SUPERSTAR Craig Ednie produced a near-perfect performance in setting up Yarrawonga’s upset 29-point win over Wodonga Raiders at J.C. Lowe Oval on Saturday.
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Coming off their biggest flogging in many years with a 90-point loss to Albury last week, the Pigeons bounced back in style after many had written them off.
Ednie was at his brilliant best, picking up over 40 possessions in a superb four-quarter effort in what could be his final appearance before his adoring home-town supporters.
With the eagerly-awaited return of champion full-forward Brendan Fevola for next weekend’s elimination final against North Albury, the Pigeons will have a further boost to their confidence.
Yarrawonga had its back to the wall when key backmen Connor Hagreaves (ill) and Ricky Barnes (knee) were late withdrawals.
But with the return of ruckman Steve McKee to support Riley Welsh, the Pigeons’ midfield of Tyler Bonat, Xavier Leslie, Tim Cooper and Ednie had their most productive day of the season.
Kicking into the breeze, the Pigeons returned to the game style that suits them best.
In a disciplined display, Yarrawonga refused to allow the Raiders any breathing space with Daryn Cresswell’s line-up managing just four goals for the day.
The defensive efforts of Bronson Schofield, Beau Seymour, Jordan Daniels, Matt Tregenza, Ed Bayles and Logan Morey completely shut down the Raiders’ scoring power.
After working to a first quarter lead of 12 points, the Pigeons extended the margin to 30 points at the long break.
The Raiders had no winners, although Todd Grayson and Stu Williams stood out in defence and on-baller Steve Jolliffe and shock late inclusion Jydon Neagle had their moments.
Yarrawonga co-coach Drew Barnes was rapt the Pigeons had bounced back to form with finals coming up.
“We had 21 guys who played a good game of footy today,” Barnes said.
“I thought our one per-centers were something the guys really embraced and I think we did that over the entire four quarters.
“It was a good effort by the boys to bounce back from last week as well.
“We got back to the basics and it seemed to work for us.”
Cresswell believes his team has some work to do before taking on Lavington in the qualifying final.
“Full credit to Yarrawonga, they were terrific today,” Cresswell said.
“Their pressure was great and they hurt us early by getting a hold of us around the ball.
“I thought we fought back in the second half but we certainly have some work to do and we understand that.”
