In pristine conditions, it was Yarrawonga who struck first, rattling the Emus with two early goals and looking like they were going to have a day out.
The Emus responded, getting their clearance and contest game rolling, with Jon Beach moving into the ruck and Phil Arnott, Chris Hagan and Ricki Thompson combining well around the contest to swing momentum back Echuca’s way.
What followed was a tight, hard-fought contest that ebbed and flowed all day.
With limited rotations on both benches, fatigue became a factor and neither side was able to gain a decisive break.
Up forward, Mark Van Poeteron and Francis O’Brien provided an excellent spark, and Van Poeteron lit up the contest with a booming torpedo that sailed through for a goal from well outside 50.
Paul Elso was rewarded for his strong preseason with time through the midfield and played a solid role, while Daniel Fleming, fresh off a night shift, was tasked with shutting down Yarrawonga’s best in the first half and executed his role with trademark discipline.
The Emus backline stood firm under constant pressure, with Garner Smith and Damian Hammond defending strongly against a quality forward line.
The evergreen Rob O’Connor was tireless across halfback and repeatedly cleared danger.
Troy Ramsey added some much-needed grunt in the midfield after recently returning from a deployment in China.
With the magnets being thrown around by the coach going into the last quarter and the Emus pushing hard right to the final siren, the Pigeons were able to hold on for a narrow win.
Coach Lucas Walker took plenty of positives from the match:
“Lots of good passages of play,” he said.
“I thought the backline battled hard against a handy forward line.
“Our new look centreline played really well.
“We continue to find ways to hit the scoreboard against the odds and after being challenged, the leaders really stood up.”
Final Scores
Yarrawonga Pigeons 10.7 (67) defeated Echuca Emus 9.3 (57)
Awards
Echuca Workers Club Best On- Mark Van Poeteron.
Caledonian Hotel- Phil Arnott.
Moama Bowling Club- Troy Ramsey.
Dominoes Pizza- Jon Beach.
Oarsome Fitness- Ricki Thompson.
Echuca Stihl Shop Tool of the Week- Lucas Walker.
Emu’s “Burn ya mates”- Lucas Walker.
Goal Kickers - Van Poeteron x 2, Jurey x 3, O’Brien, Thompson, Brett, Arnott.
The Emus return home on May 3 for a big double-header at Echuca South Oval against a strong Melton outfit.
This matchup will coincide with the annual sponsors and life members day which will be a fitting occasion with the club's first game on their home deck since 2024.
Training is Wednesday nights at 6pm at Echuca South oval, new members (playing or non-playing) are always welcome.
