The Yarrawonga Pigeons have hit back strongly after their round one defeat with a professional 100-point victory over North Albury at Bunton Park.
It was another tough week at selection for Steve Johnson and his coaching staff with several players unavailable for the round two clash against the Hoppers.
However, unavailability provides opportunities for someone else to step in and stand up. Three debutants donned the blue and white hoops for the first time in the seniors which gave the Pigeons an added boost.
One being Ben Kennedy, son of major long-term sponsors, Andrew and Leanne Kennedy. Ben’s fantastic performance in the Under 18’s in round one was too good to not get a go.
The second was Will Robinson, a graduate of Marcus Cummins' premiership 3rds in 2016 and son of 1989 Premiership Champion Scott Robinson and wife Sharon.
Thirdly Jarryd Hatton joins the YFNC from Corowa, where he has been a super competitive defender for a number of years. Hatton is now looking to ply his trade as a Pigeon shutdown defender.
The Pigeons came firing out of the blocks with great intent. A couple of classy touches from Willie Wheeler through the midfield got the ball rolling.
Defender Jordan Urquhart set sail with a beautiful long drop punt from near the boundary line to kick the first goal of the day. However, this was not the biggest highlight of the first quarter.
Debutant Ben Kennedy received the ball on the run and nailed his first goal in senior footy which gave the Pigeons a huge boost.
Yarrawonga piled on six first quarter goals to the Hoppers one to set up a healthy lead early in the game.
The second quarter surprisingly belonged to the home team. North Albury played with great spirit as they outscored the Pigeons four goals to three.
With the margin cut back to just 25-points at half time, the extended break was just what the Pigeons needed to gather themselves and reset.
One man that was dominating the contest for the Pigeons however was Nick Fothergill. Playing largely up forward, Fothergill was providing major headaches for North Albury in the air and on the ground.
Coach Johnson remained positive to his troops in the rooms and even praised a number of individuals.
One of those was Brayden Coburn who was playing a superb role on ex Collingwood player and Hoppers’ coach Tim Broomhead. The message from Johnson was for the players to create some energy and excitement and put the Hoppers to the sword.
The response was immediate for Yarrawonga with all players seemingly buying into what the coach demanded.
Harry and Willie Wheeler, Mark Whiley and Ryan Bruce led the charge for the Pigeons, gathering disposals at will all over the ground.
With the ruck stocks depleted at the moment, the role was taken up by Ned Pendergast with Whiley as his back up. The pair did an outstanding job with Pendergast's second efforts at ground level making a noticeable impact on the game.
With the lead stretching out past 60 points at three quarter time, the challenge was put to this strong group of players. Can they finish off their good work?
Yarrawonga remained relentless and ruthless right until the final siren. Keeping the Hoppers to just one goal and two points in the second half was a highlight.
The defense of the Pigeons must be recognised. Undermanned and under-sized, the back six led by Matt Casey were brilliant.
Casey, re-joining the Pigeons after a year at Balwyn, has started the year in white-hot fashion and will prove a real weapon for the Pigeons moving forward with his ability to play in multiple positions and have a real impact on the game.
Fothergill finished his best on ground display with six goals in a classy display whilst Cam Wilson also had a great day with 26 disposals and two goals for himself.
A pleasing aspect for the Pigeons is that they had 11 individual goal-kickers for the afternoon. It is well known that Leigh Williams is the Pigeons number one avenue to goal however it will be important to find a bigger spread of goal-scorers coming up against stronger opposition.
All roads lead to the first game at the JC Lowe Oval in 2023 for the blockbuster encounter against the Wangaratta Magpies in the Grand Final replay of 2022.
Reserves
North Albury 2.3.15 def by Yarrawonga 15.16.106.
Heading into the contest, the Pigeons reserves were forced to make several changes to the side that came agonisingly close to Albury the week prior.
Despite a new look team, Yarrawonga were able to dominate North Albury right from the first bounce to cool conditions at Bunton Park.
Back into the line-up for their first game in 2023 was Jacob Adkins and Xavier Leslie. The pair showed their class and proved to be too much for the Hoppers up forward, both hitting the scoreboard regularly.
