later, a loose ball spilled in the Yarrawonga forward fifty. Cam Wilson remarkably pounced on it with a flying boot in mid-air to soccer through one of the goals of the season which brought the crowd to life.
Goals to Einsporn, Fothergill, Lawrence helped the Pigeons stretch their lead although Wodonga were not to be denied, hitting back with two goals of their own in the term.
15 points was the lead at the final change and the message was clear from Steve Johnson. “What do you want to be known for” was a comment that stuck in the minds of the supporters at the huddle.
The Pigeons looked on the verge of opening up the game, but the question still remained, could they piece all their hard work together for it to be able to translate onto the scoreboard?
Within 8 minutes of the final quarter, it was evident where the Pigeons mindsets were at. Goals to Captain Masters, spearhead Williams and silky Fothergill early in the quarter said it all. Yarrawonga were hungry and determined to put this game to bed.
And when Bailey Frauenfelder crumbed beautifully inside fifty to drive through another, the lead was out to 39-points and it was officially game over.
Ryan Einsporn and Cam Wilson were both able to find the big sticks for a second time to cap off brilliant individual performances whilst the final goal of the game went to a man who had been in scintillating form as of late, Willie Wheeler.
The all-important victory takes the Pigeons season to 6 wins and 2 losses sitting second on the OMFNL ladder.
Yarrawonga are relishing the opportunity to travel to Albury Sportsground to take on the ladder leaders in the Albury Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
Corowa export Cam Wilson has fit in well at the Pigeons, booting 2 majors against the Bulldogs.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
A win could see them level up with Albury and potentially put a space on their rivals below.
Stats: W Wheeler 30, C Wilson 28, R Einsporn 26, R Bruce 25, L Masters 23, B Frauenfelder 22, N Pendergast 22.
Oakfm player of year votes from Yarra v Wod
5 – Nick Fothergill, 4 – Matt Casey, 3 – Angus Baker (Wod), 2 – Willie Wheeler, 1 – Leigh Masters.
Leaderboard
20 Willie Wheeler, 19 Sam Murray (W Rov), 16 Nick Fothergill, Daniel Sharrock (Wang), Angus Baker and Josh Mathey (Wod), 15 George Godde (Nth Alb).
Reserves
Yarrawonga 14.6.90 def Wodonga 8.7.55.
The Yarrawonga Reserves have run away comfortable 35-point winners against a tough Wodonga Bulldogs outfit on Saturday afternoon.
The Pigeons set up their victory right from the start with a blistering first quarter proving to be the difference between the two sides. A 6 goal to 0 quarter set the tone with the Pigeons having winners on every line early in the contest.
Up forward, Dillon Walsh-Hall is having a purple patch of form. The big key forward was marking strongly in the dangerous spots in front of goal and converting truly.
As expected, the Bulldogs fired back in the second quarter, outscoring the Pigeons 3 goals to 1 to get back into the contest.
Coach Matt Grinter wanted his team to reset and get back to basics in the third quarter. Like they did in the first quarter, Yarrawonga were dominant in the early stages of the third.
Beau Seymour, who is back to full fitness, was instrumental throughout the whole game for the Pigeons. Seymour was moved into the ruck in the second half in the absence of David O’Dwyer and played brilliantly in the role.
Max Hemphill continues to bob up in important moments and again was able to hit the scoreboard with three majors for the day.
The trio of midfielders in Doug Arnold, Tom McKimmie and Will Robinson shouldered a large part of the grunt work and did it in great style once again.
Back from senior level, Jordan O’Dwyer stamped himself on the contest and began to have a big impact on the game. O’Dwyer was well supported on the other wing by Bronson Schofield who is working his way into the season nicely for Yarrawonga.
The Pigeons have a golden opportunity to secure a third straight victory against top 5 teams when they square up against the Albury Tigers this week.
The Tigers were narrowly able to get the better of the Pigeons in round one by just 5-points. Yarrawonga will be hoping to flip that result come Saturday at the Albury Sports Ground.
Goals: Dillon Walsh – Hall 5, Max Hemphill 3, Jordan O’Dwyer, Nick Gorman 1, Jess Koopman 1, Tom McKimmie 1, Beau Seymour 1.
Best: Beau Seymour, Bronson Schofield, Ross Mulquiney, Max Hemphill, Doug Arnold, Dillon-Walsh Hall.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 10.9.69 def Wodonga 4.7.31.
The Pigeons Under 18s returned to the winners list on Saturday after a convincing display against the Wodonga Bulldogs.
Lachlan Phillips, Memphis Bramich and Alex Di Ciocio all produced their best games to help guide the team to a 10.9 69 to 4.7 31 win.
Yarrawonga started the day commanding a 12-point lead at quarter time. Patrick Waugh was instrumental in the lead with his ability to find targets in the middle of the ground with his strong left foot.
Hunter Fruenfelder, Loch Dwyer, Taj Smith, Luke Slattery and Loch Dwyer controlled their opponents all day and demonstrated the work that they have been putting in on the training track.
Loch Forge, Griffen Surrey, Ned Harvey and Mitch Parker all continued their strong form with their brutal work around the ball, while Blake Keenes got reward for his hard work with 3 goals.
Joe Conway and Darby Mullins were home from boarding school for the weekend and put in strong performances for the team.
It was a great game for the boys and great to see them get reward for the efforts that they have been putting in.
Goals: Blake Keenes 3, Lachlan Phillips 3, Lochie Forge 2, Ned Harvey 1, Joseph Lee-Conway 1.
Best: Lachlan Phillips, Ned Harvey, Mitchell Parker, Geoffrey Montgomery, Memphis Bramich, Luke Slattery.
Pigeons Loft
For the first time in 2023 the Pigeons won 3 from 3 in some great footy matches against the Wodonga Bulldogs in the 1st King’s Birthday clash in over 50 years.
However, on the court the Dogs got 3 of the 5 with the B Grade match a ripper! Again, on the court some new players were inserted into the A Grade squad who duly saluted.
The highlight of the day was the 3rd XVIII who bounced out of the box and led all day to book their 2nd win for season 2023.
It was a long time between wins, but the boys have maintained their desire and the challenge is now this week.
On the outer wing the Past Players’ event, which also honoured the 2013 Premiership team, was a great occasion. Not only did nearly all the team make it back to the Grove to re-live 2013 but also many of the support staff and volunteers were able to soak in the atmosphere.
A special thanks to the myriad of supporters and sponsors supporting the day including Bang Events (Drew and Anna Barnes) who fit out the area.
If you need event assistance, make sure you hit up Anna @BangEvents.
This week we head up the river to face the Pigeons’ modern day rival Albury Tigers. The 2pm match should be cracker, 1 v 2 with double chance security important for all.
On the court Albury always presents a challenge on their home deck and the ladies will be keen to secure as many victories as possible.
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 King’s Pigeon Special: How do you spot a revolutionary pigeon? They’re the ones walking around shouting “Coup Coup”.
Awards:
Netball: Squires Winery – Hannah Symes.
Football: Yarrawonga Hotel – David O’Dwyer and Yarrawonga Hotel – Dillon Walsh-Hall.