The Yarrawonga Masters took centre stage at JC Lowe Oval for Round 3, hosting the 2026 ‘Maxine Gee’ MND Memorial Game against the GV Giants, the first of what promises to be a special fixture that will only continue to grow.
Played under warm conditions with a twilight start, the match formed the main event of a huge day for the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club, with Ladies Day in full swing. Music, drinks and a great crowd created the perfect backdrop for a memorable Masters’ clash.
GV Giants Jim Potter and Pigeons’ Ben Douglass were the ‘Maxine Gee’ MND Medal winners.
In true Masters fashion, the first bounce was anything but ordinary, delivered by a buck dressed as a clown, proving once again that while the cause is serious, the spirit of the game remains light-hearted.
Yarrawonga came out firing early, moving the ball sharply and creating plenty of opportunities in front of goal. The Maltese Marvel “Gatty” set the tone, kicking two goals in the opening quarter as the Pigeons looked dangerous.
Dean Briffa shrugs this tackle with ease.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
The second term followed a similar pattern, with Yarra controlling much of the play but unable to fully capitalise, registering seven behinds in a wasteful quarter in front of goal.
Under lights in the second half, with tunes rolling in the background and conditions near perfect, the game settled into a tighter contest.
Beaso was again outstanding through the midfield, finding the footy at will and driving the Pigeons forward.
A welcome return for Nathan Bibby added class and experience, with “Bibbs” winding back the clock. His highlight came with one of the goals of the day, a long running effort down the wing that had the crowd up and about.
Yarra continued to generate plenty of forward entries in the third quarter but again struggled to make the most of their chances.
Down back, Jim Reeves was as reliable as ever, putting his body on the line and holding firm under pressure.
The final term saw the Giants respond with a couple of quality goals, but the Pigeons had done enough throughout the day to secure a convincing win.
While the result was pleasing, the message was clear, goal kicking practice will be on the agenda at training this week.
At the final siren, Yarrawonga ran out winners 12.17 (89) to 4.4 (28), in what was a tough contest that left plenty of sore bodies across both sides.
The evening continued upstairs with beers, pizzas and a heartfelt awards presentation led by Stretch and Tatey, who shared personal reflections on Maxine Gee’s fight with MND and the impact of the disease, a powerful reminder of what the day represents.
Matt Wilson stretched for this mark in the Masters game.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
The prestigious 2026 ‘Maxine Gee’ MND Medal, awarded for courage, persistence and embodying the spirit of Masters football, was presented to Ben Douglass for Yarrawonga and Jim Potter for the GV Giants.
Yarra now look forward to their first bus trip to Bendigo on May 16th.
Awards: TNR Transportables (Nagles Off the Hook Butchery): Brett Harding, HL Building Solutions Pty Ltd (Ampol Fuel Voucher): Nathan Bibby, Attwood Builders (Yarrawonga Hotel Voucher): Jim Reeves, Crop Smart (Bunnings Voucher): Nathan Beasley, Tradie Packs (Pre-Mix King Voucher): Ash Thissen, Ferious Pigeon Award: Justin Power, Yarrawonga Osteopath (Heat Pack): Brett Gatt.
2026 ‘Maxine Gee’ MND Medal (Awarded for courage, persistence under adversity & embodying the culture of Masters Football) Yarrawonga: Ben Douglass GV Giants: Jim Potter.
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