UNITED V SWANS
This is an intriguing match-up between rivals desperate to chalk up early wins. Both had vastly different outcomes in the opening round.
Shepparton United caused what many would agree was an upset win over archrival Shepparton, while Shepparton Swans was gallant in defeat against the more fancied Mooroopna.
Skipper Kyle Clarke led by example for the Demons in their victory and he will be important against the Swans off half-back. Clarke accumulated 19 possessions, including seven contested and five intercepts.
The Swans’ midfield group are going to have work hard given the ruck dominance they gave up to Mooroopna last weekend, with its ruckman having a tough night at the office. Tip: United.
TATURA V MANSFIELD
Tatura faces another challenge when it comes up against last year’s preliminary finalist. The Bulldogs were comprehensively beaten by Echuca and coach Paul Barnard will be hoping his team doesn’t give up large chunks of goals.
Last weekend, the Bulldogs gave up seven second quarter goals and then eight last quarter goals in the loss to the reigning premier Echuca.
Mansfield coach Chad Owens will be eager to address giving up goals as well. The Eagles gave up seven third quarter goals in the narrow loss to Euroa last week at home.
Cameron Arnold was outstanding for the Eagles in the loss. More than 50 percent of his disposals were contested, and he kicked four goals from his eight scoring shots.
For the Dogs to they will need everything to go right for them. Tip: Mansfield.
MOOROOPNA V SHEPPARTON
Shepparton will be looking to bounce back when it takes on Mooroopna. The Bears suffered an upset defeat at the hands of United last weekend.
On paper, the Bears look more than formidable, but as we know that means very little unless you chalk up victories. Mitchell Brett was the standout for his team last week, collecting 27 disposals at 74 percent.
Boom recruit Bryce Rutherford didn’t disappoint in his Cats’ debut. He is one of my tips to win the Morrison Medal in 2023.
Ben Woods and Jackson Trengove (three goals) and Ethan Hunt (36 possessions and 133 ranking points) will be others important if the Cats are to bank another win. Tip: Mooroopna.
SEYMOUR V ROCHESTER
Seymour will look to make it back-to-back wins to start 2023 when it welcomes first round loser, Rochester.
The Tigers were gallant in defeat in round one at home against Kyabram while Seymour did what it had to do to get past an improved Benalla.
Lions coach Ben Davey knows his team has plenty of room for improvement after allowing the Saints back into the contest in the second half after getting the jump on them, kicking the opening five goals of the contest.
While, Tigers mentor Ash Watson will be looking to see how his team can improve on their 30 inside 50s against the Bombers.
Defender, Matt Kellett, centreman Joseph Atley (33 disposals, including 11 contested, running defender Blake Evans (29 disposals), full back Hamish Hooppell and ruckman Charlie Palmer will be all important for the visitors if they are to challenge the Lions. Tip: Seymour.
KYABRAM V ECHUCA
This should be a cracking contest under the lights at Kyabram.
The two best teams of the past two completed seasons, with the home team last winning a flag in 2019 and the Murray Bombers ended a long drought to claim last year’s crown in a thriller over Euroa.
Kyabram had to work really hard to shake off the challenge of Rochester last weekend.
New recruit Reuben Rode was brilliant off a wing, while midfielder Kaine Herbert continues to relish at GV level, collecting 35 disposals including six clearances and Brad Whitford was strong in collecting 21 possessions.
Matthew Lias (26 disposals & 8 clearances), Andrew Walker (33 disposals, 14 contested and nine clearances) and Will Monahan (18 possessions, 9 marks and three goals) will be others that will be vital as the Murray Bombers look to try and continue their recent good form over its Campaspe Shire rival. Tip: Echuca.
EUROA V BENALLA
Euroa is expected to be in the race for the premiership while Benalla is expected to improve with the inclusion of some returning premiership players.
Pies coach Scott Rowan knows there is room for improvement after last week’s success over Mansfield.
They were missing a few from their best that took them so close to last year’s title.
Former Carlton and Western Bulldogs wingman Will Hayes was brilliant in his return to his home club. Hayes gathered 31 possessions, including 5 clearances along with three goals. He is my other tip for this year’s Morrison Medal.
Benalla will look to Wade King, Nick Mellington (12 contested possessions and 5 clearances), Jarrad Waite, Joshua Marchbank (44 hit outs), Charlie McCarthy and Josh Mellington (4 goals from his six kicks and three marks) to continue their form for the Saints to be a chance of causing an upset. Tip: Euroa.
