But the big man overcame the pouring rain to be the difference between the Pigeons and Tigers, clunking a couple of strong marks and booting two goals to effectively be the difference in the reserves grand final.

It was another arm-wrestle in the wet, with only two goals kicked between the two sides at half-time.

But Symes’ third quarter effort gave the Pigeons the break they needed and they didn’t look back, prevailing 5.4 (34) to 1.6 (12).

Symes was named best on ground.

Yarrawonga coach Richard Handreck said the Pigeons’ experience was crucial.

“We just had to be harder for longer, keep it simple and it worked out for us,” he said.

“Brandon gave us that breathing space with his two goals in the third quarter and a bit of momentum heading into the last term.” 

The Pigeons won flags in the reserves and thirds football and A and B grade netball.