Ruckman Lach Howe was pivotal in the middle, striding in to boot the ball forward.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Wodonga 1.1, 1.2, 4.5, 7.6.48.
Yarrawonga 2.1, 7.3, 12.9, 14.10.94.
Goals: Wodonga: Noah Spiteri 3, Josh Mathey 2, Oscar Willding 1, Matt Wilson 1.
Yarrawonga: Brayden Coburn 3, Jordan Urquhart 2, Ryan Bruce 1, Matt Casey 1, Dylan Conway 1, Nick Fothergill 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1, Ben Kennedy 1, Jess Koopman 1, Willie Wheeler 1, Leigh Williams 1.
Best: Wodonga: Charlie Morrison, Mitchell Dinneen, Joshua Mathey, Matthew Wilson, Adam Jorgensen, Zac Harding.
Yarrawonga: William Wheeler, Bailey Frauenfelder, Leigh Masters, Ned Pendergast, Brayden Coburn, Ryan Bruce.
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The Yarrawonga Pigeons have closed out the 2023 home and away season with a strong performance against fellow finals contender Wodonga Bulldogs at John Flower Oval on Saturday.
In a bid to finish top of the table and earn the week off, the Pigeons knew that if they’d kept things simple, the game against the Wodonga Bulldogs would eventually go their way.
As it traditionally is against the Wodonga Bulldogs, the first quarter was a hard-fought slog. As the Pigeons dominated possession, the Dogs would flood back to protect their defensive fifty in an attempt to slow the Pigeons down.
This tactic worked early, as Yarrawonga could only manage to score the two goals for the quarter through Leigh Williams and Brayden Coburn whilst the Dogs kicked one major through Josh Mathey.
The Pigeons needed to adjust their game style in the second quarter to work around Wodonga’s flooding tactics. Coach Steve Johnson instructed his players to take more time with the footy, change the angles and lower the eyes in the front half.
Yarrawonga got off to a brilliant start to the quarter when Willie Wheeler showed his elite stoppage craft inside fifty. Wheeler, on the move, sharked the Matt Casey hit out to then fend off an opponent and kick a classy left foot snap goal.
The Wheeler goal triggered an onslaught for the Pigeons as they dominated the quarter with five unanswered goals.
Jordan Urquhart, a man who has played all 16 home and away games for Yarrawonga this year was one of the Pigeons best for the term. Urquhart has demonstrated a great ability to push forward in recent weeks and did so again against the Bulldogs, kicking two goals himself for the quarter.
Further goals to Frauenfelder and Coburn rounded out a sensational quarter for Yarrawonga to push the margin out to a comfortable 36-points at the main break.
At the defensive end of the ground, the Pigeons looked organized and in complete control behind the ball.
Led by Leigh Masters, the back six of Yarrawonga have provided great stability all season. Ned Pendergast and Kyal Tyson continue to play beyond their years whilst Tyler Lovell, Nick Irvine and Ryan Bruce have been consistent performers.
The Pigeons were able to extend their lead as the third quarter progressed with five goals to three.
Matt Casey lines up to boot a major.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Small forwards Nick Fothergill and Jess Koopman were at their dangerous best around the big sticks as they hit the scoreboard whilst Dylan Conway, Matt Casey and Ben Kennedy all registered majors also.
With the lead at 52-points at the last change, the Pigeons were within their rights to put the cue in the rack, as the top spot on the ladder looked safe.
The coaching staff were able to give their stars a well-earned rest as the game wore on. Michael Gibbons was outstanding for Yarrawonga with 26 disposals. Gibbons has been building nicely over the past fortnight and is primed to make a strong impact in September.
The Pigeons now turn their attention to week two finals as they will gear up to play either Wangaratta Magpies or the Albury Tigers in an opportunity to book a spot in the Grand Final.
Oakfm votes in Yarrawonga’s win over Wodonga: 5 Cam Wilson, 4 Brayden Coburn, 3 Josh Mathey (Wod), 2 Ned Pendergast, 1 Jordan Urqhuart.
Oakfm Player of the Year final voting tally
Winner - Willie Wheeler (Yarra) 38
Runners Up - Callum Moore (Wang) and Isaac Muller (Alb) 34.
Reserves
Wodonga 13.3.81 def by Yarrawonga 14.6.90.
Yarrawonga have completed the home and away season with a strong victory against the Wodonga Bulldogs away from home.
With a finals spot on the line for the Bulldogs, they came out with a fierce intent and attack on the football to somewhat put the Pigeons on the back foot.
Tom McKimmie helped the reserves to their nerve-wracking 9 point win with 3 goals.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
As the quarter progressed, the Pigeons began to settle as they were able to get their hand on the football.
Beau Seymour, who has done a mountain of work in the ruck in the past couple of weeks, was fantastic yet again in his endeavour and will to compete in the air and on the ground.
Seymour was able to steady the tide and bring his midfielders into the game in Tom McKimmie, Jordan O’Dwyer and Will Robinson.
In a higher scoring contest, a style that the Pigeons would traditionally not prefer, both teams were able to gain momentum in different parts of the game.
Jack Forge and Tanner Nyholm were able to drive Yarrawonga forward on numerous occasions whilst Max Hemphill and Tim Lawrence loomed as ominous threats up forward.
The Pigeons third quarter was clearly their best for the day, as they were able to stretch their lead out to a game high 28-points at three quarter time.
Down back, Cory Pearn played a brilliant game off half back, intercepting on numerous occasions and providing great drive.
Reserves Luke Congram boots the ball into the forward line in the Pigeons close win
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
As expected, the Dogs rallied in the final quarter as their season was on the line with percentage playing a factor to them playing finals or not.
The Dogs kicked four unanswered goals to get back within four points with 5 minutes left.
The Pigeons were disappointed as they lost composure with ball in hand on a number of occasions and will look to rectify that come the first final.
The Pigeons were able to kick a steadier though Nyholm late in the piece to push the margin back out to a two kick advantage.
The Pigeons held on in what looked like the perfect tune up for their first final this week against the Albury Tigers at the WJ Findlay Oval in Wangaratta.
Goals: Tom McKimmie 3, Ross Mulquiney 3, Luke Congram 2, Tanner Nyholm 2, Jack Forge 1, Max Hemphill 1, Tim Lawrence 1, Will Robinson 1.
Best: Beau Seymour, Tim Lawrence, Tom McKimmie, Max Hemphill, Luke Congram, Douglas Arnold.
