Pigeons crush Saints

Goals: Myrtleford: Jarryd Wallace 2, Nick Warnock 2, Mitch Dalbosco 2, Ryan Griffen 2, Murray Waite 1, Declan Bren 1, Simon Curtis 1.

Yarrawonga: Bailey Frauenfelder 3, Mark Whiley 3, Tim Lawrence 3, Nick Fothergill 2, Jess Koopman 2, Brayden Coburn 1, Ryan Einsporn 1, Jack Forge 1, Ned Pendergast 1, Lach Howe 1, Harry Wheeler 1, Willie Wheeler 1.

Best: Myrtleford: Murray Waite, Mitch Dalbosco, Jarryd Wallace, Simon Curtis, Mal Owers, Aussie Wickes.

Yarrawonga: Leigh Masters, Nick Fothergill, Mark Whiley, Michael Gibbons, Lach Howe, Ryan Einsporn.

The Yarrawonga Pigeons have derailed the Myrtleford Saints with an astonishing first quarter blitz at the McNamara Reserve in Myrtleford.

The Pigeons blew the Saints away with an incredible 8 goal to 2 first term that included 8 individual goal kickers, proving that the Pigeons have multiple avenues to goals instead of relying on spear-head Leigh Williams who is currently sidelined with injury.

Inclusion into the side Willie Wheeler had an immediate impact on the contest, getting his hands on the ball early and winning the ball out of the middle with superior class. Wheeler was instrumental in setting up play for the Pigeons, leading all comers on the ground in score involvements and clearances for the day.

Michael Gibbons is continuing to grow in each game he plays for the Pigeons. Former Williamstown teammates Gibbons and Wheeler have a strong connection on the field and loom as potential match winners as the season draws closer to finals.

The second term was won by Myrtleford as the home side managed to wrestle back the momentum slightly.

Although being constantly challenged throughout the quarter, the defensive unit of the Pigeons remained rock solid and have somewhat been unheralded throughout the season thus far. Beau Seymour, Jye Cross and Leigh Masters were all playing pivotal roles in repelling the Saints attack.

A half time lead of 34-points was enormous in the context of the game and was always going to be difficult for the Saints to peg back as the Pigeons had committed themselves to playing a fierce and relentless style of game.

The third term began ominously for the Saints as the Pigeons yet again piled on the goals in quick succession. Mark Whiley, Bailey Frauenfelder and Tim Lawrence were dominant in the forward half all booting three majors whilst Nick Fothergill and Jess Koopman were both extremely dangerous up forward both slotting through two each.

A huge positive of the last two games for the Pigeons has been the accuracy in front of goal. A combined score of 37 goals and only 15 points has enabled the Pigeons to register high scores against their opponents.

The forward line is shaping up to be a huge threat come September with numerous players being able to impact the game in the air and on the ground.

A nine goal to five second half was impressive to watch from the sidelines as the Pigeons were running on top of the ground right through to the final siren. A lift in training standards has been set up by the coaching staff over the next four weeks to condition the playing group and provide them with an ideal opportunity to attack finals football.

Coach Whiley is adamant that the next month is going to make or break the Pigeons moving forward.

The Pigeons now face the Wangaratta Rovers at the JC Lowe Oval in what looms to be an epic rematch after the shocking final quarter lapse that occurred way back in round 4.

Reserves

Myrtleford 3.4.22 defeated by Yarrawonga 20.7.127.

The Yarrawonga Reserves have tuned up for their top of the table clash against Wangaratta Rovers this week with a 105-point thumping of the Myrtleford Saints.

Heading into the game with arguably their strongest line up for the year, the Pigeons were not prepared to leave it up to the big names to get the job done. A total team performance with winners across every line impressed Pigeon supporters and coaching staff.

The Pigeons had a host of strong inclusions for the game, none bigger than Pigeon legend Craig Ednie, who after being the runner for majority of the season, decided to pull the boots on to give back to his home club.

