Yarrawonga kick seven goals to one in final term to defeat Wodonga by 50 points

There were several lead changes in the first half before Yarrawonga took control in the third, and put the foot down late to win 15.8 (98) to 7.6 (48).

Yarrawonga midfielder Nick Fothergill was a standout for the home side, booting three goals while wingman Bailey Frauenfelder and halfback Leigh Masters were dominant players at J.C. Lowe Oval.

The reigning Morris Medallist, Masters, got the first goal of the fourth quarter with full-forward Leigh Williams then Fothergill following up with the next two majors, as Yarrawonga's prime-movers sealed the victory after struggling to shake Wodonga for three quarters.

The floodgates opened after that, the Pigeons putting on seven goals to one in the final term with Frauenfelder's roved goal at speed a highlight.

An earlier highlight was a soccered goal out of mid-air in the third quarter from Yarrawonga's Cam Wilson while an across-the-body snap from Ryan Einsporn was one of two nice finishes from the Pigeon.

There was only one goal for the game midway through the second quarter, with both sides' defences dominating proceedings, a goal to Williams via a free-kick finally getting the scoreboard moving.

ALSO IN SPORT:

Bulldogs Charlie Morrison and Jack O'Sullivan were valiant in defence until the floodgates opened, the former keeping Williams to just two goals, while Angus Baker was busy in the middle and Culcairn recruit Jack Chesser (two goals) provided a good target for the visitors.

"Our intent was good from the beginning of the game, we probably just didn't get the rewards on the scoreboard," Pigeons coach Steve Johnson told Radio 2AY-3NE.

"I actually felt like right throughout that first half we were dominating the game without capitalising.

"I was very happy with the game considering they are a strong opposition."

Johnson said the performance provided "a blueprint" for what the side's best football looks like after making some changes following last week's loss to Rovers.

"We had individuals right across the board, it wasn't just one or two standout players, everyone played their role to a tee today," he said.

Wodonga's Mick Driscoll went down with an ankle injury in the first half but, after some heavy strapping, was able to return to the field while teammate Bailey Griffiths was a late withdrawal for the Bulldogs as he continues to battle a hamstring complaint sustained against Wangaratta Rovers a fortnight ago.

To read more stories, download The Border Mail news app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: