But, with the possible exception of Albury full-forward Josh Mellington, it’s difficult to name a player who has made a bigger impact than Yarrawonga backman Tom Walliss in the opening six rounds.

Walliss has helped turn a leaky Yarrawonga defence into one of the tightest units in the competition.

They have had 96 fewer points scored against them than reigning premier Albury.

The former Berrigan premiership player’s impact hasn’t been lost on co-coach Chris Kennedy.

“We heard he was moving home to the farm from Melbourne and he’s been really good for us,” Kennedy said.

“Tom came through the Bushrangers system so we knew he could play.

“We knew he could play but he’s consistently playing at a high level.

“He’s a quiet guy and easy to coach.

“Our backline was an area we identified that we needed to work on and Tom, McMillan (Marcus) and Rhys O’Sullivan have helped that.

“If you look at the ladder, we have had the least points scored against us so far this season which is pleasing.”

Walliss, who has been selected in the Ovens and Murray’s new-look representative squad, joined the Pigeons from Northcote Park this season.

He previously played for Watsonia.

Walliss and Matt Gorman were teammates in Berrigan’s flag in 2011.

With Yarrawonga being battered by injury in recent weeks, the backman has handled every role throw at him by the coaching staff.

“He’s played in a few positions this year,” Kennedy said.

“He’s really versatile which has been handy.”

Yarrawonga went into Saturday’s win over Myrtleford without Xavier Leslie, Scott Oswald and Brandon Symes and Brad O’Connor, Drew Barnes, Logan Morey and Ed Bayles found their way onto the injured list during the 20-point win.

While the latest casualties aren’t long term worries, Kennedy said they could miss the all-important North Albury clash at Bunton Park on Saturday.

“None of them are over serious but they will all get assessed during the week,” he said.

“A few are in doubt with hamstrings without them actually going.

“We will probably be at our most vulnerable but our seconds and thirds are going well and we’ll put out a good side.

“North Albury is playing some good footy at the moment.”

In a show of Yarrawonga’s improved depth, the Pigeons are sitting second, fourth and second on the senior, reserve and third grade ladders.

Walliss, Barnes, Craig Ednie, Jess Koopman, O’Connor and Tyler Bonat are in the Ovens and Murray’s inter-league squad which will train for the first time at Lavington Oval on Wednesday night.