After an 11-month absence because of a torn Achilles, Yarrawonga co-coach Drew Barnes hit the ground running against Wangaratta Rovers at W.J. Findlay Oval on Saturday.

Barnes’ bone-crushing tackle on Wangaratta Rovers defender Matt Howard handed the Pigeons their first goal after Brendan Fevola swooped on a loose ball and kicked truly.

He was solid throughout the contest and capped off his return with a last quarter goal from outside 50 metres that sailed through goal post high.

“I pulled up fine,” Barnes said.

“I was a little bit tired at the end of the game but everything went off well.

“It was good to be back out there among the team.”

After an even first half, Yarrawonga blew the game open with seven unanswered goals in the second quarter.

It was an onslaught Wangaratta Rovers were powerless to stop as the Pigeons’ quick hands and spread gave them the advantage plus the rebound of Connor Hargreaves across half-back.

Craig Ednie, Xavier Leslie and Tyler Bonat inspired the Pigeons while Beau Seymour played an important role and youngsters Marcus Hargreaves and Brady Pritchard had their moments.

After leading by 35 points at half-time, it was expected Yarrawonga would run away with the game.

But it took them 25 minutes to kick their only goal of the third quarter.

The Hawks’ lifted as Alex Marklew, Shane Gaston, Ryan Cobain, Stuart Booth and Dylan Wilson staged a fight-back.

Full-back Tyson Hartwig put the brakes on Fevola after his first-half five goals and James Smith made it difficult for Kayne Pettifer.

However, Rovers’ lack of a key forward again hurt them.

“At times we were good but again our skills let us down,” Rovers coach Paul Maher said.