In the midfield, Reed Bonat was enjoying some extra time at the centre bounces, getting his fair share of the ball and providing the Pigeons with a number of forward attacks.
Tom McKimmie and Ross Mulquiney were both instrumental and put together strong four quarter performances.
Cooper Bennett has made an immediate impression in his new colours in 2023. Bennett has shown a great ability to win one on one contests and repel opposition forward attacks.
Brandon Symes enjoyed a solid start to his 2023 campaign. Symes played the game in defense which could become a regularity this season.
The Pigeons were able to run away comfortable 91-points winners and now turn their attention to the Wangaratta Magpies in their first game at the JC Lowe oval in 2023.
Goals: Jacob Adkins 6, Xavier Leslie 5, Jack Brooks 2, Luke Congram 1, Dillon Walsh – Hall 1.
Best: Cooper Bennett, Jacob Adkins, Xavier Leslie, Tom McKimmie, Jack Brooks, Brandon Symes.
Thirds
North Albury 8.6.54 def Yarrawonga 3.7.25
After a positive round 1 result against the Albury Tigers, the Pigeon Under 18’s suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of an impressive North Albury team.
The result of the first quarter proved to be the difference at the end of the day, with the North Albury team commanding a 5-goal lead at the first break.
The Pigeon boys got going in the second quarter but were unable to capitalise on their control of the play with minor skill errors costing the boys the chance to put scoreboard pressure on.
The Hoppers were much cleaner with their ball handling under pressure and were able to transition the ball from inside the contest to runners waiting on the outside.
This allowed them to kick score against the run of play in the second, third and fourth quarters.
Mitch Parker continued his impressive form with his hard running and pressure on the contest.
Luke Slattery, Lochie Forge and Geoffrey Montgomery worked tirelessly around the ball.
Ned Harvey was moved onto the wing in the second half with great effect.
Ethan Palmer had a strong first game for the club and Hunter Frauenfelder was a constant threat for the opposition both in attack and defence.
Goals: Alex Di Cioccio 1, Jack Eales 1, Joe Lindrea 1.
Best: Geoffrey Montgomery, Mitchell Parker, Hunter Frauenfelder, Lochie Forge, Ethan Palmer, Lockie Dwyer.
Pigeons Loft
Another 5 out of 8 day with all our junior teams going down to quality North Albury outfits. However, our open age teams managed to bring home the chocolates to swing the ledger our way on the day.
Further, Xavier Leslie, after having to share the limelight last week to wife Kylie, was having no more of that, and promptly kicked 5 from the square.
Upon trotting off at three quarter time he was heard muttering: ‘I am not the Mark Waugh of our family’.
The netball teams continue to evolve. It seems an eternity since the A Grade has not had a Bourke or Tait (or 3 or 4 of them) gracing the court.
But in 2023 they are filling the coaching ranks and whilst we can’t wait to see them back in their netball dresses their absence has provided great opportunities. The same could be said on the football field, with injuries creating a chance for many players to grasp.
This weekend we host Grand Final combatants Wangaratta. It seems a long time ago that the two clubs faced off in the football and netball finales last September.
Whilst much water has gone under bridge, both clubs will be keen to post vital wins.
The football will undoubtedly be a ripping contest with the Pigeons midfield vital to securing enough service forward whilst also placing enough pressure to the Magpies when they have ball in hand.
In the netball, both teams are undefeated and the unveiling of the 2022 A Grade flag should be a sight to see.
Further, you will notice the finalised works to the new court with special thanks to Shane Forge and Matt Lidgerwood. On the Davy Jones roofline you will notice a series of signs honouring the number of huge contributors to the construction of the 2nd netball court and rooms.
If you have not got your membership, they are available at the gate or Hargraves during business hours: 16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga.
We take this opportunity to thank our major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Blum, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and Yield Finance for their support.
Pigeon Con’s Charity Special: My wife donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless.
Thursday Nights
In season 2023 our Thursday Night tea will continue each Thursday night before an Ovens and Murray match.
With the extra byes this year we will do our best to keep you informed – follow/like our Facebook page to keep updated.
