Yarrawonga Pigeons 0.3 1.4 5.11 6.18 (54) def by Wangaratta Magpies 5.0 10.4 12.6 19.9 (123)
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Pigeons Best: Max Findlay, Zac Fraser, Jack Elliott, Will Reinhold, Blake Keenes, Reid Clarke. Goals: Fraser 2, McKenna 2, Frauenfelder, Wheeler.
Magpies Best: Jack Mapleson, Joel Stevens, Tyson Young, Chris Knowles, Xavier Laverty, Michael Bordignon. Goals: Laverty 4, Young 4, Tilley 3.
A big Ladies Day crowd packed the outer at JC Lowe Oval on Saturday as Yarrawonga hosted Wangaratta, but despite matching the Magpies in many of the key statistical areas that usually determine games of football, poor conversion in front of goal proved costly in a 19.9 (123) to 6.18 (54) defeat.
The Pigeons were left to rue missed opportunities all afternoon, finishing with 24 scoring shots to Wangaratta’s 28, yet suffering a 10-goal loss in what was ultimately a classic case of bad kicking being bad football.
Yarrawonga’s challenge was made even tougher early when experienced midfielder Michael Gibbons suffered an injury setback that disrupted the home side’s structure and rotations from the outset.
Despite the scoreboard pressure, the Pigeons continued to fight and showed genuine signs through the middle stages of the contest.
Charley McKenna and Zac Fraser looked dangerous throughout the afternoon and sparked Yarrawonga’s best passage of football midway through the third term.
After trailing by 60 points early in the third quarter, Fraser ignited the response with back-to-back goals before McKenna added another soon after.
Bailey Frauenfelder’s major at the 17-minute mark capped an impressive burst that brought energy to the home crowd and briefly swung momentum the Pigeons’ way.
At that stage Yarrawonga was more than competitive around the contest and generating plenty of opportunities, but the inability to finish in front of goal prevented the Pigeons from mounting a genuine challenge against a polished Wangaratta outfit that capitalised when its chances came.
Wangaratta’s class eventually prevailed in the final quarter as the Magpies piled on seven last-term goals.
Tyson Young and Xavier Laverty were constant threats inside 50, finishing with four goals each, while Aidan Tilley added three.
For Yarrawonga, Fraser and McKenna each kicked two goals, with Frauenfelder and Harrison Wheeler also finding the scoreboard.
Max Findlay battled strongly all day for the Pigeons and was well supported by Fraser, Jack Elliott, Will Reinhold, Blake Keenes and Reid Clarke.
Wangaratta’s best included Jack Mapleson, Joel Stevens, Young, Chris Knowles, Laverty and Michael Bordignon.
Yarrawonga will now quickly turn its attention to another important challenge next weekend, travelling to Corowa to take on a Roos side also sitting with two wins and two losses in what shapes as a significant early-season clash.
Reserves
Yarrawonga 0.3 1.4 1.5 2.8 (20) def by Wangaratta 3.2 6.4 8.6 11.9 ( 75)
Best: Tyler Lovell, Todd Muldoon, Jack Eales, Matt McCabe, Hunter Frauenfelder, Tom McKimmie.
Goals: Hamilton, McKimmie.
While the Pigeons were able to create opportunities, poor conversion again proved costly along with numerous skills errors. Yarrawonga managed just two goals from 10 scoring shots and struggled to capitalise during periods where they were able to match Wangaratta around the contest.
The Pigeons’ taller players looked dangerous at times and presented strongly ahead of the ball, but poor skill execution and an inability to consistently maintain possession regularly undid the side’s good work.
Those turnovers often left Yarrawonga exposed defensively, with Wangaratta able to transition the ball quickly and punish the Pigeons on the rebound. At times the defensive running and work rate lacked consistency, making it difficult to contain the Magpies once they swung momentum.
Tyler Lovell led the way in an impressive performance, while Todd Muldoon, Jack Eales, Matt McCabe, Hunter Frauenfelder and Tom McKimmie all worked hard for the Pigeons with McKimmie and Hamilton the goal kickers.
