GVL Football round 10 by Sam Saracino

OLD SCHOOL...Football training in 1966. From left, Arthur Howell, Bob Rowe, Gordon Weir and Barry Connors. Photo: Shepparton Heritage Centre/Lost Shepparton

SHEPPARTON UNITED V ECHUCA

Shepparton United faces a massive challenge when it welcomes the top of the ladder Echuca.

The Demons are showing glimpses of what they are capable when they are switched on but coach Paul “Hair” Serra knows the task ahead to get his group to play four quarters.

Today, against the visiting Murray Bombers that will be the focus.

And, he knows if they don’t the visitors will blitz them.

Edward Adams, Sheldon Bogdan, Adam Pigatto, Blake Serra, Oscar Ryan and Joel Serra will be some of the key players trying to replicate the first half of the Kyabram game a fortnight ago.

The Murray Bombers were challenged by the visiting Cats last weekend, but showed what they are capable of with easily their best half of football in the second half.

Co-coach Andrew Walker and Ruory Kirkby (five goals) led the way while Aiden Mills, Jackson Stewart and Liam Tenace chipped in to ensure the win.

If these guys continue their good form, the Demons will struggle to go with the visitors.

Tip: Echuca.

TATURA V SEYMOUR

This promises to be intriguing match-up.

Tatura chalked up its second win of the season last weekend when it skipped past Shepparton United.

Coach Paul Kirby would have been delighted by the fact that it was the Dogs best game of the season.

He will hope the likes of Chaz Sargeant (seven goals), Mitchell Elliott, Billy Cooper, Chris Ryan and Tom Sullivan can continue their good form against the Lions.

The Lions have been in really good form in the past month, but coach Ben Davey will be wary of the trip to Tatura.

He will turn to the likes of Seamus Feery, Lachlan Waite, Ben Rigoni, Joshua Alford and Jack Murphy to continue their good form to ensure the Lions’ charge towards the top six doesn’t get derailed.

Tip: Seymour.

EUROA V ROCHESTER

Euroa will be chasing an eighth straight win when it welcomes Rochester today.

The Pies are one of the form teams of the competition after a false start to 2022.

After losing their opening two matches, they haven’t lost a game since.

And, last weekend, they made a massive statement against a fellow premiership contender Mansfield by blitzing them in the first three quarters to run out an easy winner.

Ben Giobbi (five goals), Adam Giobbi, Andrew Smith, Jayden Gleeson, Nathan Stewart and Jack McKernan (three goals) were outstanding in the dismantling of the Eagles.

If they can continue that form and keep the likes of Andy Henderson, Jacob Atley, Mitch Cricelli, Jordan Harper and Angus Martin at bay, I think they can chalk up another strong win.

Tip: Euroa.

KYABRAM V MANSFIELD

This promises to be an interesting match-up for different reasons.

Both teams are 7-2, but have got to this position in vastly different fashion.

The reigning premier has been challenged in games against some of the lower ranked teams on the table, but then produced outstanding performances against more fancied opponents.

While the Eagles have produced some really good wins, including on the opening day against Euroa.

Although, coach Chad Owens would like last week’s game back again after his Eagles were outplayed by Euroa in the return bout.

Dirk Koenen, Lachie Christopher, James Herridge, Jono Aujard and Patrick Marks will be desperate to lead the Eagles to a much better four quarter effort.

If they fail to do and allow Jason Morgan, Zachary Keogh, Lachlan Smith, Aidan Robinson, Jack Sheldon and Zac Norris to get on top and dictate the contest, then home team could well be in front at the final siren.

Tip: Kyabram.

BENALLA V SHEPPARTON

Benalla will be chasing its second win of the season when it plays host to Shepparton.

While, the Bears will be desperate for another win which would keep them within striking distance of the sixth placed Mooroopna.

Ruckman and VFL listed player Tom Downie, was brilliant in the win last weekend for the Saints.

But he is likely to be back playing VFL, leaving the responsibility to Josh Marchbank in the ruck to lead the way.

Wade King, Adam Walsh, Jordan Wolff and James Martiniello will be others trying to continue their good form to give the Saints a chance of victory.

Bryce Stephenson, Connor Fleming, Edward Lindon, Rowan Hiscock, Rhiley Lau and ruckman Miles Rowlands will be buoyed by their efforts against Kyabram last weekend.

If they can continue their effort, then they should win the four points.

Tip: Shepparton.

SHEPPARTON SWANS V MOOROOPNA

Mooroopna will be looking to get its season back on track, having lost three of its past four matches.

The Cats, like most teams are missing some key players, but coach John Lamont is not one for using excuses for their losses.

He will look at the positives of last weekend’s loss to Echuca, which came primarily in the first half to replicate against the Shepparton Swans.

On the other hand, Swans coach Andrew Riordan will be hoping his group can replicate the last quarter against Benalla (8.4) from the first bounce against the visitors.

Liam Betson, Dom Gugliotti, Jack Hunt, Ben Hicks and Ethan Hunt will be the Cats trying their best to ensure the Swans don’t jump out of the blocks.

Zac Banch, Bryden Squire, Tyreece Collison and James Auld will be some of the Swans trying ensure their team start the game well to be a chance of an upset win.

Tip: Mooroopna.

OLD SCHOOL…Football training in 1966. From left, Arthur Howell, Bob Rowe, Gordon Weir and Barry Connors. Photo: Shepparton Heritage Centre/Lost Shepparton