A close to full-strength Pigeons team greeted the field however many believed the Bulldogs would be a side that could take it right up to the reigning premiers in round one.
An evenly balanced first quarter saw the majority of the contest being played between the arcs, with neither side being able to capitalise on the scoreboard.
The dogs hit the scoreboard first and surprisingly held the Pigeons goalless in the opening quarter.
Michael Gibbons going down with a hamstring injury was a disappointing start to 2024 for the star midfielder. Gibbons is hopeful to make a return within the coming month of football.
Dan Howe looked at home in the early stages of the game across halfback whilst Willie Wheeler was clearly the Pigeons’ best for the quarter, racking up double-figure possessions.
Yarrawonga were able to find their feet in the second quarter kicking four goals to Wodonga’s one.
The first came through debutant Ben Coghill who marked inside 50 unopposed from the Will Robinson delivery. Coghill’s goal was a team lifter for the side as they began to get the game on their terms.
Goals to Wheeler, Nick Fothergill and Ryan Bruce saw the Pigeons take a 10-point lead into the main break.
The reset at half-time may have been just what the Pigeons needed as they came out breathing fire in the third quarter. An eight-goal-to-none quarter completely blew the game out of the water in a scintillating display no one would have predicted at the time.
Fothergill, Leigh Masters and Matt Casey all bagged two goals each for the quarter whilst Harry Wheeler and Robinson also registered majors.
Bailey Frauenfelder was at his damaging best in the third quarter, seemingly popping up everywhere on the ground through the Bulldogs defence.
Lach Howe, up against an inexperienced ruckman, was not only providing his midfielders with first use of the ball but was able to surge the ball forward though a number of clearances for himself.
The Pigeons were able to maintain the rage in the final term, booting a further five goals to the Dogs’ two.
Matt Casey, fresh off a cricket premiership the week prior, finished off the day with three goals in a great start to 2024 for him.
Cam Wilson was one of the Pigeons’ best throughout the day, collecting near 30 possessions in a strong workmanlike performance.
Yarrawonga were pleased with the efforts in round one and will now turn their attention to their first away trip for the season, taking on the Lavington Panthers.
Yarrawonga 0.2, 4.4, 12.9, 17.11.113
Wodonga 1.1, 2.6, 2.9, 4.14.38
Major goalkickers: Nicholas Fothergill 4, Matthew Casey 3, Leigh Masters and William Wheeler 2.
Best: Lach Howe, William Wheeler, Daniel Howe, Harrison Wheeler, Nicholas Fothergill, Ryan Bruce.
Reserves
Yarrawonga 0.3, 2.8, 3.8, 6.9.45
Wodonga 3.0, 3.3, 6.5, 7.6.48
Goals: Jess Koopman 2, Matt McCabe, Ross Mulquiney, Dillon Walsh-Hall
Best: Jess Koopman, Hunter Frauenfelder, Geoffrey Montgomery, Matthew Holgate, Reid Clarke, Cameron Tregenza
The Pigeons Reserves have suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs on Easter Sunday with the result being decided by the final kick of the game.
The first quarter saw the Bulldogs make the most of their forward 50 entries, kicking three goals straight to the Pigeons’ none. Although having a number of inside 50s, the Pigeons could not get through the Bulldogs’ defence.
The Pigeons put themselves back right in the game in the second quarter with the midfield getting on top of the Bulldogs.
Jess Koopman was instrumental as he booted through a team lifting goal, only six months after his severe freak accident.
The third quarter was an arm wrestle and both teams had their opportunities to hit the scoreboard.
It was the Dogs, however, who capitalised on a number of costly mistakes by the Pigeons, making them pay by kicking three unanswered goals in a short amount of time.
With the Dogs having a healthy lead at the last change, the Pigeons knew they had to throw caution to the wind in everything that they did.
Yarrawonga began to play without fear, switching the ball and taking the game on with dare.
A late rally saw Yarrawonga surge home, with Doug Arnold finding Dillon Walsh-Hall in the pocket to have a set shot after the siren to win the game.
The kick from Walsh-Hall swung back late to which Pigeons players and supporters had thought it had gone through, however the decision was a point, and a correct one.
Yarrawonga falling short by three points in their first hit-out of the season.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 1.1, 2.6, 4.8, 7.8.50
Wodonga 0.3, 1.7, 4.8, 7.8.50
Goals: Warrick Campbell 3, Jack Eales, Zac Forge, Xavier Fox
Best: Mitchell Parker, Darby Mullins, Lucas Eales, Zac Forge, Griffin Surrey, Joseph Lee-Conway
An amazing effort by our young under 18s. A predominantly new side, the boys were able to come away with a draw.
Pigeon Loft
The year was kicked off in wonderful style at the Lonsdale Reserve with a good crowd watching the Pigeons win both first XVIII and A Grade contests. The highlight of the day was the huge performance of the third XVIII. What a nerve-racking draw. It is important to note after a pre-season where many players had trained consistently well for the majority of the senior pre-season, a month ago numbers were looking problematic. Enter Leigh Masters and Matt O’Dwyer, together they gathered an exciting squad and nearly staged a robbery.
The Easter Game each year is a monumental effort, transporting a game from Yarrawonga to Mulwala and back within 12 hours. Scott Jaques again marshalled all and sundry resulting in what appears to be a straightforward operation. It is not. The YFNC would like publicly thank both Scott and the legion of Pigeons supporters who make the day happen. Whether on the gate, BBQ or bar, everything matters and every role matters – thank you!
This week we head up the highway to Lavington. It seems only yesterday we headed up the road for the grand final. Fingers and toes crossed we can again pull out a few Ws just for Harry Wheeler’s 30th birthday.
After the game the awards will be at the Yarrawonga Hotel at 6.30pm.
If you have not got your membership, they are available at Hargraves during business hours: 16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga.
We take this opportunity to thank our major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, betr, RuralCo, the Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and BG Finance.
Pigeon Con’s: Q: How did we know communism was doomed from the beginning? A: All the red flags.
Thursday Nights
In 2024 our Thursday Night Teas will continue each Thursday night before an Ovens and Murray match. With the byes weekends we will do our best to keep you informed – Follow/Like our Facebook page to keep updated.
Awards – Football
1sts - Lach Howe
2nds - Dillon Walsh-Point-Hall
3rds - Warrick Campbell
Awards – Netball
These awards in 2024 will again be brought to you by the Yarrawonga Hotel, Bella Pelle and Mint Boutique.
Important Dates
April 20 – Ladies Day
May 18 – Annual Club Ball at Club Mulwala
June 8 – Annual Past Players Function at the JC Lowe Oval
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