Border Mail |
IT was just as Chris Kennedy had feared.
A week after yet another thriller against Albury, a noticeably flat Yarrawonga escaped with a closer than expected 17-point win over Wangaratta on Saturday.The Pigeons, who remain unbeaten after 10 rounds, were far from impressive against the Pies at Norm Minns Oval.
Kennedy, co-coach of the Pigeons, said the alarm bells were ringing pre-game.
“We were very flat before the game,” Kennedy said.
“The boys were warned about it but the build-up, compared to the week before, was a lot more laid back.
“Our pressure was down and their kids played man on man, which we pride ourselves on, and they did it better than us.”
Yarrawonga was down across the board, and had to rely on some magic from Kayne Pettifer to get across the line.
Pettifer, who is undoubtedly in Morris medal contention at the half-way mark of the season, booted five goals in yet another scintillating display.
Tim Cooper and Steve McKee were also productive, with livewire Wangaratta forward James Wong causing the Pigeons plenty of headaches in defence opposed to Richard Handreck.
He finished with four goals.
In a further blow to Yarrawonga’s cause, the Pigeons lost Corey Greer to concussion, just 10 minutes into the game.
He didn’t return and is in some doubt for Saturday’s blockbuster against North Albury.
“It was a real reality check for our guys,” Kennedy said.
“We won’t dwell on it.
“We’re happy with the points.”
Brendan Fevola finished the game with two goals, with the star forward sent off the ground for swearing in the final term.
Marc Lonergan also played a role in his first game of the year, with Kennedy the first to admit he faced a lot of selection troubles this week.
Tim Hargreaves booted 14 goals in the reserves to stake a claim for a return to the seniors.
