Emus no match for Pigeons in season opener

By Phil Arnott

Apr 23, 2024

Listen up: The Emus form a huddle in the rooms before running out for the AFL Masters Vic Country season opener against Yarrawonga. Photo: Supplied

The Echuca Moama United Emus kicked off their season against the Yarrawonga Pigeons, marking Yarrawonga’s debut in the Vic Country Masters football league.

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The showdown, held under the lights at Yarrawonga’s JC Lowe Oval, followed a nail-biting seniors game and a lively ladies' day function, complete with a DJ setting the mood.

With both teams boasting strong numbers and ample bench support to combat early-season fatigue, the stage was set for an exciting encounter.

The first quarter witnessed a frenetic pace as both sides vied for control. Despite the Emus' initial shots on goal, it was the Pigeons who slotted the first major halfway through the term.

Echuca faced an early setback with centre-half forward Matthew James sustaining a shoulder dislocation in his first game as an Emu.

This disruption rattled the visitors, allowing Yarrawonga to extend their lead before Toby McCoy notched the Emus' first goal before the first break.

At quarter time, the Emus' coaching team emphasised the need for composure to counter Yarrawonga's formidable defence.

The second quarter continued to be an intense battle with a level of physicality uncharacteristic for masters football. Emus statesman Kevin Dunque put his body on the line in several contests.

The Emus managed to get within striking distance following a goal from Phil Arnott who got on the receiving end of a pin-point pass from Clint Jurey.

By half-time however, the Pigeons had returned serve and established a five-goal lead, leveraging their more youthful and talented squad.

In the second half, the Emus held their ground, preventing the lead from ballooning further.

Damien Hammond, Paul Elso, and debutant Kent Horrocks were rock solid across the backline, while Josh Hunter led the charge forward on many occasions.

Contributions from midfielders Mick and Gary Davis, along with ruckmen Justin Voss and Ollie Oranje, kept the Emus competitive throughout.

Ultimately, Yarrawonga emerged victorious by 26 points, asserting themselves as contenders in the country Masters competition.

The Emus now turn their focus to the first double-header on Sunday, May 5 where they'll field two sides, the first to face off against arch-rivals Goulburn Valley Giants and the second to content the Kerang/Swan Hill Rams.

This day will be a monumental occasion for the club in its 40th year, celebrating life members, sponsors and a family day. Action will kick off at 12pm at Echuca South Oval.