Handby, who flies from South Australia to play with the Pigeons each week, is a midfield coach at North Adelaide in the SANFL.

He has played in the Pigeons’ opening three games but is unavailable for the next three because of those coaching commitments.

Yarrawonga co-coach Chris Kennedy said the club was always aware of Handby’s schedule with the Roosters.

The strong-bodied midfielder has impressed in the Pigeons’ opening games.

“He was never going to play every game,” Kennedy said.

“We knew all along.

“We’ve got him for the next four after that and he’s available late in the year, so we’re not concerned.

“He’s been great.

“He’s probably flown under the radar a bit, if anything.”

The Pigeons will play at J.C. Lowe Oval for the first time this season when they host winless Myrtleford today.

Marcus McMillan returns to the team after serving a one-match ban for striking.

And while Kennedy was rapt to regain a senior player this week, he said it was Yarrawonga’s young brigade which had generated the most excitement at the club in the opening rounds.

Jacob Adkins, Damon Symes,

Logan Morey, Mark Athanitis

and Bronson Schofield have added plenty.

“They’re all good kids who want to

learn,” Kennedy said.

“That’s been a real aim of ours — getting games into our kids — and they’re thriving on it.

“They’ve energised the group.

“We’ve got a new look to our side.

“Last year a few might have seen pace as a weakness of ours but we’ve become quite a quick side now.”