ECHUCA V KYABRAM
Echuca booked its spot in the second semi-final showdown with a hard-fought win over Seymour while Kyabram did likewise after shaking off a gallant Mansfield under lights at Mooroopna.
In the two meetings between the teams this year, they have gone in the favour of the reigning premier. But that said, the Bombers have had their moments during those contests before the reigning premier stamped their authority on them to run out winners both times.
Echuca had to work hard to shake off the Lions at Benalla last Saturday. They were able to establish an advantage during the third quarter and then maintained it before running out 32-point winners.
I do find it hard seeing the Bombers defeat the Murray Bombers.
I think the Murray Bombers leg speed could worry the Bombers and despite the absence of Byrne I do think they have the cattle in their forward line to kick a winning score and advance to the grand-final. Tip: Echuca
SEYMOUR V EUROA
What a contest this promises to be. Euroa is in really good form having won its final home-and-away match against Mansfield and then storming home against Mooroopna in its elimination final.
Despite not beating Seymour in 2023, the Lions have got the wobbles. They lost in their round 18 contest and while they were competitive against Echuca, they lost by 5 goals. That aside, re-appointed coach Ben Davey is a good operator and he won’t hit the panic button. He knows that their best is good enough to beat anyone. Would it be considered a failed season if the Lions didn’t at the very least get to the final three? The answer for me is yes.
I know that might sound harsh, but given they only lost two games during the home-and-away by a combined total of 11 points, I think they would have been banking on getting to the second last week of finals at a minimum. Internally at Euroa there was that belief that if they got their troops back on the park, then they could contend.
Against Mooroopna the Pies dominated territory in the second half.
They kicked 0.7 in the third quarter but they made amends in the last quarter, especially Jett Trotter who kicked three of his team’s seven goals to help them run out six-goal winners. I am going for the Pies in a thriller.
Tip: Euroa.
