Wodonga Raiders stun Myrtleford on its 50-year premiership reunion

It's impossible to undersell the visitors' effort in stealing a stunning 13.11 (89) to 12.7 (79) comeback triumph.

Written off as finals contenders after massive losses to Wangaratta and Lavington in the opening weeks, the club sits in sixth spot, but is only out of second on percentage.

In just his second game back, Jydon Neagle booted his second bag of five, while youngster Max Beattie kicked three.

Former North Albury recruit Isaac Muller had clearly his best game after a sluggish start to the season, starring in the ruck and also kicking a goal.

Co-captain Brad St John has played some half-back in recent weeks after years on the wing and he was terrific, while Tim Haines did well in defence.

"Just our belief is probably the biggest benefit we'll get out if it," elated coach Jarrod Hodgkin said.

"We were three goals down at one stage in the first and second quarters and four goals down in the third, so we had three or four mini-comebacks.

"We were confident we could run over the top of them and that's what we did."

And while profile players Neagle and Muller were excellent, it was the form of a handful of youngsters, including Declan Everett and Jake Bradshaw, particularly in that frenetic final term where the club also trailed, that will provide further development.

"I know we weren't expected to beat Myrtleford, but internally we thought we were a really good chance," Hodgkin added.

Liam Harrington, Declan Bren and Lachie Dale kicked three apiece, but given the buzz around the club as it celebrated the only premiership (1970) in its 71 years, it was an enormously underwhelming performance.

And it will also raise questions over whether the success-starved Myrtleford can handle the expectation of being a flag contender.

The Saints were missing three profile players in co-coach Jake Sharp, Kurt Aylett and Taylor Hunt to injury, but more was still expected on such a big stage.

They just pipped the winless Yarrawonga the previous week and, in hindsight, it was a loss they had coming.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Former VFL player Matt Munro and co-captain Mitch Dalbosco were the pick on a bittersweet day for the proud club.

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