ECHUCA V KYABRAM
1 v 2 to decide the 2023 champion of the GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League.
The 2019 champion v the reigning premier and what a game it promises to be.
Kyabram deserves its place in the grand final after two solid finals’ win in between a second semi-final loss to Echuca.
The Murray Bombers have made their way back to Deakin Reserve thanks to victories over Seymour in the first week of the finals and then a three-goal win over Kyabram in week two of the final series.
Echuca v Kyabram games have all been very different, but all ended in victories for the Murray Bombers in 2023.
In all three games, Kyabram have had their moments, but it has taken Echuca a purple patch in each, which has seen them kick multiple goals to put a gap on its arch-rival.
Kane Morris v Zac Norris in the ruck should be a sensational match-up.
They are easily in the best few ruckmen in the competition and they will be looking to give their midfield group first use.
For the Bombers it will be Rhys Clark, Kane Herbert and Liam Ogden while the Murray Bombers it will be Sam Reid, Sam Willoughby and Jack McHale who will be keen to taste glory after missing 2022 due to suspension.
And there will plenty of others that go through the midfield to have an impact.
Both teams have plenty of weapons forward of the centre.
Kyabram has Anthony DePasquale, Tom Holman, Brad Mangan and Kyle Mueller.
Echuca has Hugh Byrne, Cooper Barber and Liam Tenace as the main targets, but have plenty of others including the midfielders who rest down there that chip in with goals.
In the win over Kyabram in the second semi-final, the Murray Bombers had eight different goal-kickers kick their 15 goals.
Defensively both are solid and have guys who can do jobs.
It will be interesting to see who the Murray Bombers give the job of minding the dangerous DePasquale. He proved a bit of X-factor against Euroa.
The run of Echuca will be interesting to see how Kyabram combat it.
But that said, Kyabram has got guys who can run and carry.
One of them who has been outstanding in 2023 – Brad Whitford.
The big question on most people’s lips is what role does Ben Reid play, given he hasn’t played a lot of footy in 2023 and will Cam Valentine as many expect return to lead the back six.
Then, there is Lachie Smith and Jason Morgan.
Premiership heroes of the Bombers and so important to their defensive structures.
Smith missed the Euroa win with a calf problem while Morgan did play in the second semi-final loss but missed last Sunday’s preliminary final.
He had previously missed the past four weeks, so whether he is good to go will be pivotal for the Bombers.
But they have shown that they can win no matter who is the back six.
Echuca has an impeccable record against Kyabram.
Since Kyabram won the 2019 grand final against Echuca, the Murray Bombers have won their past seven matches against the Bombers.
And, with that it is hard to go past the Murray Bombers.
Tip: Echuca by 23 points.
