Cam Wilson booted a major in the Pigeons 35 point round 18 win over second placed Wangaratta Rovers.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
In a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash at WJ Findlay Oval, the Yarrawonga Pigeons proved their mettle with a commanding 35-point victory over the Wangaratta Rovers.
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The game, which could very well serve as a preview for the finals, gave supporters a taste of what is still to come in September.
Wangaratta Rovers 2.3, 6.5, 7.6, 8.8.56.
Yarrawonga 1.2, 4.7, 7.13, 12.19.91.
Goals: Wangaratta Rovers: Alex Marklew 5, Justin Lewis 1, Alex McCarthy 1, Lockey McCartney 1.
Yarrawonga: Jess Koopman 4, Leigh Williams 3, Matt Casey 1, Nick Irvine 1, Tanner Nyholm 1, Harry Wheeler 1, Cam Wilson 1.
Best: Wangaratta Rovers: Alexander Marklew, Kieren Parnell, Charles Ledger, Xavier Allison, Alex McCarthy.
Yarrawonga: William Wheeler, Jess Koopman, Michael Gibbons, Harrison Wheeler, Matthew Casey, Nicholas Irvine.
The Rovers, known for their fast-paced and dynamic play, started the game with a burst of energy.
They quickly asserted their tempo, putting Yarrawonga on the back foot. The Pigeons struggled to match the Rovers' speed and intensity, resulting in the Rovers establishing an early lead.
Despite the slow start, Yarrawonga’s defense remained resolute, limiting the damage and staying within arms reach.
The second term mirrored the first, with the Rovers maintaining their lead.
Willie Wheeler was pivotal for the Pigeons in their win.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
A 10 point lead at the main break was largely thanks to a dangerous performance by Alex Marklew up forward, who was a constant threat.
However, the Pigeons were within striking distance and showed promising signs of finding their rhythm. Coach Steve Johnson eyeballing his troops in the rooms asking for a strong lift across the board knowing full well that he needed a stronger contribution across the board.
Yarrawonga emerged from the half-time break with renewed energy and purpose. The Pigeons applied relentless ‘come forward’ pressure, kicking 3 goals and 6 points to the Rovers' solitary goal and 1 behind.
Although their goal-kicking was somewhat wayward, the Pigeons had begun to wrestle control of the game. Willie Wheeler and Michael Gibbons dominated the midfield, while Matt Casey stood out up forward with seven contested crucial marks.
Harry Wheeler was at his fierce best whilst Cam Wilson was busy across half forward, seemingly involved in everything.
Down back, the well-oiled unit gathered momentum as the game progressed. Nick Irvine won a multitude of important one on one contests throughout the day whilst Bailey Frauenfelder was at his slashing best, breaking the lines of the Rovers defence.
Full forward Leigh Williams just missed out on the Doug Strang but booted 3 majors for the day.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
In the last term, the Pigeons truly flexed their muscles. They overwhelmed the Rovers, kicking 5 goals and 6 points to the Rovers' 1 goal and 2 behinds.
Jess Koopman delivered an exceptional performance, arguably his best of the season, playing a crucial role in Yarrawonga’s dominant finish.
The Pigeons’ superior fitness was evident as they pulled away with which no doubt sent a strong message to the opposition.
The win caps off a stellar home and away season for the Pigeons, only dropping the 1 game by 1-point. However, the club is under no illusions that the important stuff starts now.
The Pigeons have earned them a well-deserved week off before their second semi-final in a fortnight's time.
OakFM Player of the Year – Yarra’s win over Rovers: 5 Willie Wheeler, 4 Matt Casey, 3 Alex Marklew (Rov), 2 Jess Koopman and 1 Michael Gibbons.
Isaac Muller (Alb) won with 45 votes, 2nd - Tim Broomhead (NA) with 30 votes and 3rd Willie Wheeler with 29 votes.
Next 2 for Yarra were: Perry Lewis- Smith 24 and Dan Howe 20.
In their final home and away game of the season against the Wangaratta Rovers, the Yarrawonga Pigeons Reserves faced warm, finals-like conditions.
Despite being up against it with the unavailability of some key players, several thirds players stepped up for their second game of the day, including Ryder Stevens, Mitch Parker, Zac Forge, and Tommy Marriner, who used the opportunity to audition for a spot in the finals side.
Geoff Montgomery was a standout in defense, handling the pressure from the Rovers with poise despite the heavy onslaught.
Doug Arnold, consistent as ever, was once again in the thick of the action, dominating in and under the packs.
Veteran Matt Grinter brought his experience to the backline, playing a crucial role in defense.
Hunter Frauenfelder had an impressive second half, moving into the ruck and making a significant impact.
However, despite their best efforts, the Pigeons were ultimately outclassed, falling to a tough 80-point defeat.
The Pigeons will regroup as they head into an Elimination Final against the Lavington Panthers on Sunday afternoon at the Albury Sports Ground.
Goals: Daniel Clarke 1, Todd Muldoon 1, 3rd not registered.
Best: Geoffrey Montgomery, Douglas Arnold, Matthew Grinter, Hunter Frauenfelder, Cory Pearn, Tom McKimmie.
Thirds
Wangaratta Rovers 3.7, 7.10, 12.15, 14.19.103.
Yarrawonga: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 1.4.10.
Goals: Wangaratta Rovers: Oscar Clelland 2, Preston Coleman 2, Cody Johnson 2, Jed Marek 2, Sam Comensoli 1, Jock Correll 1, Sam Rourke 1, Noah Scholte 1, Trey Vincent 1, Zac O’Shannessy 1.
Yarrawonga: Pat Waugh 1.
Best: Wangaratta Rovers: Harry McMonigle, Charlie Lugg, Ryley Ely, Connor Breheny, Samuel Allan, Samuel Rourke.
Finals are back. Yes, the winter was long and cold but the crops are jumping out of the ground and so are our players, eager to be part of the spring sunshine.
With 4 teams in the running it should be a great series! The Pigeons 2024 season has been one in which both our A-Grade and 1st XVIII have entered each match with an even chance to win.
Both the two highest senior grades in the football and netball playing in September is testament to the overall competitiveness and work ethic of all players and coaches.
Whilst the A-Grade and 1st XVIII wins are the pinnacles, overall club success via competitiveness is vital to a sustainable environment.
However, the foundations of success and sustainability run deeper than that.
It is the efforts of our training staff and facilities managers: Pat Bye, Scott Pendergast, Lauren Lidgerwood, Vicky Long, Caitlin Jaques, Chris Howe, Bailey Brear, Malcolm Browning and Phil Norwood.
They ensure our players have the best of conditions in which to train and play.
As a club we are indebted to them and many others. We hope you know how much we as a club appreciate your efforts and we hope our players make you proud to part of the Pigeons.
Lastly, we take this opportunity to thank our major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Blum, Rural Co, Yarrawonga Hotel and Yield Finance for their support.
Pigeon Con’s “Finals” special: “I didn’t do well in my football teamwork exam - I didn’t pass.”
Thursday Nights
In Season 2024 our Thursday Night teas will continue each Thursday night before an Ovens and Murray match.
Awards – Football
1sts - W Wheeler, 2nds - G Montgomery and 3rds - Z Forge.
O&M finals
The first week of the Ovens and Murray finals kicks off this weekend with three of the Pigeons four finals bound grades to begin their campaigns.
With the seniors claiming the minor premiership, they will have the first week off to prepare themselves for the second semi final in Wangaratta on Saturday, September 7.
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