Myrtleford reinforced its reputation as the 'king of the cliffhangers' with a thrilling two-point win over a gallant Yarrawonga on Saturday.
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The Pigeons led for most of the match, but Will Quirk's goal with four minutes left proved the match-winner in the 11.14 (80) to 11.12 (78) home game.
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But Yarrawonga, which is fighting desperately for the only remaining spot in the top five, cut the margin back to two points when Mark Whiley converted immediately from the centre clearance.
"From there it was a scrap for the last few minutes of the game," delighted co-captain Matt Dussin said.
The Saints' players celebrated an amazing escape, while the visitors were left to rue a lost opportunity.
Myrtleford has now won all four games of three majors or less.
Co-captain Mitch Dalbosco goaled with 39 seconds left against Wangaratta Rovers on Easter Sunday for a five-point win.
The Saints followed that a fortnight later against Wodonga Raiders (six) and have now toppled Rovers (18) and Yarrawonga in successive weeks.
"I've been at this footy club a long time and I can tell you it would have been a different story most other years," Dussin said proudly.
"What Jake's (first-year coach Jake Sharp) done with this team and the belief we've got in ourselves, even talking to the rest of the team, we never feel like we're out of the game any more and that's a really positive step forward."
With five games left, Myrtleford holds down third spot, on percentage, with 11 wins, a remarkable achievement considering the club won only 12 matches in two years.
Dussin was dynamic in defence, while Tom Ellard and Brady Sharp also played well.
Coach Sharp and Lachie Dale kicked two goals apiece, although the latter finished the match on crutches with an ankle problem.
The Pigeons had four players with two goals, including Whiley, who was joined by Brayden Coburn and Harry Wheeler in fine form.
"Yarrawonga was outstanding with their contested footy," Jake Sharp enthused.
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