A dramatic turnaround at Myrtleford on a cold April Sunday was ultimately overshadowed by a serious injury concern to Yarrawonga star Leigh Masters, as the Saints outran the Pigeons to claim a 11.12 (78) to 9.10 (64) victory.
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The clash began in concerning fashion when Masters appeared to strain a leg muscle just minutes into the contest. Shortly after, however, he went down again, this time with what looked to be a significant injury to his opposite knee to that he had reconstructed in late 2024.
The 2022 Morris Medallist, who turns 34 in June, has endured a frustrating run with injuries in recent seasons, and the incident cast a shadow over the remainder of the match.
Despite the early disruption, Yarrawonga started strongly.
The Pigeons kicked the opening two goals of the game, with exciting youngster Zac Fraser providing a spark up forward. He would go on to boot three goals for the match.
Yarrawonga held a narrow four-point lead at quarter-time before producing their best football in the second term.
In a dominant second quarter display, the Pigeons restricted Myrtleford to just three behinds while extending their advantage to 21 points by half-time.
Finals Scores
Myrtleford 4.1 4.4 8.7 11.12 (78) def Yarrawonga 4.5 7.7 8.8 9.10 (64)
Goals - Myrtleford: R.Smith 2, M.Munro 2, C. Thomason 2, L.Murphy-Dale 1, M.Tenardi 1, J.Sharp 1, J. Trewin 1, S.Curtis 1.
Yarrawonga: Z.Fraser 3, N.Fothergill 2, B.Coghill 1, L. Williams 1, B.Frauenfelder 1, W.Wheeler 1.
Best - Myrtleford: R.Smith, S.Curtis, C. Thomason, R.Crisp, B.Sharp, M.Munro.
Yarrawonga: M.Findlay, H.Wheeler, Z.Fraser, N.Irvine, J. Hanrahan, J.Urquhart.
The Pigeons’ pressure and control suggested they were well on track to continue to push the home team. However, the game turned dramatically late in the third.
Yarrawonga’s structure and decision-making began to falter in the second half, as they failed to capitalise on key opportunities to either extend their lead or halt Myrtleford’s growing momentum.
The Saints, led by experienced campaigners Simon Curtis and Mitch Tenardi, lifted their intensity and began to control possession. Both players, relatively quiet early, became increasingly influential as the game wore on.
The numbers told the story. Myrtleford dominated the second half with 15 scoring shots to Yarrawonga’s five, steadily erasing the deficit before surging ahead.
While Fraser (three goals) and Nick Fothergill (two) were among Yarrawonga’s better contributors in front of goal, and Max Findlay impressed with a strong performance after earning promotion from the reserves.
The Wheeler brothers continued their consistent form, but it was not enough to stem the tide with more needed from more.
Myrtleford’s best players included Riley Smith, Simon Curtis, Cooper Thomason, Ryan Crisp, Brady Sharp and Matthew Munro. Goals were shared across the side, with Munro, Smith and Thomason each kicking two.
For Yarrawonga, Findlay, Harrison Wheeler, Fraser, Nicholas Irvine, James Hanrahan and Jordan Urquhart were named among the best.
Reserves make it two from two
Yarrawonga 10.9 (69) def Myrtleford 6.2 (38)
Goals - Yarrawonga: A.Dickins 2, L.Craig 2, L.Henley, 2, A.McKelvie 1, P.Waugh 1, D.Walsh-Hall 1, M.McCabe 1.
Best - Yarrawonga: B Schofield, J.Eales, P.Waugh, A. Dickins,W.Lutula, L.Henley. Myrtleford: M.Motlop, T.Remington, B.Bouker, T.Crisp, C.Howden, J.Riley
Yarrawonga’s Second XVIII has continued its impressive start to the 2026 season, defeating Myrtleford 10.9 to 6.2 to remain unbeaten after two rounds.
Under the guidance of coaches Bronson Schofield and O’Dwyer, alongside assistant Mitch Moore, the Pigeons have shown strong early-season form. This week’s result was particularly encouraging given several player unavailabilities and the promotion of four players from the previous round into the senior side.
Despite these challenges, Yarrawonga controlled the match from the outset.
