Pigeons fall at the final step

Best: Harrison Wheeler, William Wheeler, Cameron Wilson, Jack Elliott, Blake Keenes, Brad Ryan

Yarrawonga’s season came to an end on Sunday, but there was plenty for the Pigeons to be proud of after two of the most challenging campaigns in 2025 and 2026.

Wodonga produced its best performance to break a three-game losing streak and end Yarrawonga’s finals campaign, running out 12.13 (85) to 8.7 (55) winners in front of more than 2000 people at Birallee Park.

Yarrawonga was dealt a major blow before the opening bounce when star midfielder Zac Fraser was ruled out after undergoing appendix surgery on Saturday. Coach Leigh Williams admitted losing one of the club’s most dangerous attacking players so close to the game had a significant impact.

The Pigeons nevertheless started brilliantly, kicking the first three goals. Wodonga responded through Isaac Cassidy, whose superb snap reduced the margin to 11 points at quarter-time.

From there, the match became a pulsating contest, with the lead changing hands five times. Harry Wheeler produced one of the moments of the match when he launched a superb 35-metre goal on his non-preferred left foot. Charley McKenna then showed his class with a clever finish to restore a six-point Yarrawonga advantage.

Wodonga gradually gained control of territory and momentum. Jett Cassidy converted from close range following a 50-metre penalty, before Isaac Cassidy produced another outstanding snap from 35 metres.

Willie Wheeler then produced a magnificent piece of roving work from ruckman Lach Howe before kicking a banana to put Yarrawonga back in front. The Bulldogs answered through Ainsworth, who gave Wodonga a five-point lead.

Nick Fothergill and Cam Wilson had opportunities to regain the advantage in the last quarter, but Wodonga made the most of its chances when Matt Wilson found Jett Cassidy, who converted from near the boundary. From there, the Bulldogs held out the Pigeons and kicked four majors to close out the victory.

The Pigeons’ defence can nevertheless take considerable credit for restricting two of Wodonga’s key forwards. Gorman and Brad Ryan were given the difficult assignments on Garoni and Noah Spiteri and performed strongly, restricting the pair to just 1.3 and 1.1 respectively.

Reserves

Pigeons bow out in tough game

Yarrawonga 3.4 22 def by Lavington 22.15 147

Goals: Alexander Kealy, Willy Lutula, Todd Muldoon.

Best: Jack McKay, Bronson Schofield, Tom Goodwin, Lewis Henley, Jackson Buda, Ryder Stevens.

After the heroics of Round 18, when the Pigeons upset the ladder leader to earn their place on the finals bus, the 2nd XVIII’s season came to an end at the hands of the Panthers.

Lavington dominated large periods of the contest, displaying a greater capacity to run and work than the majority of the Pigeons squad.

Tom Goodwin was the dominant tall on the ground, controlling the ruck while working hard at ground level. In a typical Bronson Schofield performance, the co-coach willed himself from contest to contest with the physicality and determination that has become a feature of his football.

Jack McKay, who has reinvented himself as a defender, was one of the Pigeons’ best, while Lewis Henley showed a strong attack on both the ball and the man. Jackson Buda and Ryder Stevens also battled hard.

The end to the 2026 season was not the dream finish, but the gap between the top four and the next two was stark. Against that backdrop, the coaching staff can take considerable satisfaction from getting the 2nd XVIII into the finals and keeping the side competitive.

Under 18s

Pigeons fall short against Raiders

Yarrawonga 7.10 (52) defeated by Wodonga Raiders 15.5 (95)

Goals: Jai Sneddon 3, Sam Trembath 2, Sefanaia Bainikoro, Connor McCarty

Best: Cooper Clark, Cooper Webster, Oliver Tresize, Oliver Watson, Archie Skehan, Charlie Hargreaves

Yarrawonga’s Under 18s has been eliminated from the finals following a 43-point loss to Wodonga Raiders in Sunday’s elimination final.

Playing a final on the opposition’s home deck is never easy, and the young Pigeons faced a significant challenge against a Raiders side capable of moving the ball quickly and efficiently. Yarrawonga showed early signs it could take the fight to Wodonga, although the Raiders’ ball movement was at times more polished.

Cooper Clark continued his strong vein of form, displaying sure hands and clean disposal. Cooper Webster, backing up after playing on Saturday, maintained a strong work rate despite the warm conditions.

Wodonga led 7.1 to 4.4 at half-time, but an early third-quarter goal to Connor McCarty provided the Pigeons with a spark. Two quick Raiders goals halted Yarrawonga’s momentum, and Wodonga eventually took a 10.3 to 5.7 lead into the final break.

At times, discipline and contested football proved costly, with Yarrawonga routinely second to the contest and conceding scores too easily at crucial stages.

The final term never reached any great heights. The Pigeons continued to fight but were unable to find the run or desire at the coalface required to mount a serious challenge, with the Raiders running out 15.5 (95) to 7.10 (52) winners.

Jai Sneddon led the way with three goals, while Sam Trembath contributed two. Sefanaia Bainikoro and Connor McCarty also featured on the scoresheet.

Clark was joined among Yarrawonga’s best by Cooper Webster, Oliver Tresize, Oliver Watson, Archie Skehan and Charlie Hargreaves.

While the result brought a disappointing end to the 2026 season, coaches Bailey Frauenfelder and Cameron Wilson can be proud of their work with the squad. Guiding the Under 18s into the finals while managing a large playing group provided valuable opportunities and experience for a significant number of young Pigeons, laying a strong foundation for the club’s future.