THE Yarrawonga juggernaut has rolled on in 2016, boasting an unblemished record at the end of the home-and-away season.
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Though the Pigeons are firm favourites to win a sixth premiership in eight years, Wangaratta Rovers coach Michelle Caruso says the other three sides in the race are more than capable of spoiling Yarrawonga's party.
The Rovers exited the finals on Sunday with heartbreaking one-goal loss to North Albury, and it's the Hoppers who Caruso think could cause the most damage.
“I would say that we're most likely to see Yarrawonga and Lavington in the grand final,” she said.
“But you just can't underestimate the underdogs.
“North Albury and Wangaratta are both very young sides, but they've both performed extremely well throughout the year.
“The Panthers are probably just one step ahead of them – they've still got plenty of youth, but the blend of experienced players as well is just a bit ahead of the other two.
“The Hoppers might be the surprise packet, they can sometimes cruise along for a while and then strike at the right time.
“We found out the hard way last Sunday.”
Much like Hawthorn in the AFL this season, Caruso said the Pigeons had a knack for simply finding a way to win when the chips were down.
“Yarrawonga are a brilliant side, they've proven it year after year,” she said.
“You have to be on your toes if you want to beat them, you just can't give up.
“They always find a way to get back up off the canvas, no matter what happens during a game they're cool, calm and collected.
“They've blooded their youth well while retaining that strong senior core.
“The team has been built over a number of years and built well, it's the envy of most other clubs.
“The Panthers showed a fair bit last time they played Yarrawonga (in round 17), having lead the game for so long, but they might have gotten a little bit comfortable with the lead they had at three-quarter time.
“You just can't give the Pigeons a chance.”
With all of that in mind, Caruso said it was important not to forget the pressure Yarrawonga is under to defend their perfect season.
“The other three teams have nothing to lose at this point,” she said.
“Sometimes the top teams can have a little bit more on the line.”
Yarrawonga take on Lavington at Birralee Park on Saturday, while North Albury face Wangaratta in Corowa on Sunday.
