Yarrawonga: 1.1, 5.4, 6.6, 9.8: 62

Albury: 0.5, 3.6, 3.8, 5.10: 40

Goals: Yarrawonga: C. Wilson 2, R. Clarke, B. Coghill, N. Fothergill, Z. Fraser, D. Howe, L. Howe, H. Wheeler

Albury: M. Walker 2, H. Cameron, R. Garthwaite, J. Pitt

Best: Yarrawonga: D. Howe, H. Wheeler, N. Irvine, M. Findlay, M. Gibbons, Z. Fraser

Albury: I. Muller, J. Pitt, M. Byrne, W. Unthank, B. Kelly, N. Kelson

A brave and undermanned Yarrawonga has reignited its season with a stirring 22-point win over fierce rivals Albury at JC Lowe Oval on Saturday in Round 10 of the Ovens and Murray Football League.

Despite being without eight automatic selections, including coach Leigh Williams (knee), Matt Casey (ruptured kidney) and VFL-listed Ben Kennedy (emergency for Williamstown), the Pigeons produced their most complete performance of the year to claim a 9.8 (62) to 5.10 (40) victory.

Leaders Dan Howe and Nick Irvine who earned 32 and 27 disposals respectively, were instrumental across all four quarters, guiding a youthful and determined side to a result that may prove season-defining.

Harry Wheeler was a fierce competitor, and finished the match with 17 disposals and a goal while leading all comers in the tackle count.

He set the tone with his pressure and intent around the contest.

The victory not only boosts Yarrawonga’s confidence but also delivers a serious blow to Albury’s finals aspirations.

The Tigers looked the more likely side early, generating the first four or five scoring opportunities before Yarrawonga had even registered a goal.

But once the home side settled and began to control possession, their improved ball use and composed decision-making started to shift the momentum.

From there, Yarrawonga steadily built pressure and took control of the contest.

Defensively, the Pigeons were outstanding.

Albury was restricted to just five behinds in the first term and failed to kick a goal in the third quarter, managing only two more behinds as the home side’s structure, pressure and discipline came to the fore.

One of the game’s turning points was the performance of Max Findlay, who was given the tough task of nullifying Albury clearance specialist Jake Gaynor.

With gun on-baller Fletcher Carroll who had averaged 41 disposals across the past four games, unavailable due to overseas travel, Yarrawonga seized the opportunity to clamp down on Gaynor.

Findlay executed the role with physicality and discipline, blunting Gaynor’s impact and disrupting Albury’s midfield drive.

Findlay was also a threat going forward, impressing with his aggression and work rate in the front half. Alongside him, Cam Wilson continued his strong form, collecting 25 disposals, kicking one goal and providing vital link-up play.

Michael Gibbons also gathered 25 disposals and was heavily involved in transitional play, while Nick Fothergill added 23 in a typically composed display around the contest.

Ned Pendergast, with 24 disposals, was a key pillar in defence.

He patrolled the defensive 50 and rebounded superbly to help launch several counterattacks.

In the ruck, Tom Gorman and Lachie Howe stood tall against Albury big man Isaac Muller.

The pair combined to limit Muller’s influence and helped give the Pigeons’ midfield first use at key stoppages which was a vital component of the win.

Importantly, for the first time this season, Yarrawonga emerged from the contest without an injury.

It’s a significant milestone for a club that has had to dig deep into its depth over the opening 10 rounds.

The Pigeons’ ability to not only cover the absence of key personnel but to outperform a near full-strength Albury outfit speaks volumes about the culture and resilience within the group.

From a team perspective, it was a performance built on even contribution.

Every player played their role, and according to Leigh Williams, this was the first time all season that each of the 22 players could confidently say they beat their direct opponent.

Yarrawonga will look to ride the wave of momentum into next weekend’s crucial clash with Wangaratta.

With more senior talent set to return in the coming weeks, the Pigeons are beginning to build at the right time.

Reserves

Yarrawonga 9.6: 60 def by Albury 9.8: 62

A brave and severely undermanned Yarrawonga Reserves side had fallen just short of a stunning upset, going down to third-placed Albury by two points in a dramatic finish at JC Lowe Oval on Saturday.

In a thrilling contest, the Pigeons had a golden opportunity to snatch victory in the dying seconds, but a shot on goal narrowly missed as it clipped the post and sealed a heartbreaking defeat.

With a host of regulars unavailable, Yarrawonga fielded a depleted line-up that relied heavily on a group of thirds players who doubled up and played their second game of the day.

Despite their youth and fatigue, the young Pigeons showed enormous heart, contributing significantly across the ground and nearly dragging their side to an unlikely win over the highly fancied Tigers.

The Pigeons’ third quarter was electric.

