Pigeons fly into semi finals

Awards: Hannah Symes, Laura Irvine.

Yarrawonga’s A Grade made an outstanding start to their 2026 finals campaign, holding off a determined Wodonga Bulldogs side by five goals in Saturday’s qualifying final at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

It was a hard-fought contest played in warm conditions, with the Pigeons’ defensive pressure and ability to maintain control when challenged proving the difference.

For the Pigeons, attention quickly returned to the job at hand and Yarrawonga produced an impressive performance against a physical Bulldogs outfit.

Hannah Symes was outstanding at GK, combining superbly with teenage defender Maisee Pell to give the Pigeons enormous control in the defensive circle.

The pair worked tirelessly to pressure the Bulldogs shooters and were a major factor in Yarrawonga maintaining its advantage.

Importantly, when Maisee Pell was forced from the court late, Lauren Nolan stepped in and again showed that she can be relied upon when required — an important asset as the Pigeons progress deeper into the finals.

Olivia Lovell continued her excellent late-season form, producing several important turnovers at WD and providing plenty of drive through the centre third. Captain Laura Irvine was exceptional through centre, producing a huge running performance in the warm conditions and setting the standard for work rate across the court. Gemma Muldoon and Kylie Leslie provided valuable options at WA, with Muldoon again showing her versatility when called upon to spend time at WD.

Up front, the combination of Madeleine Allan, Kaleisha Pell and Bridget Cassar again proved difficult for the Bulldogs defence to contain. The three shooters played complementary roles and ensured Wodonga could never completely settle defensively.

To the Bulldogs’ credit they continued to challenge right until the final whistle, but the Pigeons showed the composure and defensive discipline required in finals football to protect their lead and secure the 45-40 victory.

It was a quality team performance and one that gives Yarrawonga plenty of confidence heading into next Saturday’s clash with reigning premier Wodonga Raiders at Corowa where they will join their B Grade teammates from 1pm.

C Grade:

Yarrawonga 36 def by Corowa Rutherglen 39

Goals: Matilda Jaques 27, Helena West 6, Mabel Cope 3

Best: Miley Driscoll, Matilda Jaques

Yarrawonga’s C Grade season came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, with the Pigeons falling just three goals short of Corowa-Rutherglen in a thrilling Ovens and Murray elimination final at Birallee Park.

Yarrawonga made the perfect start, taking an 11–7 lead into quarter time and continuing to hold the advantage at half-time, leading 21–16.

Corowa-Rutherglen fought back strongly after the break, winning the third quarter 11–6 to reduce the margin to just one goal heading into the final term. The Roos then finished strongly, adding 12 goals to Yarrawonga’s nine to secure the 39–36 victory.

Matilda Jaques was outstanding in the goal circle, finishing with 27 goals from 31 attempts, while Helena West added six from eight and Mabel Cope three from four.

Jaques and Miley Driscoll were named among Yarrawonga’s best, with Driscoll producing a strong performance through the midcourt.

Shani Dickins worked tirelessly in goal defence, while Breanna Strawhorn provided experience and composure through wing attack.

The result was a particularly tough one given Yarrawonga had previously defeated Corowa-Rutherglen 44–39 earlier in the season, demonstrating the Pigeons’ ability to match the Roos in another closely fought contest.

For coach Ellie Urquhart and the C Grade group, Sunday’s elimination-final appearance capped off a season of growth and development. The Pigeons consistently challenged quality opposition and earned their opportunity to play finals, with the experience providing a valuable foundation for the future.