The comment was made on the eve of season 2024 by Yarrawonga’s senior football coach Steve Johnson.
With the traditional big Easter Tennis Tournament requiring J C Lowe Oval for additional tennis courts, the Pigeons take on Wodonga this Easter Sunday at Lonsdale Reserve Mulwala.
“We have a full list for Round 1 which is great,” the three-time Geelong premiership star told the Yarrawonga Chronicle. “Our pre-season has been very good.”
The main ‘ins’ for Yarrawonga look set to be 107-game AFL star Dan Howe, Perry Lewis Smith and Ben Coghill.
“Dan brings a lot of professionalism and leadership on field,” Johnson said. “We’ll start him across half-back but he’s a versatile player and has great height at 6’4” to play elsewhere.
“Perry is from the Mornington Peninsula and played last season with Mornington. He’s an onballer.
“Ben’s been playing locally and wanted to try out at the highest level in this region. He’s a good size, can play centre-half-forward and can help out in the ruck.”
Departures from the Pigeons are Mark Whiley, Dylan Conway and Beau Seymour. Asked specifically about Whiley who will play for Finley, Johnson said he did a terrific job for the club.
“Mark was a very valued person at Yarrawonga. He leaves a strong legacy at the club, coaching Yarrawonga to a grand final and was a valued member of our premiership side last year,” Johnson said. Conway has returned to Melbourne.
The Pigeons looked sharp and fit at training last week. As did the senior coach.
“I’m completely fit,” he said, after that shocking, unique accident opening a gate, forcing him into hospital.
The Pigeons’ netballers have also had a very good preseason according to new joint A Grade coaches Laura Davis and Laura Ryan.
They said numbers across all grades have been very good and the club has had two successful practice matches.
New additions to the senior team or squad will be Gemma Muldoon, Sophie McKimmie and Abbey Chapman, with ‘outs’ this season being Hannah Symes and Sarah Moore.
Yarrawonga has a magnificent record in the strong Ovens and Murray league but missed out making last year’s grand final.
“Compared with last year we feel like a more versatile team,” multi premiership player Laura Davis said. “We’re seeking redemption for last year!”
Yarrawonga Football Netball Club President Ross Mulquiney likes what he sees with both netball and football preseasons.
“I wish all our netballers and footballers, and coaches all the very best for the season and encourage all our supporters to cheer them on,” the president said.
The big ins and outs
Football
The big ins - Dan Howe, Perry Lewis Smith and Ben Coghill.
The big outs - Mark Whiley, Dylan Conway, Beau Seymour.
Netball
The big ins - Gemma Muldoon, Sophie McKimmie and Abbey Chapman.
The big outs - Hannah Symes and Sarah Moore.
Yarrawonga’s 2024 draw
Rd 1: (H) 31/3/24
Wodonga
Rd 2: (A) 6/4/24
Lavington
Rd 3: (A) 13/4/24
Myrtleford
Rd 4: (H) 20/4/24
Wangaratta
Rd 5: (A) 28/4/24
Corowa
Rd 6: (H) 11/5/24
Raiders
Rd 7: (A) 18/5/24
Albury
Rd 8: (A) 1/6/24
Nth Albury
Rd 9: (H) 8/6/24
Rovers
Rd 10: (A) 22/6/24
Wodonga
Rd 11: (H) 29/6/24
Lavington
Rd 12: (H) 6/7/24
Myrtleford
Rd 13: (A) 13/7/24
Wangaratta
Rd 14: (H) 20/7/24
Corowa
Rd 15: (A) 3/8/24
Raiders
Rd 16: (H) 10/8/24
Albury
Rd 17: (H) 17/8/24
Nth Albury
Rd 18: (A) 24/8/24
Rovers
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