SHEPPARTON SWANS V KYABRAM
This is an intriguing match-up to see where these two teams are at.
Kyabram sits inside the top six on percentage at present while the Swans sit a couple of games outside with only two wins.
That said, they have been in every game except last round, losing four of their five games by less than a kick. Halve those narrow losses and they could be inside the top six. Coach Jedd Wright would have appreciated the inter-league bye as it will give him a chance to bring back a few senior players that missed the match against Echuca.
The Swans had at least a third of their best 21 missing from the big loss to the reigning premier. Zac Alderton, Zac Clohesy, Max Clohesy, Will Dwyer and Mason Pedretti will be looking to lead from the front for the Swans while the returning Andrew Riordan will be important to help the provide that experience and leadership.
Kyabram, itself, had a third out of its senior team in the gritty win over Tatura last round.
I think the Swans will be up for the fight, but I am tipping Kyabram to get the points. Tip: Kyabram.
TATURA V SHEPPARTON
Shepparton will be looking to continue its undefeated start to 2024 while Tatura will be desperate to get its first win since overcoming Seymour in round one. The last time these two teams went to head-to-head at Tatura Park it was the Bears with an after-the-siren goal that saw them win.
Internally, the Bears would be pleased with this start, but not even they could have predicted this 7-0 start to 2024, but they will take it. They were able to manage some players in their last round win over Benalla and no doubt they will return post the inter-league bye.
On the other hand, Tatura has been one of the big disappointments of 2024. Many around the league had the Bulldogs improving and even competing for one of those last spots in the bottom half of the top six. But for whatever reason it hasn’t gone to plan.
For mine, the Bears have too much firepower to let this game slip through their fingers. Tip: Shepparton.
SHEPPARTON UNITED V MOOROOPNA
This will be an interesting match-up between two Greater Shepparton rivals. Traditionally these games are hotly contested, and this one should be no different.
Shepparton United was up for the fight when it made the trip to Mansfield, pushing them all the way while Mooroopna overcome a plucky Seymour at home.
Mooroopna coach John Lamont would be the first to admit that his team still has plenty of improvement in them.
The first half against Seymour was patchy, but he would have liked the second half as the Cats out-scored the Lions to win by four goals.
Angus Hanrahan, Keelin Betson, Nathan Drummond, Daniel Johnston and Xavier were some of the players to stand out and they will need to continue that form against the Demons.
Jesse Cucinotta, Samuel Jackson, Aaron Britten, William Donaghey, Declan Newbound and Kaedyn Napier who kicked four goals, and is proving a target for the Demons will be looking to lead from the front to try and upset the more-fancied Cats. Tip: Mooroopna.
BENALLA V ECHUCA
This is a bit of a David versus Goliath battle. Benalla is at the foot of the table with a draw this season while the reigning premier sits in second place and on track to defend its crown.
Cooper Barber and Liam Tenace starred in the rout of the Swans last round, sharing in 10 goals between them.
Jack McHale, Hugh Byrne, Kane Morris and Mat Lias are others to be leading by example for the reigning premier which had 10 goalkickers in their big win over the Swans last round.
Jordan Wolff, James Martiniello, Christopher Welsh, Wade King and Fintan Brazil were the shining lights in the loss to the Bears at Deakin Reserve.
They will be looking to continue their form and the Saints will be hoping to have ruckman Mark Marriott available after he missed the inter-league due to concussion. Tip: Echuca.
SEYMOUR V ROCHESTER
Rochester’s improvement faces another challenge when it travels down to Kings Park to take on Seymour.
The Tigers have put together a suite of impressive victories before the inter-league bye, defeating reigning premier Echuca, out-playing Mooroopna and then having a character-building win over Euroa.
Seymour, after finishing the home-and-away season in second in 2023, has dropped back to be sitting in the bottom half of the ladder.
I have no doubt the Tigers are the real deal. I think the Tigers will feel confident they can get the win. Tip: Rochester.
EUROA V MANSFIELD
This is a huge game for both teams. It is one of those eight-point games, especially as Euroa sits a game and percentage behind Mansfield.
Mansfield had a win before the inter-league bye and coach Jack Hutchins will be looking for his boys to continue their winning form. The Eagles lost their opening two games and have then won five of their last six games.
Ben Christopher and Tom Gardiner played their last game for the Eagles in 2024 in the win over Shepparton United as they head overseas and they are big outs structurally. Harry Mahoney was outstanding in the inter-league win but he is likely to be playing mostly VFL for Collingwood for the rest of 2024.
Andrew Smith, Max Gleeson, Jack McKernan, Ryan Pendlebury, Will Hayes, Michael Barnes and Jett Trotter will be desperate to put their best foot forward to ensure the Magpies don’t slip too far behind the teams ahead of them.
I think the Pies can win and ensure they draw level with the Eagles on 20 points. Tip: Euroa.
