Best: Yarrawonga: Josh Payne, Daniel Howe, Nicholas Fothergill, William Wheeler, Jordan Urquhart, Nicholas Irvine
Myrtleford: Riley Smith, Jaxon East, Simon Curtis, Brody Ricardi, Josh Muraca, Harry McKerral.
Lachlan Howe looks to move the ball across the field.
A game defined by two contrasting halves; the Pigeons staged a stirring second-half comeback.
A 23-point half-time deficit was overturned to claim a gritty 10-point win over Myrtleford in round four of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League on Saturday.
A vocal home crowd was bolstered by the Ladies Day celebrations, as noise came from the scoreboard side of the ground with Saturday’s victory the possibility of being the turning point in the senior’s season.
The Saints had control of the match early.
Small forward Brody Ricardi had an electric opening half, and scored four goals to spearhead a slick Myrtleford attack.
Yarrawonga’s defence found themselves on the backfoot as they were not able to contain the Saints’ speed and clean ball use inside 50.
However, the contest flipped dramatically after the interval.
Yarrawonga coach Leigh Williams credited a series of key positional and tactical changes for the turnaround.
Newcomer Josh Payne was sent down back to stabilise the defence, and Jordan Urquhart was redeployed behind the ball.
The pair helped neutralise Myrtleford’s fast-paced forwards and provided the much-needed leg speed and energy, that the Pigeons had missed in the first half.
The Pigeons’ coaching staff made structural adjustments in aerial contests and whilst Williams noted that while his side had the advantage in the air, they were too often committing players to the same marking contest.
The team placed a stronger emphasis on ground-level presence in the second half, which resulted in more control around the ground and the changes had an immediate impact.
Matt Casey lines up for his major of the day.
Myrtleford managed just 13 points after the main break, as Yarrawonga began to ramp up the pressure.
The Wheeler brothers set the tone in the Pigeons’ comeback as Harry and Willie were instrumental in Yarrawonga's resurgence.
The dynamic duo combined for 20 clearances which consistently gave their teammates first use of the football, and shifted the matches momentum in key moments.
Their ability to win contested ball and set up forward entries proved vital as the game wore on.
In the attacking end, the Pigeons’ forward line found rhythm.
Williams led from the front with four goals, while Nick Fothergill contributed with three majors and was instrumental in the attacking half of the ground.
Consistent performer Dan Howe continued his strong form as he excelled in different roles and finished the match with two goals.
Williams praised Howe as the team’s most important player so far this season, and highlighted his versatility, leadership, and week-to-week effort.
Mitch Parker looks to a Pigeons teammate.
The win lifts Yarrawonga to two wins and two losses, level with Myrtleford on the ladder, although the Saints hold a slightly higher percentage.
Beyond the numbers, the match marked an important confidence boost for the Pigeons, showcasing ability to adapt and respond under pressure.
Williams described the performance as one that would help build belief.
He credited the players who showed resilience, ability to adjust in-game, and the team playing to their strengths.
Yarrawonga now turns its attention to round five where they will host Wodonga, as favourites.
OakFM Player of the Year votes: Votes from Yarra’s win over Myrtleford: 5 Willie Wheeler, 4 Dan Howe, 3 Riley Smith (Myrt), 2 Simon Curtis (Myrt) and 1 Willie Wheeler.
2025 leaderboard: Willie Wheeler, Julian Hayes (NA) and Kieran Parnell (Rov) 10 votes. Jaxon East (Myrt) and Lochie O'Brien (Rov) 9 votes.
Reserves
Brandon Symes just gets the handball away under Saints pressure in the Reserves.
Yarrawonga 3.2. 20 def by Myrtleford 21.27.153
The Yarrawonga Reserves faced a tough challenge on Saturday, going down by 133 points against Myrtleford.
The Pigeons will remain upbeat and optimistic about what they can produce this season despite the heavy loss.
Brandon Symes showed strong signs in the aerial contest as he returns to full fitness. His leadership around the ground was evident as he helped his side compete under pressure.
Matthew Grinter continued his tireless effort in the midfield.
Darby Mullins also impressed with his commitment and effort across the day.
The reserves are hopeful some troops return over the coming weeks and will set their sights on securing their first home and away points in season 2025.
Goals: Brandon Symes 1, Dillon Walsh- Hall 1.
Best: Brandon Symes, Matthew Grinter, Darby Mullins, Jack Eales, Ross Mulquiney, Blake Keenes.
Thirds
Yarrawonga: 1.2, 3.4, 5.5, 6.5.41
Myrtleford: 0.3, 0.3, 2.4, 3.5.23
Goals: Yarrawonga: Seth Lawrence 3, Connor McCarty 2, Lucas Eales.
Myrtleford: Spencer Colson, Nikolai Nannipieri, Jethro Novak
Best: Yarrawonga: Samuel Bigger, Archie Jaques, Tyrone Baxter, Connor McCarty, Seth Lawrence, Jordan Ibbott.
Myrtleford: Cooper Howden, Oscar Benson, Taj Cooper, Henry Duggan, Zack Carroll, Jordyn Notarianni.
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