Wodonga 4.4 7.5 9.8 11.11 (77) def Yarrawonga 2.1 4.9 5.10 9.11 (65)
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Best: William Wheeler, Bailey Frauenfelder, Archie Jaques, Nicholas Irvine, Cameron Wilson, Thomas Gorman.
Goals: Irvine 3, Fothergill 2, Jaques 2.
The Yarrawonga Pigeons were left lamenting a series of missed opportunities after falling to the Wodonga Bulldogs by 12 points at Martin Park on Saturday.
In a game that never quite reached great heights the Pigeons were unable to capitalise on enough of their chances despite remaining within striking distance for most of the afternoon.
Poor execution in front of goal, particularly 2 goals and 7 points in the second quarter, along with costly skill errors, proved the difference.
At times, the Pigeons’ decision-making also drifted away from a team-first and game-plan approach.
Defensively, the Pigeons struggled to contain the dangerous Hudson Garoni, who booted six goals for the Bulldogs and was named best afield.
Defender Blake Keenes battled manfully against a quality opponent but was often left exposed in one-on-one situations and by quick ball movement.
Despite these frustrations, Yarrawonga showed plenty of resilience to stay in the contest throughout the opening three quarters.
One of the bright spots for Yarrawonga was the debut of Archie Jaques, who impressed with his composure.
Jaques finished with two goals but was unlucky not to add another after a promising first senior appearance.
There is every reason to think he could continue to grow and mature into a genuine player for the Pigeons.
As the game wore on, the Pigeons continued to create opportunities, and the final quarter saw a noticeable lift in intensity, with Yarrawonga’s pressure around the contest rising significantly and generating repeated forward entries.
When McKenna was storming into the 25m zone with a chance to tie the scores with a minute remaining, victory from the jaws of defeat looked likely, but it was not to be.
Midfielder Willie Wheeler continued his outstanding form around stoppages, winning numerous clearances and getting the ball forward.
Nick Fothergill also relished increased midfield responsibilities, finding plenty of the football and providing possession through the centre of the ground.
Cameron Wilson and Harry Wheeler worked tirelessly all day, helping spark the Pigeons’ late charge.
Across half-back, Bailey Frauenfelder found plenty of the ball, with his interleague duties bringing with them a welcomed return to form.
The Pigeons’ best players were the two Wheelers and Cameron Wilson.
Irvine finished with three goals, while Jaques and Fothergill each contributed two majors.
Attention now turns to one of the biggest fixtures on the club calendar as Yarrawonga hosts Corowa-Rutherglen in the annual Rumble by the River clash this weekend.
With Corowa’s season hanging by a thread and the Pigeons desperately needing a win to maintain a place in the top five, all the ingredients are in place for a fierce contest.
The day will also feature the club’s annual player and volunteer reunion celebrations, with members of the 2006 First XVIII premiership side and the 2016 Second XVIII, A Grade, B Grade, and Third XVIII premiership teams returning to commemorate their achievements.
Reserves
Wodonga 8.15 (63) defeated Yarrawonga 6.8 (44)
The Yarrawonga Second XVIII battled hard throughout the afternoon but were unable to overcome a wasteful Wodonga outfit, eventually going down by 19 points at Martin Park.
Despite the final margin, the Pigeons remained competitive for much of the contest and produced several encouraging individual performances against a strong Bulldogs side.
Lewis Henley carried the bulk of the ruck responsibilities and was outstanding throughout the day, consistently winning the hit-outs and giving his midfielders first use of the football.
His effort and endurance around the stoppages were among the highlights for Yarrawonga.
Jack Eales began the game through the midfield before being required to move into defence following an injury setback and adapted well to the change in role.
Across half-back, Xavier Mitchell continued his strong run of form, providing important rebound and composure under pressure.
Captain Andrew Dickins led from the front, presenting strongly as a key forward while also providing valuable support in the ruck.
Dickins’ two-goal performance and competitive presence around the ground ensured he remained one of the Pigeons’ most influential players.
Jackson Buda continued his steady development, embracing the physical nature of the wet-weather contest and showing encouraging signs as the season progresses.
Bests: Lewis Henley, Jack Eales, Jackson Buda, Xavier Mitchell, Andrew Dickins, Patrick Waugh.
Goals: Andrew Dickins 2.
Thirds
Wodonga 4.10 (34) defeated Yarrawonga 4.7 (31)
The Yarrawonga Third XVIII produced a determined effort but were left to rue a slow start as Wodonga held on for a hard-fought three-point victory in difficult conditions on Saturday.
After conceding a significant advantage in the opening term, the Pigeons faced an uphill battle for the remainder of the contest.
Wodonga’s early dominance around the ball and ability to generate scoring opportunities proved decisive, with Yarrawonga managing just two scoring shots in the first quarter.
To their credit, the Pigeons responded strongly after the opening break and produced some outstanding defensive football.
Yarrawonga held Wodonga goalless throughout the second half and continually worked its way back into the contest, but ultimately fell just short at the final siren.
The conditions demanded toughness and discipline, and while the Pigeons improved considerably after quarter time, the poor start and lack of intensity early in the game proved costly.
Cooper Clark was outstanding in the challenging conditions, consistently winning the ball and providing drive for his side.
Sonny Sneddon also worked tirelessly throughout the day and capped off his performance with a goal, while Axel Saunders never stopped competing and was among Yarrawonga’s most influential players.
Despite the narrow defeat, the Pigeons showed plenty of character to remain in the contest and will take confidence from their second-half performance heading into next week’s clash.
Best: Cooper Clark, Sonny Sneddon, Archie Skehan, Lenny Lonergan, John Burns, Axel Saunders.
Goals: Sonny Sneddon, Jack Eales, Harry Wren, Bailey Trembath.