Yarrawonga’s top three hopes are alive after posting an upset 41-point win over a disappointing Wangaratta on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Pigeons blitzed the premiers early to lead by 30 points after 10 minutes and while the visitors rallied to grab a second-term lead, the home team kicked again to post a 19.12 (126) to 13.7 (85) win.
“That first quarter start was something we really worked on all week,” Yarrawonga coach Damian Sexton said.
“The negative was our second quarter, we let them back in.”
Wangaratta was missing seven players, with defender Ben Douthie a late withdrawl as he battles a knee complaint.
However, Yarrawonga was without eight automatic selections, including VFL ruckman Lach Howe, who also pulled out after being named.
“Early on, we defended really poorly, we just weren’t prepared to number up through the middle of the ground,” Wangaratta coach Dean Stone told Radio 3NE.
“Some blokes had some set jobs to do, they didn’t adhere to them.”
The Pies now enter the ‘soft’ draw, facing the teams outside the five, so their next big game will be the qualifying final.
The Pigeons hope of contesting that match was dependent on victory and they played with greater passion.
Second-gamer James Jordon kicked a goal after 30 seconds and the impressive Bronson Schofield and Jess Koopman followed minutes later.
Brandon Symes nailed a 50m goal from a tight angle and promising youngster Matt Casey floated in for a strong mark.
When Brady Pritchard was caught in possession, it handed the Pies some respite with captain Michael Newton drilling a running 50m goal.
The roles were reversed in the second term with Wangaratta dominating from clearances, with the Richards’ brothers – Nick and Joe – outstanding.
When Joe goaled at the 16-minute mark, the Pies had the lead, but just as quickly the Pigeons regained the ascendancy and never relented.
After a tough first three terms, Yarrawonga captain Tyler Bonat exploded with 17 touches, while the undersized James Elliott was excellent on Newton, his pace making up for his lack of height, although he still managed four goals.
Harry Wheeler and Jordon (three goals) were superb.