Goals: Henry Dovan 2, Darcy Skehan, Billy Stevens, Henry Wren 1
Best: Henry Donovan, Jackson Pitt, Darcy Skehan, Jack Ibrahim, Mac Hargreaves, Archie McDonald
The Under 16s Pigeons travelled to Corowa on Sunday for a do or die final round.
Whoever was to win the game would make finals.
The percentage between the two sides was miniscule as the heavy rain took its toll as both sides attacked the footy with aggression.
A slight two goal breeze to one end meant that both sides could attack.
Corowa made the most of the advantage in the first quarter to lead 3.3.21 to 1.0.6 with Yarra’s goal coming off the ground by Billy Stevens.
The second quarter saw the Yarra side respond. Dominating most of the play, the Pigeons could only kick one goal and six behinds. The behinds would prove costly in the final result.
Corowa dominated late in the third quarter to lead by 19 points at the final change.
The coaches asked for the players to have one last crack and they responded.
A goal to Darcy Skehan in the first two minutes set the tone for a dominant 20mins and with 6 minutes remaining, the Pigeons were only a goal down.
Led by best on ground, Henry Donovan, the players gave their all but some stingy defence by Corowa in the remaining minutes saw the young Pigeons go down by four points in a thriller.
The boys held their heads high kicking two goals three behinds in the last quarter and kept Corowa scoreless.
A big thank you to all the Under 16 coaches, Vik Brear as team manager and the families, friends and supporters for their support of the boys throughout the year.
Under 14s
Corowa 8.8 (56) def by Yarrawonga 1.4 (10)
Goal: Murphy Doyle 1
Best: Not submitted.
Under 12s
Corowa 0.0 def by Yarrawonga 15.7
In what was a classic wet and cold football day, the young Pigeons finished their season in style with a terrific team performance against Corowa.
Although the scoreboard was one-sided, both teams showed up, embraced the conditions and gave their all from start to finish.
Yarrawonga came out firing with an eight-goal opening quarter, producing some of their best football for the year. Looking to give the first handball and bring teammates into the game, sharing the football was the highlight.
This was led by the strong play and poise of Nick Liddell & Marley Bigger, with both boys capping off terrific seasons.
Having arguably his best game of the year was Brayden Nish. The dashing left-footer showed poise reminiscent of Nick Daicos, sidestepping opponents left, right and centre despite the extremely slippery conditions.
With rotations high, Paddy Doyle was given his opportunity in the goal square and made the most of it, kicking his first major for the day and getting the whole team pumped.
Taj Einsporn and Tex Brady were also terrific, standing strong in defence before pushing into the midfield and providing plenty of drive.
The Pigeons finish the season just one place outside the finals, bringing their 2026 campaign to an end.
A huge thank you to the coaches, team manager Kristy Hargreaves, and all the parents and helpers who contributed throughout the year.
We’re incredibly proud of this young group and look forward to season 2027, as they continue to grow as young men, teammates and footballers
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