MANSFIELD V BENALLA
Mansfield had one of its best wins for some time when it walked away from Tatura Park big winners. The Eagles set up the win with 10.9 in the premiership quarter after an even first half. One of the aspects that would have pleased coach Jack Hutchins would have been the nine different players to share in the 21 goals.
Benalla needs to pick itself up off the floor after having to share the spoils with Shepparton United. At one point in the last quarter, the Saints looked destined for victory only for the Demons to storm home to grab a draw.
Coach Jarrod Waite will be hoping his team can make the most of their opportunities against the Eagles. They kicked 1.5 in the last quarter and conceded five goals which led to the 60-all draw with United.
I think the Eagles get the job done and keep the Saints winless. Tip: Mansfield.
SEYMOUR V SHEPPARTON
Shepparton will be looking to consolidate itself at the top of the pile when it makes the trip south to take on Seymour at Kings Park.
The Lions are winless after only playing two games while the Bears have had three really good wins.
They won two quarters against the Swans and coach Ben Davey will be desperate for his boys to grab a win after a heart-breaking loss to Tatura in round 1 and then a loss to the improved Shepparton Swans last week.
If the Bears can get the game played on their terms, then I think they remain undefeated. Tip: Shepparton.
EUROA V ECHUCA
This should be a cracking game of football between two of the league’s undefeated teams. These teams played for the title in 2022 and the Pies got to a preliminary final in 2023.
The Murray Bombers have been the benchmark of the GVL for the past three seasons, including the shortened 2021 season. Jack McHale, Angus Byrne, Daniel Willis, Jack Evans and Matthew Lias were important in the reigning premier’s 14-point win over the Cats in what was a very even game. They won the third quarter which proved the difference against the Cats.
The Pies will need to be on their game, because when you look back at the past two seasons, the third quarter has been one of the best for the Murray Bombers.
I like the Murray Bombers to win a close one. Tip: Echuca.
SHEPPARTON UNITED V KYABRAM
Kyabram will be looking to add its second win of the year when it comes to the home of football.
The Bombers have been in all of their games this year but suffered a couple of narrow losses while the Demons are 0-1-2 after collecting a draw at the Benalla Showgrounds last week.
The biggest challenge for the Demons is kicking a winning score. They have averaged high 50s in points for in their three games in 2024. That might not be enough against the Bombers, even though they haven’t been a high scoring team in 2024. Tip: Kyabram.
ROCHESTER V TATURA
This will be a very interesting game as Rochester tries to saviour some great moments in its 150th year.
The Tigers have had a win in 2024 and gone close against the Bombers. Last round they were out-played by Shepparton.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs have had a close win to go with back-to-back losses against two teams that qualified for the 2023 September action.
The Bulldogs have a lot of work to do to regain the trust of supporters and the coaching group after the second half of last week where they were blown away by the Eagles, conceding 15 goals (10 in the third) and failing to kick a goal.
Rochester will fancy its chances against the Bulldogs, given that they defeated them last year for one of their wins.
And, I think their form has been solid enough to get the win over the Dogs. Tip: Rochester.
MOOROOPNA V SHEPPARTON SWANS
This will be an intriguing match-up. Both are going well despite their vastly different records – the Cats 2-1 and the Swans 1-2 after recording their first win last weekend.
The Swans have been very competitive, losing by less than a kick to Euroa in round 1 and Mansfield (round 2) while the Cats got the win over Kyabram and Benalla before losing by 14 points to Echuca in a gallant effort.
Ruckman Mark Kovacevic has been an outstanding inclusion for the Swans. He has been dominant in the first three games, ensuring first use for his midfielders.
They had nine goalkickers hit the scoreboard, which coach Jedd Wright would have been pleased with.
This will be a really good contest and one the Swans will fancy themselves in.
At home, I am going for the Cats in a close one. Tip: Mooroopna.
