Injury-hit Pigeons grounded in tough loss

Goals: Wodonga: Noah Spiteri 4, Reuben Bourke 3, Adam Jorgensen 2, Matt Wilson 2, Tom Miller 1.

Yarrawonga: Ben Coghill 2, Max Findlay 1, Dan Howe 1, Ben Kennedy 1, Ned Pendergast 1, Jordan Urquhart 1.

Best: Wodonga: Charlie Morrison, Rhys Venturoni, Noah Bradshaw, Tom O'Sullivan, Adam Jorgensen, Reuben Bourke.

Yarrawonga: Daniel Howe, Nicholas Irvine, Matthew Holgate, Ben Coghill, Nicholas Fothergill, Max Findlay.

Yarrawonga’s season continues to be a tough slog, with the Pigeons suffering a disappointing 12.12 (84) to 7.7 (49) defeat over the weekend, their third loss in five rounds.

The result was made all the more challenging by the team’s mounting injury list, which has increasingly tested their depth.

The Pigeons were dealt a significant blow just before the game with the late withdrawal of key players Willie and Harry Wheeler.

Willie was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while Harry was ruled out with a broken finger. The loss of both players created a major void in the midfield and in terms of leadership on the field.

With no time to replace them, Yarrawonga was forced to reshuffle their lineup, giving young gun Ryder Stevens the opportunity to make his senior debut.

Despite these setbacks, Yarrawonga fought hard throughout the game.

Dan Howe and Nick Irvine stood out with their strong performances. Both players who arguably would be the quinella in Yarrawonga best and fairest to date, were able to provide a steadying presence as the team battled through a tough day.

Up forward, it was Ben Coghill who was the only multiple goalkicker for the Pigeons, finishing with two goals. The rest of the forward line struggled to break through Wodonga’s defensive unit, which stood resolute under pressure and kept the Pigeons from finding any real rhythm in attack.

In a positive sign for the Pigeons, the team was able to give valuable game time to several emerging players. With a number of players under the age of 21, the experience gained will be beneficial as the Pigeons continue to develop their young talent.

The loss leaves Yarrawonga with a two to three record, meaning this weekend’s match against reigning premiers Wangaratta Rovers has now become a vital fixture for the Pigeons.

With the Rovers coming off a bye and likely to be fully refreshed for the grand final re-match, the Pigeons face a crucial test at home before the interleague break.

A strong performance is essential if they hope to keep their finals hopes alive in a tightly contested competition.

OakFM Player of the Year votes: Votes from Wod v Yarra ~ 5 C.Morrison (Wod), 4 M.Wilson (Wod), 3 R.Bourke (Wod), 2 N.Bradshaw (Wod) 1 N.Irvine.

Leaderboard: 13 J.Hayes (NA), 12 J.East (Myrt), 10 Willie Wheeler, K.Parnell (Rov), I.Muller and J.Gaynor (Alb).

Young Pigeons Reserves step up in impressive win over Wodonga

Wodonga 8.7.55 def by Yarrawonga 8.9.57.

Yarrawonga returned to the winners’ list in style on Saturday, producing a spirited and united performance to overcome Wodonga in what proved to be a true team effort built on pride, resilience, and a club-first mentality.

While standout performances like Matt Grinter’s 30-plus disposals drew plenty of attention, it was the collective effort across the ground that truly told the story.

With several young players stepping into key roles, the Pigeons showed maturity beyond their years in a performance full of character.

Sam Bigger, along with a number of thirds players were outstanding in their contribution yet again.

While club stalwart and life member Scott Oswald slotted straight into the backline after not playing a minute all season, his experience and composure at half-back proved vital.

Yarrawonga Football Netball Club has long prided itself on its desire to compete - not just in pursuit of wins, but in being in the contest, week in and week out.

Saturday’s win was a reflection of that mindset, earned through hard work, selflessness, and a deep sense of club pride.

While the road ahead still presents challenges, the Pigeons took a big step forward.

With a number of young players gaining valuable senior experience, the future looks bright.

Goals: Dillon Walsh – hall 3, Ross Mulquiney 2, Dylan Flanagan 1, Matthew Grinter 1, Matthew O’Dwyer 1.

Best: Jack Robinson, Matthew Grinter, Andrew Dickins, Todd Muldoon, Dylan Flanagan.

Thirds

Wodonga 3.2, 6.5, 9.10, 11.13.79.

Yarrawonga 0.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3.15.

Goals: Wodonga: Branden Parkin 4, Charlie Collins 2, Jed Hodgkin 2, Chad Brookes 1, Finn Kosmina 1, Deegan McBurnie 1.

Yarrawonga: Lewis Henley 1, Brock Johnson 1.

Best: Wodonga: Elijah Kennedy, Charlie Collins, Louie Ceglar, Jed Hodgkin, Will McCoy, Max Collins.

Yarrawonga: Samuel Trembath, Archie Jaques, Tyrone Baxter, Jayden Woodhead, Samuel Bigger, Riley Bone.

Pigeons Loft

On the field and court

It was a mixed bag of results last weekend. The Third XVIII had a tough day at the office, with four out of five of their top-liners either injured or playing in the 2pm game.

The midday game, however, was a belter, and thanks to several Third XVIII players doubling up, it ended in a win for the ages.

The 2pm match didn’t quite reach any great heights, but it was a different story on the netball court. The A Grade match was a high-quality shootout, and the rest of the games were all strong contests.

The Pigeons secured wins across the board, except for the Under 15s, who were outplayed by a quality outfit. Five from eight is not the worst day.

This week

The Pigeons are at home taking on the Rovers in what promises to be a big day on both the court and the field.

The 2pm game is a Grand Final replay, and with the Rovers in red-hot form, it will take everything the Pigeons have got.

Around the grounds

You may have noticed the continued progress of the picket fence project. If this was your first visit to the ground in 2025, you’ll also have seen major improvements between the courts and the pavilion.

Much of this work has been carried out by players, but special thanks go to:

•Matthew Grinter (Murray River Electrical)

•Tyler Sprunt (AXT Plumbing)

•Matt Irvine (Irvine Builders)

•Marcus Cummins (The Play Project)

These contributions have helped transform the southern and western sections of the venue.

Memberships

Still haven’t grabbed your 2025 Membership? No worries. Pick one up at the gate or visit Hargraves (16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga) during business hours.

A big thank you to our major partners

Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, RuralCo, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance.

2025 awards proudly sponsored by: Yarrawonga Hotel, Wig Chop, and Mint Boutique.

Important dates

May 31 – Annual club ball at Club Mulwala

June 7 – Annual past players function at JC Lowe Oval (midday).