With the sun setting, the upstairs bar open and plenty of people around the ground, the stage was set. The Pigeons were itching for a game after almost a month since their last clash against Gisborne, while the Gippsland boys were probably just happy to finally get off the bus after making the long trip up the highway.
From the opening bounce, it was the fast-starting Pigeons who took control. Yarra moved the ball well, worked together and had plenty of options going forward, piling on six or seven goals in a dominant opening term.
At the quarter-time break, however, one major problem had been identified. Spiritual leader Scotty Ansell was stuck down in the back pocket despite bringing his own cheer squad along for the afternoon.
The call quickly went out to the coach; get the big man forward. Scotty embraced the task wanting five goals for the day, so the challenge was officially set.
Second Quarter
Yarra continued its run and carry in the second quarter, with contributions coming from all over the ground and plenty of different options presenting up forward. With Scotty now stationed close to goal as the big bear in the square, he finally got on the board with his first major of the afternoon.
Carrying a healthy lead into half-time, the Pigeons stayed out on the ground and decided it was time to throw the magnets around.
With the result well in hand, the challenge for the second half was simple get a few different blokes a goal in the final game of the season and, most importantly, see if Scotty could reach his target of five.
Before any of that could happen, Gippsland had some half-time entertainment of their own.
The Tigers requested a guard of honour before six of their players emerged wearing inflatable sumo suits for what the Pigeons were told was a Gippsland tradition. A short foot race followed, providing plenty of laughs for both sides and setting the tone perfectly for the second half.
Third quarter
With the Yarra magnets well and truly flipped, plenty of new faces found themselves in the forward line for the third quarter. The main mission, however, remained getting Scotty a few more.
He delivered with another two goals for the term, including one memorable effort where the big man sold some candy, finished the goal and headed straight towards the boundary with his arms raised to the applause of his personal cheer squad. Smiles and high-fives followed as Scotty enjoyed his moment.
Yarra continued to control much of the play, although Gippsland found some reward for their effort with a couple of goals of their own.
Fourth Quarter
Heading into the final quarter, the scoreboard was cleared and the game was played exactly as Masters footy should be. Players were thrown into different positions, everyone was getting involved and the campaign to get Scotty to five continued. At one stage, the Tigers even resorted to double-teaming the big man to make sure the milestone wasn't reached.
Despite Scotty falling just short of his ambitious five-goal target, the Pigeons continued to share the goals around and eventually ran out comfortable winners.
More importantly, it was a genuinely enjoyable game played in great spirit by both clubs, the perfect way to finish the season.
After the Pigeons belted out the song for the final time in 2026, it was upstairs for some well-earned beers and pizzas, followed by a big awards presentation from both teams. There were plenty of laughs, a few funny yarns and no shortage of stories from another great day of Masters football.
A huge thank you goes to the Gippsland Tigers AFL Masters for making the long journey up the highway, Copey and Burnsy for taking care of the umpiring, Godfather, Jezza and Benny for helping behind the bar, and the young fellas for running the scoreboard.
And with that, the curtain comes down on another Yarrawonga Masters season.
The Masters will be back in 2027. In the meantime, it's time to let the old bodies heal up and get ready for the footy trip.
Goal Kickers:
Gatty 4, Scotty 3, Blocka 3, Longy 3, Ash 3, Beaso 2, Briffa 2, Bibby 2, Mikey 1, Harding 1
Awards:
H&L Building: Ash, Swampy, Clyney, Briffa, TNR Transportables: Scotty, Tradie Packs: Trent, Yarrawonga Hotel: Reeves, Harding
