TATURA V MANSFIELD
It might be only round three, but this is a massive game for both of these teams as they look to build their case for the September action.
The Bulldogs are 1-1 while the Eagles are 1-2 after a narrow three-point win over the Swans.
Tatura was right in the contest against premiership fancy Euroa last round. But it was unable to put any scoreboard pressure on the Pies in the last quarter and slumped to a 33-point loss in the wash-up.
The Eagles kicked their highest score last week with 99. Coach Jack Hutchins knows that 52 and 60 which is their first two weeks’ score probably won’t be enough to even beat the low scoring Dogs.
If they can bring that form across to Tatura Park, then they will be right in this contest until the final siren. Tip: Tatura.
SHEPPARTON SWANS V SEYMOUR
After a week off due to the Seymour Farming Expo, the Lions make the trip down the highway to take on the improved Shepparton Swans at Princess Park.
Despite some gallant efforts, the Swans are 0-2 after two narrow losses to Euroa and Mansfield.
The Lions are also winless after suffering an after-the-siren loss at Tatura Park in round one.
This is a game that is likely to go the distance and the team that takes their opportunities when they have the momentum will win. Tip: Shepparton Swans.
SHEPPARTON V ROCHESTER
Shepparton will look to continue its unbeaten start to the season when it welcomes Rochester. The Tigers are 1-1 after suffering a narrow loss to 2023 runner-up Kyabram under the Moon Oval lights last round.
Ash Holland has made a dominant return to the GVL after a back-to-back premiership wins with Waaia. It looks like he never left the league.
The Tigers could have easily been unbeaten as well.
Coach Ash Watson will take the positives from that defeat and use them against the Bears.
This is a big challenge for the improving Tigers and if they can continue their good form, then the visitors are a sneaky chance of causing an upset. Tip: Shepparton.
BENALLA V SHEPPARTON UNITED
This is a real opportunity for these teams to chalk up a win after starting the season with a couple of losses. I don’t believe either of these teams will be high scoring this year, which will make it difficult for them to win a lot of games.
United has kicked 53 and 51 in its first two games while Benalla has scored 33 and 37 in its opening two hit-outs. This year will be used by both clubs to try to have some small wins.
If they can get enough supply to the forwards, then I think the Demons can win a low-scoring arm-wrestle. Tip: Shepparton United.
ECHUCA V MOOROOPNA
This promises to be a cracking contest between two of the league’s unbeaten teams.
Mooroopna coach John Lamont will welcome the challenge of the reigning premier. He has the knowledge that his Cats are one of the few teams who have beaten the Murray Bombers in the past two seasons. That win came in round 18 of 2022. Last year, the Cats pushed the Murray Bombers, going down by 5 points in round 18. So, the Cats who are in good form with wins over Kyabram and Benalla, will welcome the challenge of the Murray Bombers.
The Murray Bombers are two from two after a couple big wins over Mansfield on Easter Saturday and then in round 1 over Shepparton United.
I am going with Echuca to win this battle. Tip: Echuca.
KYABRAM V EUROA
This should be a fantastic game of football and it will no doubt tell us a lot about their 2024 aspirations. The Magpies are 2-0 and will enjoy this challenge of taking on the Bombers. But it will be very different Bombers outfit to the one they have built up a really good rivalry over the years.
Kyabram got its first win of the season last round, sneaking home by two points over Rochester. Premiership defender Lachlan Smith was the star for the Bombers.
I think that it will be the Magpies in front at the final siren. Tip: Euroa.
