Undermanned Pigeons fall short in classic

Goals: Albury: Ryan Garthwaite 3, Mat Walker 3, Kolby Heiner – Hennessy 2, Fletcher Carroll 1, Jake Gaynor 1, Jackson Kelly 1, Jake Pitt 1, Ty Quade 1.

Yarrawonga: Leigh Williams 5, Nick Fothergill 3, Ben Coghill 1, Matt McCabe 1, Jordan Urquhart 1, Willie Wheeler 1.

Best: Albury: Jake Gaynor, Ryan Garthwaite, Isaac Muller, Mat Walker, Kolby Heiner-Hennessy, Max Byrne.

Yarrawonga: Harrison Wheeler, Daniel Howe, Ben Coghill, William Wheeler, Leigh Williams, Cameron Wilson.

A spirited and heavily depleted Yarrawonga outfit came within a whisker of pulling off one of the upsets of the Ovens and Murray season, before falling to Albury by just five points in a thrilling 13.12 (90) to 12.13 (85) encounter on Saturday.

Despite missing 11 players from last year’s grand final side and fielding several fresh faces, the Pigeons showed incredible grit, heart, and polish under pressure—especially during a six-goal blitz that saw them turn a 23-point deficit into a 15-point lead midway through the final quarter.

Led by a resurgent Leigh Williams, who kicked a match-high five goals, and the class of Willie Wheeler and skipper Harry Wheeler, Yarrawonga looked set to claim a famous win on the road.

First-year coach Williams, in particular, turned back the clock with his best performance since 2023—his snapping left-foot major under pressure one of the highlights of the game.

Williams had the chance to reclaim the lead with under three minutes remaining, but his kick from 35 metres on a sharp angle faded left—a heartbreaking moment that ultimately sealed the Pigeons’ fate.

Yarrawonga’s resilience was on full display all afternoon.

After trailing by 10 points at the first break, they stormed into contention in the second quarter, with Willie Wheeler launching a three-minute clinic—snatching goals, setting up teammates, and generally igniting the midfield.

Daniel Howe and Nick Fothergill offered strong support around the ball, while Cameron Wilson and Ned Pendergast drove the ball forward with purpose.

Yarrawonga’s young brigade also stepped up admirably. Max Findlay, a two-time Farrer League best and fairest, made an immediate impact in his O&M debut, showing poise and hunger in the contest.

Ben Coghill and Harrison Wheeler were also among the Pigeons’ best, helping hold firm against repeated late Albury surges.

Still, it was not quite enough.

Albury, despite being rocked by key injuries—including the loss of returning defender Billy Robertson in the second quarter—found a way when it mattered most.

Midfielder Jake Gaynor led from the front, while Ryan Garthwaite and Mat Walker’s three goals apiece helped steady the ship when the momentum had seemingly turned for good.

In a frenetic final seven minutes, Isaac Quade sparked the comeback with a clever snap from a ruck contest, before setting up Kolby Heiner-Hennessy moments later.

The crowd at Albury Sports Ground erupted as the Tigers stormed home.

“We had guys playing completely out of position,” Lynch explained.

“Michael Duncan started in the middle, then had to drop into defence. Joey Muller shifted to a sweeping role behind the ball. It was a real test of character, and we stood up.”

But while Albury celebrated a stirring win, Yarrawonga left with plenty to be proud of.

Their mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent pushed one of the league’s heavyweights to the brink and sent a clear message—they’re not going anywhere.

Reserves

Albury 17.16.118 def Yarrawonga 3.1.19.

In their first hit out of season 2025, the Pigeons Reserves team travelled to Albury with an undermanned squad, decimated through injury and unavailability.

The match up against last year's grand finalists loomed as a difficult one although the Pigeons were embracing the element of the unknown with it being the first game of the year.

The Pigeons began well, matching Albury within the contest and on the spread with young key forward Jack ‘Crackers’ Eales getting on the end of a couple and hitting the scoreboard with two early majors.

Andrew Dickins, a ruckman by trade, demonstrated outstanding skill and craft, providing his on ballers with every opportunity to move the ball forward.

Dickins, a new recruit in 2025, took several contested grabs throughout the day which relieved pressure on a number of occasions.

As the Pigeons began to tire, Albury began to open the margin in the summer-like weather.

Matt Grinter, Bronson Schofield, Brandon Symes and Ross Mulquiney all battled hard in their positions however the run of Albury proved too much over the duration of the game.

The Pigeons Reserves will look forward to regaining some troops for the big Easter Sunday clash against Albury but must first give its gratitude to the players that helped fill the void in round 1.

Jerilderie’s Cal De Oleveira was able to step in with his team having the bye and provided some great run for the Pigeons.

Ben Douglass was fantastic in putting his hand up at late notice to assist the club whilst three thirds boys doubled up for the day in Archie Jaques, Tyrone Baxter and Sam Bigger.

A huge effort in the conditions.

Goals: Albury: Hogan Quinn, Lenny Dattoli, Oliver Sharman, Harry Cameron, George Flanagan, William Blomeley.

Yarrawonga: Andrew Dickins, Matthew Grinter, Callum deOleveira, Jack Eales, Ross Mulquiney, Brandon Symes.

Best: Albury: Harry Cameron 3, William Blomeley 2, George Flanagan 2, Jacob Murphy 2, James Blomeley 1, Lochie Butlin 1, Lenny Dattoli 1, Dominic Gibbons 1, Tiernan Miller 1, Hogan Quinn 1, Oliver Sharman 1, Kai Wilson 1.

Yarrawonga: Jack Eales 2, Darby Mullins 1.

Thirds

Albury 2.2, 6.4, 9.6, 10.8.68.

Yarrawonga 1.4, 2.5, 3.6, 5.78.37.

Goals: Albury: Jesse Carey 3, Lachie Reid 2, Jonathan Whiting 2, Thomas Delahunty 1, Billy Hilton 1, Kylan Piltz 1.

Yarrawonga: Sam Trembath 2, Isaiah Hutchison 1, Brock Johnson 1, Miller Smith 1.