IN atrocious conditions with water above ankle deep over the boundary line, Wodonga’s fairytale start to the season continued when it defeated Yarrawonga by four points at John Flower Oval on Saturday.
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And there was no prouder man than new coach Dean Harding, who has started his coaching career with a perfect record.
“To the boys’ credit they stuck at it and kept smacking in,” he said.
“It was a good result for everyone.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be pretty and we knew what style of footy they were going to play.
“The boys kept sticking at it and had some real belief in their preparation, which is coming through at the end of games.
“Certainly we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved so far.”
But Harding had to wait until the final kick of the match to see the Bulldogs home.
Did Simpson medallist Connor Hargreaves, in his first match back with the Pigeons after an aborted stint with Central District, had the chance to be the game hero.
Hargreaves’ after the siren shot 40 metres on a slight angle fell centimetres short, to the jubilation of Wodonga’s supporters who celebrated the club’s best start to a season for more than a decade.
However, Yarrawonga only had itself to blame for the loss, mainly in the second quarter.
Whether it was from undisciplined play or poor decisions, Yarrawonga allowed the Dogs three goals from free kicks which turned out to be the difference between winning and losing.
One man who stood alone was Wodonga ruckman Matt Seiter.
He was determined to reward his good mate and fellow ruckman Sam Maher with a victory in his 150th appearance and left no stone unturned as he bulldozed his way around the ground and won countless hit-outs.
Josh and Jake Hicks, Sam Livingstone, Jack Russell, Zak Collins and John Pratt lent valuable support.
Yarrawonga co-coach Drew Barnes said the Pigeons were beaten on their merits.
“We didn’t have the consistency throughout the game,” he said.