The Pigeons will now shift their focus to another important clash next weekend when they travel to Corowa.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 5.0 8.2 8.3 11.3 (69) def Wangaratta 2.2 5.4 6.7 7.12 (54)
Best: Archie Jaques, Baxter Donovan, Axel Saunders, Jeremy Packer, Connor McCarty, Sefanaia Bainikoro
Goals: B Donovan 5, S Trembath 2, C McCarty 2, A Saunders, B Strawhorn.
Yarrawonga’s under-18 side continued its outstanding start to the season on Saturday, making it four straight wins with an impressive 11.3 (69) to 7.12 (54) victory over fellow likely top-five contender Wangaratta at JC Lowe Oval.
Kicking off the day perfectly before the Ladies Day festivities gathered momentum around the ground, the young Pigeons produced another composed and competitive performance against a quality Magpies outfit in what developed into a terrific contest.
Yarrawonga made the ideal start, surging out of the blocks with five first-quarter goals to establish early control of the game. Dominant tall Baxter Donovan proved a major influence in the air and helped set the tone, with the Pigeons looking the better side through the opening stages.
The Magpies responded as strong teams do, gradually working their way back into the contest through the middle quarters and ensuring the game remained in the balance heading into the final term.
What followed was a genuine arm wrestle in the last quarter, with both sides throwing everything into the contest as Wangaratta attempted to close the gap.
Yarrawonga’s composure under pressure again stood out, with Archie Jaques providing a steady hand all day across the ground, while young Axel Saunders was continually in the thick of the action and played an important role in helping the Pigeons withstand the Magpies’ late challenge.
Jeremy Packer, Connor McCarty and Sefanaia Bainikoro also made strong contributions in another even team performance.
The victory continues an excellent opening month for the Pigeons, who now sit unbeaten after four rounds and continue to build strong momentum heading into next weekend’s clash with Corowa-Rutherglen.
Pigeons Loft
Pigeons set for big weekend as Grinter reaches 250 games
The Grove Oval provided the perfect backdrop for another successful Ladies Day, with close to 150 people enjoying a brilliant afternoon of football, netball and great company in ideal autumn conditions.
A huge thank you goes to Caitlin Jaques and the team at Bang Events — Drew and Anna Barnes — for helping deliver such a memorable day.
Their attention to detail ensured everyone could relax and enjoy the occasion from start to finish.
While the social side of the day was a major success, results on the court and field proved tougher for the Pigeons.
In netball, A Grade fought hard to secure the club’s only win in a tight contest, while in football the 3rd XVIII continued their outstanding start to the season, remaining undefeated at 5–0 with another impressive performance.
This weekend the club heads to Corowa looking to bounce back strongly, but the day will carry even greater significance as the Pigeons celebrate a remarkable milestone, Annalise “Bourke” Grinter’s 250th A Grade game.
Few players have had the impact on Pigeons’ netball that Anna has over the years. Her defensive partnership with Hannah Symes and Kylie Leslie became one of the competition’s most formidable combinations, making scoring against Yarrawonga an enormous challenge.
Through the midcourt, often linking with sisters Kaitlyn and Laura, Anna’s relentless pressure and ability to drive the ball forward helped shape countless successful campaigns.
Beyond the statistics and premiership success, however, it is Anna’s toughness and resilience that teammates and supporters admire most.
Whether playing through injury, taking on taller opponents or returning from serious setbacks, Anna has consistently stood tall when her side needed her most.
Time and again, in the biggest moments of the game, the Pigeons could rely on Annalise Grinter to produce a match-defining effort.
The entire club congratulates Anna on an outstanding achievement and encourages all supporters to head to Corowa this weekend to celebrate her incredible 250-game milestone and get behind the Pigeons.
Oh, and just a couple of numbers: 340 club games (this being her 250 th in A Grade). 6 X A Grade Premiership Player (from 10 Grand Finals) and also a B Grade one too.
Thank you to our major partners
The club proudly acknowledges the support of our major partners:
Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Yarrawonga Ford, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and BG Finance.
Pigeon Con’s Special Insight
“Some people complain that roses have thorns; others are grateful that thorns have roses.”
Thursday nights – Season 2026
Thursday night teas continue each week prior to Ovens & Murray matches.
Important dates
6 June – Past Players & Volunteers Premiership Reunion – 12 midday, JC Lowe Oval
Celebrating premierships from 2006, 2011 and 2016.
4 July – Club Ball