Ovens and Murray: 2022 grand finalists Wangaratta and Yarrawonga beaten in round one

Round one of the Ovens and Murray league has delivered surprise defeats for both 2022 grand finalists.

The Ovens and Murray league flag race was blown wide open in the opening round when last year’s grand finalists, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, were rolled in matches played in front of massive Easter crowds.

Even though Wangaratta can’t earn points from its first two games due to penalties imposed on the club for its salary cap bust, the Magpies couldn’t deny Wangaratta Rovers the four points after being steamrolled late to lose by two points.

But, the bigger shock came on Sunday when Yarrawonga, being coached for the first time by former Geelong and GWS star player Steve Johnson, went down to Albury by 22 points.

Albury uncharacteristically ended last season with five successive losses including a straight-sets finals exit.

It also won’t have the services of co-coach Anthony Miles for the bulk of the season as he recovers from a badly broken leg.

Albury’s Elliott Powell was in the club’s best players against Yarrawonga. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

But its big-man stock was bolstered over summer by Isaac Muller crossing from rival club Wodonga Raiders and Elliott Powell returning from the Tallangatta and District league.

Both players were in Albury’s best with the Tigers also able to restrict Yarrawonga star forward Leigh Williams to only two goals.

“You always have a big build up for round one,” Albury co-coach Shaun Daly said.

“We felt like we’ve had a pretty good pre-season and are pretty fit.

“It’s great reward for effort for the work we’ve put in, but it’s only the start of a long year.”

Michael Gibbons returned from injury for Yarrawonga on Easter Sunday against Albury. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Yarrawonga was missing league best and fairest Leigh Masters, but welcomed back Michael Gibbons and Harry Wheeler, who didn’t play in last year’s grand final, which they lost by only three points.

Yarrawonga also picked up Cameron Wilson, who was the best player for Corowa-Rutherglen, which has gone into recess this season.

Wangaratta had two former Corowa-Rutherglen players in its team on Good Friday, Cam Barrett and Darcy Melksham.

Their high points totals pushed Wangaratta to within one of its reduced team points total of 36 after losing four in another salary cap-related punishment.

Wodonga has started the season brilliantly with two wins against Lavington and North Albury.

It kicked seven goals in the last quarter to beat North Albury by 45 points with the win even more meritorious given coach Jordan Taylor and recruits Jack Yelland and Jack O’Sullivan didn’t play.

Angus Baker has been best on ground in both wins to date as Wodonga takes on Wangaratta on Saturday.

Wodonga Raiders recruit Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, right, playing for Woodville West Torrens last year. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

Wodonga Raiders had the bye in round one and will unveil boom recruit, former Brisbane and Adelaide player Cameron Ellis-Yolmen.

Two weeks ago he played a match on permit with Picola league club Katandra.