Andrew Dickins was a standout, dominating in the air both as a forward target and in the ruck, while Lachlan Craig continued his excellent goal-kicking form with two majors. Lewis Henley provided a strong presence up forward and is showing signs of continued development as the season progresses.
At ground level, Willy Lutula added energy and creativity, while Patrick Waugh impressed in his return to the club after a year away, covering the ground effectively and contributing across multiple areas.
Across half-back, Jack Eales continues to develop his game, clearly benefiting from his exposure to senior football in 2025. His performances are putting him firmly in contention for higher honours as the season unfolds.
The Pigeons will face a much sterner test next week against a traditionally strong Lavington outfit, which should provide a clearer indication of their standing in 2026.
Best players for Yarrawonga were Schofield, Eales, Waugh, Dickins, Lutula and Craig. Goal kickers included Craig, Dickins and Henley with two each.
Thirds Deliver Dominant Performance
Yarrawonga 14.15 (99) def\ Myrtleford 1.2 (8)
Goals - Yarrawonga: J.Sneddon 6, S.Trembath 5, J.Packer 1, L.Lonergan 1, C.Stephens 1.
Best - Yarrawonga: J.Sneddon, A.Jaques, L.Lonergan, A.Skehan, S. Trembath, L. Wren.
Yarrawonga’s Third XVIII produced a commanding display, overwhelming Myrtleford 14.15 to 1.2 in what can only be described as genuine football conditions.
From the outset, the Pigeons proved too strong, with their depth and structure across the ground proving decisive against a slightly undermanned Saints outfit.
Jai Sneddon and Samuel Trembath were the focal points in attack, combining for 11 goals between them. Sneddon finished with six, while Trembath added five in an impressive display of forward efficiency.
Across the ground, Yarrawonga’s cohesion and work rate ensured they maintained control throughout the contest.
Archie Jaques continued his strong run of form, while Archie Skehan’s development is becoming increasingly noticeable.
Skehan, in particular, is building a case for potential elevation to the higher grades as the season progresses.
Lenny Lonergan also contributed, while the team’s overall performance reflected a well-balanced and disciplined effort.
As with the reserves, next week’s clash with a perennial finalist in Lavington will offer a more significant test and a better gauge of the side’s progress.
Best players were Sneddon, Jaques, Lonergan, Skehan, Trembath and Lachlan Wren.
Pigeons Loft
The annual trip “up the hill” for the #BeKindToYourMind round was a success with the Pigeons once again returning home with the trophy following a 5–3 overall result against Myrtleford.
Played in typically chilly conditions, the round showcased the depth and resilience of the club across both football and netball programs.
All Yarrawonga football sides recorded victories with the exception of the senior team, while the open-age netball sides continued their strong early-season form with convincing wins.
Despite the positive overall result, the day was overshadowed by a serious injury to former premiership captain Leigh Masters.
The respected veteran went down with a knee injury during the senior football match, and while official confirmation was unavailable at the time of writing, early indications suggest a significant setback.
The entire Yarrawonga community extends its support to Masters, a courageous and much-loved figure at the club, as he faces what appears likely to be another extended period on the sidelines.
Looking ahead, the Pigeons will once again hit the road this weekend, travelling east to take on Lavington in a full club fixture.
In a great show of unity, all football and netball sides will be in action on the same day, with the AWJFL schedule aligned to ensure junior participation.
The Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 football sides will all take the field, with the Under 16s set to close out the day under lights at 4:30pm in what promises to be a fantastic spectacle.
Thank you to our major partners
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our major partners:
Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Yarrawonga Ford, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance.
Pigeon Con’s Special– the new Mrs Con just split up with me because she thinks I’m obsessed with football. I’m a bit gutted about it – we’d been going out for three seasons.
Thursday Nights – Season 2026
Thursday night teas return again in 2026, held each week prior to Ovens & Murray matches with this weekend the kick off AWJFL. On Friday the YFNC 1 st XVIII will train noting the Sunday fixture.
Awards – Netball & Football
Our 2026 awards will once again be proudly supported by the Yarrawonga Hotel.
Important dates
6 May – Ladies Day (1 st Home Game)
6 June – Past Players & Volunteers Premiership Reunion (Midday: JC Lowe Oval)
Celebrating: 2006 (20 years); 2011 (15 years); 2016 (10 years)