The big Irishman turned the screws with six in the second half as the reigning premiers had an emphatic 90-point triumph in the grand final re-match at the Albury Sportsground.

It was O’hAilpin’s best game for the season and took his goals tally to 55.

“It was good to see him back kicking them straight and competing,” Albury co-coach Daniel Maher said.

“That’s all we asked today, everyone had to play a role, so we are pleased.”

Yarrawonga started Ricky Barnes on O’hAilpin, before the big job was given to youngster Connor Hargreaves, who was best afield in last year’s grand final. 

“I thought Connor did battle hard,” Yarrawonga co-coach Drew Barnes said.

“He’s going to bob up and kick goals, Setanta. 

“Connor battled hard but you also have to look at the supply he was getting.” 

Yarrawonga got to within 20 points at the start of the third quarter, but all that did was awake the sleeping giant.

O’hAilpin, Chris Hyde (five goals) and Zach Sproule (four goals) did the damage on the scoreboard, while Joel Mackie, Elliott Powell and Luke Daly were outstanding around the ground.

Albury led by five goals at quarter time and by 37 at the long break. 

But every time Yarrawonga lifted itself off the canvass, the Tigers counter-punched.

The Pigeons challenged Albury at stages throughout the game, with Xavier Leslie, Tyler Bonat, Craig Ednie and Wade Lees getting their hands on the Sherrin.

Pigeons youngsters Logan Morey and Jess Koopman were outstanding, while Ed Bayles gave the visitors plenty of grunt around the stoppages.

But the Tigers flexed their muscles when they needed to, with Luke Packer leading from the back.

“Late in quarters they kicked quite a few goals and often those goals were directly caused by our poor skill level,” Barnes said.

Continued, Page 40.