EUROA V TATURA
This promises to be a fantastic game that will see one of these teams end the day at 2-0.
Tatura will be on a high after its after-the-siren win that was sealed by Chaz Sargeant. While the Pies held on to edge past the fast-finishing Shepparton Swans at Princess Park. First-year coach Ryan Pendlebury would not have been happy with the final quarter.
Many thought the Lions would be too strong, but when the teams came out, I think the Dogs gave themselves every chance to win, given some of the absentees for the Lions.
This is sure to be a real arm wrestle and I expect it to go down to the wire. Tip: Euroa.
MANSFIELD V SHEPPARTON SWANS
This is a massive game, especially for Mansfield who want to avoid a 0-3 start to the season.
The Eagles have struck the reigning premier first-up and then Shepparton away from home. There were patches that would have pleased first year coach Jack Hutchins last Saturday.
They jumped the Bears to be leading by 22 points at quarter time. But then they failed to kick a goal until the last quarter and also gave up six goals from 13 scoring shots.
The Swans looked second best for most of their contest with Euroa, but stormed home to nearly pinch the win.
If they can string together four quarters, then I give them a chance of toppling the Eagles.
Finding enough avenues to goal could be the biggest challenge for the Eagles. Tip: Shepparton Swans.
MOOROOPNA V BENALLA
Mooroopna started the season in fine style by going across to Kyabram and coming away with the win.
Aside from the last quarter, Mooroopna was able to take charge of the contest through the middle part of the game.
Daniel Johnstone was outstanding for the Cats with five majors.
If they get that team buy-in and can keep the likes of Mark Marriott, Tom O’Brien, Christopher Welsh, Nicholas Brazil, James Martiniello and Jarrod Waite at bay, then the Cats should go to 2-0 to start 2024. Tip: Mooroopna.
ROCHESTER V KYABRAM
This will be an interesting contest under-lights at Moon Oval Rochester. The Tigers kicked off 2024 in style with an emphatic away win at Benalla.
While last year’s runner-up was beaten by fellow finalist Mooroopna in round 1.
The Tigers could not have asked for a better start to the season. Coach Ash Watson would have been pleased with all aspects.
Mitchell Trewhella, Ryan O’Keefe, Andy Henderson, Bailey Wileman, Mitch Cricelli and Sean Williams were important in the win.
Liam Ogden, Eamonn Ogden, Josh Dillon and Marcus Khoo were the key contributors for the Bombers last start.
Corey Carver and Kaine Herbert have a challenge on their hands to try find more avenues to goal in 2024.
Brad Mangan leads the line and then there is Anthony DePasquale who is expected to take his game to another level in 2024. Tip: Kyabram.
SHEPPARTON UNITED V SHEPPARTON
The clash of the Deakin Reserve co-tenants promises to be a beauty.
Rewind 12 months ago and the Demons caused one of the boilovers of 2023 when it defeated the Bears on Good Friday.
Can they repeat it again?
Both the playing rosters have changed with the Bears welcoming four premiership players back to the fold, while the Demons have a number of returning and new faces who fronted for them in round 1.
Kicking goals is going to be a problem for the Demons and coach Duane Hueston knows that it will take a collective effort from his forwards to kick a winning score.
Bears co-coaches Ted Lindon and Xavier Stevenson will be eager to address the slow start against Mansfield. Tip: Shepparton.
