Craig Ednie has parted ways with Yarrawonga on the topic of where the O&M grand final should be played.
YARRAWONGA champion Craig Ednie wants the Ovens and Murray grand final to stay at Lavington.
The league is looking hard at moving its showcase match to Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval and that prospect strengthened after it successfully staged a NAB Cup match this month.
Wangaratta last hosted the grand final in 1994.
Yarrawonga is one of several clubs likely to support any switch but the reigning Did Simpson medallist doesn’t share his club’s view.
“I know the footy club wants it to go to Wang but, for mine, I’m happy for it to stay at Lavi,” Ednie said. “It’s like our MCG.
“The hill at Lavington makes the experience, I reckon.
“I’ve got nothing against Wangaratta but if it’s not broke, why fix it?"
The Little Master also leapt to the defence of his club after its fruitful off-season.
Since winning last year’s premiership, the Pigeons have picked up five former AFL-listed players — Kayne Pettifer, Brad Ottens, Steve McKee, Tim Hargreaves and Luke Hammond — plus Hampden league representative Jarrod Thompson.
He disputed claims the Pigeons were damaging the competition.
“You hear people say we’re wrecking the comp and not giving our juniors a go but you only had to have a look at us against Shepparton United on the weekend,” Ednie said.
“Guys like Corey Greer, Matt and Will Gorman, Matt Irvine all occupied key positions and there are plenty of others coming through.
“Stevo (Michael Stevens) will retire and Matt Shannon has gone over the summer — there will be spots up for grabs.”
Yarrawonga broke through for a premiership last year after three straight grand final losses but Ednie said that had only made the club hungrier.
“It makes you appreciate what Albury has been able to do,” Ednie said.
“We want to make the most of it while we can.
“The hunger is there but that will be our challenge.
“Obviously we have recruited and been pretty fair dinkum about it.”