Trailing at the main break, the Reserves slammed home six goals to two in a barnstorming term to turn the game on its head and set up a lead at the final change.

The pressure, ball movement and attacking flair were outstanding, but with a heavy load on many players, Yarrawonga began to tire late, allowing Albury to claw back momentum in the final minutes.

Up forward, Dylan Flanagan was simply outstanding.

In a dominant display, he booted seven of the side’s nine goals, presenting strongly, marking everything in his area, and finishing with confidence.

His performance kept the Pigeons within striking distance all day and gave the Albury defence plenty of headaches.

Down back, Todd Muldoon made a memorable return from injury, playing his first game in Yarrawonga colours alongside his brother Brandon.

He was rock-solid in defence, providing intercepts and calm ball use under pressure in what was a promising return to the field.

Darby Mullins brought a fierce attack on the contest, playing with physicality and confidence following his recent stint in the seniors.

His hardness around the ball was vital, especially in the second half as the Pigeons surged.

Hunter Frauenfelder was another standout, offering drive and spark through the middle.

His clean hands and willingness to take the game on were eye-catching, and his performance will no doubt push him firmly into senior selection conversation.

Jack Eales was shifted to the backline during the game and played with composure well beyond his years.

His ability to read the play and make smart decisions under pressure was crucial in helping steady the defence during key moments.

Andrew Dickins is quickly establishing himself as the heart and soul of the team, dominating in centre clearances and consistently inspiring his teammates with his leadership and relentless effort.

The Thirds brigade of Seth Lawrence, Tyrone Baxter, Jordan Ibbott, Xavier Mitchell and Jayden Woodhead were all terrific.

Despite already playing a full match earlier in the day, each contributed with effort, energy and composure beyond their years.

Their willingness to step up in tough circumstances was a major reason the Pigeons nearly pulled off a remarkable win.

While the result didn’t fall their way, the performance will be remembered for its grit, effort, and club-first spirit.

With more players expected to return in the coming weeks, the depth and character shown by the reserves group will hold Yarrawonga in good stead for the second half of the season.

Goals: D. Flanagan 7, R. Mulquiney 2.

Best: D. Flanagan, T. Muldoon, D. Mullins, H. Frauenfelder, J. Eales, R. Mulquiney.

Thirds

Yarrawonga: 3.2, 5.6, 8.7, 9.7: 61

Albury: 4.1, 6.3, 8.6, 11.8: 74

Goals: L. Eales 3, S. Lawrence 2, A. Skehan 2, A. Jaques, L. Wren

Best: S. Lawrence, J. Woodhead, T. Baxter, S. Bigger, L. Eales, Z. Forge

Pigeons Show Grit in Tough Round Against Albury

Round Recap – Football & Netball

It was a mixed weekend for the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club as the Pigeons took on Albury across all grades in a challenging round, winning five of the eight games.

Football Wrap

The Senior footballers led from the front, and grinded out a hard-earned win over Albury in a scrappy, pressure-filled contest that may not have been pretty but was won with toughness, composure, and sheer will.

The result keeps the Pigeons’ finals aspirations well and truly alive as the club hits a critical stretch of the season.

The Reserves and Thirds also faced a strong Albury outfit and responded with tremendous spirit.

The Reserves fielded a side with limited depth, which pushed the visitors all the way in a heart-stopping finish.

Dylan Flanagan was a standout, as he put on a forward-line masterclass with seven goals.

The Thirds were in it all day and never let the Tigers get away despite the final margin going against them.

While it wasn’t the club-wide scoreboard turnaround the Pigeons had aimed for, the fight and effort across all three grades was clear and commendable.

Netball Wrap

The Netballers bounced back well from the previous round against the Raiders, collecting four wins from five games.

The only narrow loss came in the Under 15s in what could prove costly come finals time.

A Grade continues to shuffle the deck and test combinations, and this week saw three debutants in Grace Stillard, Emma Sinclair, and 13-year-old Chloe Liddell.

Chloe remarkably played in both the earlier Under 15 loss and capped her day with a senior debut and A Grade win.

A brilliant reward for her ongoing development and persistence through challenging junior years.

This Week – Away vs Wangaratta:

The Pigeons head up the Ovens to face the Magpies in a pivotal round.

It’s a must-win for the Seniors, who sit just outside the eight.

A win would lift them to 5–6 and keep their season very much alive.

Expect a fierce contest across all football and netball grades.

Thanks to Our Major Partners: Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, RuralCo, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance.

Thursday Night Teas:

Join us every Thursday for a hearty meal, team announcements, and club updates. Keep an eye on socials for details during bye rounds.

2025 Awards Sponsors: Yarrawonga Hotel, Wig Chop, and Mint Boutique.

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Tuesday, 23rd December 2025

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