The Pigeons 1st XVIII entered the round desperate for a win coming off a couple of weeks of inconsistent football within matches costing them the result.
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Whilst their good play had been competitive their lapses were proving costly with the Pigeons own errors proving their undoing.
At the selection table, the axe was swung, not necessarily by choice but the additions to the side were a group of young men that showed that they have something to offer at the JC Lowe Oval.
The ins included three debutants: Jackson Meade (u18 2020) a young medium-tall capable of playing either end, Joel O’Dwyer (u18 2020) a fast competitive defender and Will Wheaton (still U18) a breakaway runner.
Excitingly they joined Zac Banch (still U18), Jack Forge (u18 2020), Jack Sexton (u18 2019), Tim Lawrence, Kayden Sharp and Bailey Frauenfelder (u18 2018), Ryan Bruce and Brayden Coburn (u18 2017).
This young group all making a great fist of senior Ovens and Murray football.
Coach Whiley along with Wheeler and Griffiths through the mid zone were on top for much of the day but Myrtleford who led for just 29 of the 106 minutes were up when it mattered.
A disappointed Pigeons’ coach Mark Whiley would not consider the concept his team deserved a win stating: “Doesn’t matter, we lost”.
Particularly early the Pigeons were the more intense side with a nine-point lead by quarter-time after Matt Casey kicking two.
The Pigeons fought through the second but a three-goal term from Saint Ryley Sharp, including a 50m goal from the boundary after the siren, saw Myrtleford take a two-point lead to half-time.
The third quarter was perhaps the Pigeons best for the season and had they been able to capitalise on the general play dominance to the scoreboard the premiership quarter might have proved the difference, but bad kicking is bad football and the scoreboard of 7.11 would have been much better as 11.7.
The last was a classic arm wrestle with the game in balance throughout.
Mark Whiley’s late left foot snap could have been a goal of the year to take the lead but it was not to be, it shaded the post and the rest as they say is history with Myrtleford’s AFL recruit Hunt and Aylett taking their chances to secure their team’s victory.
Leigh Masters was pivotal in defence, his marking worth the price of admission alone.
Whilst Dawson Simpson was again good for the Saints, Riley Welsh’s rucking effort was enormous.
Reserves
Yarrawonga 8.7.55 defeated Myrtleford 3.15.33
Whilst the seniors kicked themselves out of it, the seconds won with the visitors unable to score majors.
Up forward Brad O’Connor was good early and Owen Conway strong all game taking some great grabs.
In the middle Joe Gorman rucked well and filled the gaps all over the ground.
The runners of Hemphill, Dywer and Schofield were able to apply enough pressure and ball supply to secure a solid win.
The performance was a very even one from an undermanned squad.
Coach Grinter again pulling on the #4 jumper slotting 3 and the return of Matt Bourke to the Pigeons was a sight to see. Could his clearance be lost?
However, the most pleasing was Chris Wilson in Pigeons colours, old 5 time! Whilst Kealy and Tregenza were out Chris slotted straight back in.
Down back Harry Meade was excellent as the key defender and he along with Alex Byrne kept the opposition to a miserly 3 goals.
Goal Kickers: M. Grinter 3, M. McCabe 2, B. O’Connor 2, O. Conway.
Best Players: O. Conway, M. Hemphill, J. Gorman, A. Byrne, M. Dwyer, B. Schofield.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 13.12.90 Myrtleford 8.10.58.
At the start of the year Craig Fraunfelder knew he was taking on a big role and with the assistance of Terry Cartwright he has created a team that is just fantastic to watch.
The thirds play with vigour and pace, taking the game and their opponents on, not only with the ball but also in defence.
Their tackle pressure when on can almost be felt from the boundary. Woodburn and Coghill have been good all year and when needed on Saturday when the Pigeons were challenged, they came to the fore.
Hunter Surrey who has been building for a few weeks really broke out Saturday and set baseline for how he needs to play each week.
Liam Williams continues to excite with his dash and goal smarts whilst Willis and Tyson simply give their all at every contest.
The boys head to Rovers this week, they bring all they have to find a second victory.
Goal Kickers: L. Williams 3, H. Surrey 2, B. Coghill 2, C. Lonergan, A. A’Vard, K. Tyson, B. Woodburn, O. Willis, A. Fennell.
Best Players: H. Surrey, L. Phillips, K. Tyson, O. Willis, B. Woodburn, B. Coghill.
Pigeons Loft
What a great start to the season with our first official home game completed, 6 wins from 7 matches with the senior game a tight contest going down to the wire, but unfortunately not going our way.
It was great to see the new facilities in full swing: the Day on the Green, the grassed outer wing with portable stands, the new netball court and changerooms.
Whilst Covid ruined a season, it has allowed time to complete the many renovations with more to come.
Netball Awards: A: Davis, B: Tilly Kennedy, C: E McNamara, U17: Wheaton.
Football Awards: (Yarrawonga Hotel) 1sts Griffiths, 2nds Joe Gorman.
One of the best sights of the day was the battle at 10am – our 3rd XVIII has been a great side to watch all season but unable to find a win.
On Saturday in a seesawing affair, they grabbed the chocolates – awesome stuff especially as the 1st XVIII had brought up another of its better players for a senior debut in Will Wheaton.
Will being the 3rd U18 player to debut for 2021, with Coach Whiley keen to introduce young talent to the senior team.
Congratulations Kylie Leslie (Tyrell) – 200 A Grade games
Kylie came to the club as a teen from Corryong and worked her way through the grades becoming a vital part of the 2009 hoodoo breaking premiership win that then rolled into 4 in a row.
Over her playing days she has won five A grade premierships, one B Grade and a staggering four club best and fairests.
When you consider she has played in a star-studded side which featured numerous Toni Wilson Medalists, that is quite the achievement.
And whilst mentioning awards, who can forget her Morris Medal “MVP” win. Thanks Tiz!
Kylie’s career has had many hurdles with injury and also seasons out with children.
However, Kylie’s capacity to read the play from GD and keep control of her opponent whilst still providing attack has been a driving force behind the dominant Pigeon netball team.
The club wishes to acknowledge the huge contribution Kylie has made to the Pigeons.
Raffle Unclaimed: Ticket 74801 – contact info@yfnc.com.au.
Yarrawonga 3.3, 5.6, 7.11, 8.15.63
Myrtleford 2.0, 6.2, 8.3, 11.7.73
Goals: Yarrawonga: M. Casey 3, H. Wheeler, J. Sexton, T. Lawrence, C. Griffiths, L. Howe.
Myrtleford: R. Sharp 3, D. Bren 3, L. Dale 2, K. Aylett 2, T. Hunt.
Best: Yarrawonga: H. Wheeler, L. Masters, C. Griffiths, J. Forge, M. Whiley, Z. Banch.
Myrtleford: L. Dale, D. Bren, D. Roche, B. Ricardi, M. Munro, N. Laracy.