The Morris Medallist and premiership play slotted into the forward line and wasted no time having an impact, booting through 3 goals for the afternoon.

Jack Brooks has returned to the Pigeons after a stint in Melbourne. The key forward also wasted little time impacting in the hoops, presenting strongly and competing in the air and on the ground.

Brooks combined nicely with Jackson Meade who played just his second game back after injury and is building into the back end of the year with purpose hoping for a senior recall.

The first half was completely dominated by the Pigeons, booting through 8 goals to 0. With Brooks' return, this allowed for utility Matt McCabe to become the ‘swingman’ and play down back to combat the tall timber of the Saints.

McCabe was instrumental for Yarrawonga, intercepting numerous attacks from Myrtleford with his aerial dominance. McCabe put in an arguably best on ground display and may have found his spot for the remainder of the season.

The midfield brigade continued their strong run of form with the likes of Zec Cuppens, Max Hemphill, Xavier Leslie, Doug Arnold and Jordan Urquhart all contributing and playing their roles to a tee.

Mountain Man David ‘OX’ O’Dwyer proved his weight in gold around the ground, winning the hit outs and providing a strong physical presence.

Down back, it was the ever-reliable Cory Pearn who led the way along with McCabe. The Co-skipper is putting together a great, consistent season of footy and is desperate to taste success this year.

Tyler Lovell looms as a big piece of the puzzle for the Pigeons moving forward. Lovell has hit the scoreboard strongly in recent weeks and is showing great football smarts, often finding pockets of space inside fifty.

The coaching group of the Reserves were pleased with the efforts of the playing group however realise how important the next month of football is. Tough encounters against 1st place Wangaratta Rovers and 3rd placed Wodonga Bulldogs will determine the Pigeons ladder position moving forward.

Goals: Tyler Lovell 4, Craig Ednie, Max Hemphill, Jackson Meade 3, Ross Mulquiney, Jordan Urquhart 2, Jack Brooks, David O’Dwyer, Reid Clarke 1.

Best: Zec Cuppens, Matt McCabe, Jordan Urquhart, Tyler Lovell, Jack Brooks, Xavier Leslie.

Thirds

Myrtleford 11.13.79 defeated Yarrawonga 7.5.47.

The Yarrawonga Thirds have fallen 32 points shy of the Myrtleford Saints in slippery conditions at the McNamara Reserve. Coming off the big break, the tough conditions in Myrtleford took a little while for the Pigeons to adapt to.

Back onto the footy field after a 12-month hiatus was Zac Fraser. Fraser showed that he did not need any time to get back into the thick of things, putting in a strong performance for the Pigeons.

Mac Pendergast was having a great game in the ruck up against his enormous opponent, winning his fair share of contests and cutting off several Saints attacks.

Hudson Gillies was the general and had a great game off half back, taking most kick outs and trying to create some drive into the forward line.

Hunter Fraunfelder showed great versatility playing in numerous positions on the ground. Frauenfelder managed to boot 2 majors in a game where goals were hard to come by.

Oscar Elliott was once again in and under, fighting hard to get the ball out to his teammates whilst constantly being under immense pressure coming quickly from the opposition.

Elliot was moved onto the wing in the last quarter, which proved to be a good move as he was able to find a lot more space and drive the ball inside 50.

The Pigeons eventually being outclassed by a well-drilled Myrtleford outfit. With no room for error, the Pigeons will need to win most, if not all games from here on in if they want to play finals football.

Coach Frauenfelder has placed some responsibility back on the playing group, asking what they want to achieve out of the remainder of the season with a mindset to take some big scalps heading into the late stages of the year.

Goals: Hunter Frauenfelder, Lochie Forge 2, Oscar Elliot, Addison Psaltaris, Dan Psaltaris.

Best: Zac Fraser, Mac Pendergast, Hudson Gillies, Hunter Frauenfelder, Sam Hemphill, Harry Nagle.