Wangaratta showcased its enormous playing depth when they defeated a very gallant Wodonga at the Norm Minns Oval by 45 points.  The Pies went into the match with nine regular senior players missing but found a way to bounce back from last week’s loss at Yarrawonga. The Bulldogs themselves were decimated with the loss of star midfields Angus Baker and Alex Smout, while leading goalkicker Ethan Redcliffe were missing.

The Pies were led brilliantly by coach Ben Reid who booted eight goals and gun midfielder Abraham Ankers who racked up 39 possessions in a midfield clinic. Not far behind was Jackson Clark with over thirty possessions, while big man Zach Leitch was outstanding in his return along with rugged midfielder Matt Kelly. Former Kiewa Sandy Creek junior Jacob Barber was best for Wodonga with 37 possessions, while the Matt Wilson starred at both ends of the ground with three goals in a promising display. Yarrawonga overcame a ferocious challenge from Lavington to run out forty-point winners in a bruising and entertaining encounter at the Lavington Sportsground.

Leigh Williams booted five goals in a courageous display, he left the ground in an ambulance after receiving a knee to the back in the first quarter but played on to be a major influence. Both sides suffered big withdrawals pre-game with Michael Gibbons Yarrawonga and Brant Dickson Lavington both late omissions. The Panthers also lost Darcy Smith who crashed into the goal post, and Jack Kirley suffered a head clash with a teammate in the rugged and fierce first quarter. 

Mark Whiley, Harry Wheeler and Nick Fothergill covered the loss of Gibbons for the Pigeons, while up forward the dangerous Jess Koopman landed three goals. Myles Aalbers kicked four goals for the Panthers, while Will Glanvill and Jack Harland found plenty of the ball along with Luke Garland. The win has just about assured Yarrawonga of the double chance, while Lavington will now need to knock off a couple of top five teams to play finals.