SHEPPARTON V ROCHESTER
Shepparton has been competitive in all three of its defeats, showing glimpses of what they are capable of.
Last weekend against Kyabram, the Bears only won one of the four quarters – the last, but by that stage, the game was Kyabram’s.
For the Tigers, 2023 under new coach Ash Watson is more than wins and losses. This season is very much about the growth. They have a very young list, with some experienced heads in and around them.
Sean Williams, Blake Evans, Nate Rasmussen, Matt Kellett and Seamus Henderson will be doing their best to lead the way, but kicking a winning score could be the visitors’ biggest challenge. Tip: Shepparton.
MANSFIELD V BENALLA
Mansfield will be looking to make its three wins on the bounce when it welcomes neighbour Benalla.
The Eagles have just been going without setting the world on fire. They really had to battle hard to shake off the challenge of Tatura in round two and then the Swans last weekend.
Saints vice-captain, Brody Webster will lead a forward line that includes Jarrod Waite and Josh Mellington.
If they can get the supply and the better of their defender, then the trio could cause some headaches for the Eagle defenders.
Tom McDonagh, Patrick Marks, Frazer Dale, Max Mahoney and Lachlan Murphy-Dale will be looking to continue their good form to ensure the likes of Ben Christopher and the forwards get the supply to kick the Eagles to victory. Tip: Mansfield.
EUROA V SHEPPARTON UNITED
Euroa will be looking to bounce back from its first loss of 2023 when it welcomes Shepparton United to Memorial Oval.
The Pies were really good early in their loss to the Lions, but from quarter time onwards they were beaten to go down by 36 points.
Coach Scott Rowan and his coaching group will no doubt have looked at the vision to address the areas that let them down against the Lions.
Ruckman Andrew Smith was outstanding for the Pies last weekend.
Youngest, Darby Wilson did some really good things on debut and will look to continue that today.
Will Hayes continues to rack of the possessions, forward Tristan Davies will be looking to kick a bag of goals and Zac Gleeson will be important for the Pies when the ball hits the ground.
Mitchell Roche, Marcus Wattie, Joel Serra and gun recruit Jayden Magro will be looking to continue their fine start to 2023.
For the Demons to be any chance of an upset win, then they need a contribution from everyone. Tip: Euroa.
MOOROOPNA V SEYMOUR
This promises to be a cracking contest between two premiership contenders.
Both are unbeaten and it will be worth every bit of the admittance fee to watch two well-coached teams go head-to-head for early season bragging rights.
Mooroopna coach John Lamont would be the first to admit that there is still growth within his team after three arm-wrestles to open the season.
He knows despite the three wins against fellow Greater Shepparton teams, that they haven’t been at their best.
The one thing that really impressed me about the Lions was their fitness. They never stopped running all day against the Pies.
Riley Mason was brilliant. He kicked six goals himself but was involved in many others.
Reigning Morrison Medallist Ben Rigoni was brilliant as was Jack Murphy, Clayton Salmon and Michael Hartley was also good playing as a ruckman/forward.
The Lions were really good, and they will only get stronger as they welcome back a few senior troops over the coming weeks. Tip: Seymour.
TATURA V KYABRAM
Tatura has bounced back strongly after a first up Easter Saturday bashing from Echuca while Kyabram sits at 2-1 after defeating Rochester and Shepparton in between losing to Echuca.
The Bulldogs were celebrating their first win last weekend after overcoming Benalla by two goals.
That win was probably set-up for the volume of work they did in the narrow loss to Mansfield in round two.
New coach Paul Barnard seems to have the Bulldogs playing a system that relies on being accountable judging from the scores against in the past fortnight. And if they can continue to defend strongly then they will be in a lot of games.
Kyabram coach Paul Newman would be satisfied with their team’s start, knowing that there is still room for improvement.
Ruckman, Zachary Norris will be looking to give the likes of Reuben Rode and Kaine Herbert first use to ensure the likes of Thomas Holman and the forward line can kick a winning score. Tip: Kyabram.
ECHUCA V SHEPPARTON SWANS
Is it possible for the reigning premier to get better after climbing to the top of the mountain in 2022? Echuca is three from three in its title defence and remains the team to beat.
Despite last year’s win, it is very evident that the coaching panel are driving this group to keep getting better. They have started with strong wins over Tatura, Kyabram and Rochester.
Some would say that two of those wins have come against teams who may not be contending for the flag in 2023. True. But it is the manner of those wins that make the Murray Bombers are a scary proposition for whoever plays them.
For the visitors, utility Andrew Riordan has been outstanding as has defender, Rylen Damianopoulos.
Skipper Nathan Rachele is leading by example and the Swans will look to other youngsters, Bowen Calogero, James Auld and hopefully the returning Zac Banch to push the Murray Bombers at Victoria Park.
The Swans will be hoping to regain ex-Kangaroo Jamie McMillan who was a late out in last week’s loss to Mansfield. Tip: Echuca.
