Shepparton Bears (1st) v Kyabram (4th)
Kyabram walked away from its 4th win of the season with its sight set firmly on this week, facing one of only two unbeaten teams in the competition. The Bombers’ game is in good order after a 511 possession game (a season record for any team) and 126 point win.
Anthony Depasquale kicked 10 goals, the Bombers didn’t allow Euroa a single mark inside forward 50 and the only statistical categories they were dominated in were free kicks (-6) and tackles (-12).
The Bears remain a top three clearance, disposal and marking team – an all round game which has it ready for its biggest test of the season.
Prediction: Kyabram by 15 points
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 8, 2025 – Kyabram by 9 points
Echuca (2nd) v Shepp United (9th)
Echuca will be aiming to maintain its momentum against its 9th ranked opponent this week – on the verge of facing the 2nd and 3rd ranked teams in the following fortnight.
A 43 point win against Mooroopna came on the back of doubling the Cats Inside 50 entries and through a contested possession dominance (+33).
United outscored Mansfield in the 2nd half of its 37 point loss on Saturday, but with only 3 goals to the Eagles 10 in the 1st half was fighting against big odds.
Prediction: Echuca by 27 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 10, 2025 – Echuca by 37 points
Euroa (11th) v Rochester (10th)
We are all just waiting for sleeping giant Rochester to awaken from its slumber, brought on by several star personnel being unavailable – Mitch Cricelli, Joe Atley, Wil and Hugh Hamilton, and Marty Hore.
They will eventually be back, but not this week. They lost to the Bears by 53 points, kicking just one goal in the first quarter and facing a 34 point deficit.
Afte half time they matched the Bears, but with one win are giving everyone else a big head start. In the next four weeks the Tigers should improve, facing three teams outside the top six.
Prediction: Rochester by 45 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 14, 2025 – Rochester by 3 points
Mansfield (5th) v Mooroopna (7th)
After successive losses to Seymour and Benalla, a Callum Brown and Matt King inspired win came after the unlikely pair kicked 8 of the team’s 17 goals. Brown only kicked 12 goals in 19 games last year, but bagged five in the 37 point.
King, who plays mostly off half back, kicked only four majors last season – on Saturday he kicked three.
Mooroopna sits just one win outside the top six and has the star power to match the Eagles in the mid-field. We don’t, however, find the first Cats name on the goalkicking until number 26 (Jack Osborne with 7).
Prediction: Mansfield by 28 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 12, 2025 – Eagles won by 51 points
Shepp Swans (6th) v Seymour (3rd)
Riley Mason’s return, the arrival of Jaron Murphy, ruckman Tom Stapleton’s long awaited debut on Saturday and the form of co-coach Jack Murphy are all reasons for Ben Davey to feel pretty happy with himself.
The Lions do confront a battle hardened Swans this weekend, fresh from a fighting three point win generated on the back of a Warburton led victory. The brothers, Ethan and Oliver, had 79 disposals between them and alongside Max Clohesy and veteran warrior Quade Johnstone will give the Lions something to think about.
Prediction: Seymour by 27 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 13, 2025 – Seymour by 24 points
Tatura (12th) v Benalla (8th)
Benalla was three points away from winning three games in a row for the first time in a long while. They will get back on track this weekend, but it will be without key forward Nathan Wright – who is now playing with Edithvale Aspendale in the Mornington Peninsula league. He kicked six goals with his new club and was best on ground last weekend.
Good news is that Michael Mummery, who kicked four of his team’s nine goals, is now fully fit and firing. Alongside David Mennen, Mark Marriott and Nick Warnock they will take care of the injury ravaged Bulldogs this weekend.
Prediction: Benalla by 78 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 16, 2025 – Benalla won by 78 points
