TATURA V ECHUCA
Tatura has been one of the biggest disappointments of 2024.
The Bulldogs were tipped to be one of the improvers in 2024 after a year of working through its new game plan under coach Paul Barnard.
Unfortunately, they have had to deal with some injuries, including some season ending ones that has tested their depth.
They have suffered a couple of heavy losses of over 100 points and today’s visit of the reigning premier will challenge them.
Tim Wilson, Curtis Ryan, Comanche Walls, Mitchell Elliott and Andrew Ciavarella will be desperate to help their team be competitive against the Murray Bombers.
Kane Morris, Jack McHale, Samuel Reid, Jack Evans and Callum Parsons were strong in the win over Benalla and they will look to continue their good form.
The Murray Bombers were ruthless in the second half against Benalla – kicking 14 goals after only 5.13 in the first half.
There were plenty of positives for the Murray Bombers, including the return of Sam and Ben Reid coupled with having nine different goalkickers kick the 19 goals.
I think the Murray Bombers will be too strong for the Bulldogs. Tip: Echuca.
SHEPPARTON V KYABRAM
Shepparton will be looking to continue its undefeated start to 2024 and extend its winning streak to nine when it welcomes Kyabram to Deakin Reserve.
The Bears are flying and come into contest off the back of a big win over Tatura while Kyabram had a character-building win over the Shepparton Swans at Princess Park last round.
The Bombers are missing a few regulars at the moment, but this has provided an opportunity for them to blood a few youngsters that they hope take them into the future.
Jason Morgan, Anthony DePasquale (36 goals and leading the goal-kicking), Aidan Robinson, Kaine Herbert (five goals) and Brad Whitford will all need to continue their good form to match the more experienced Shepparton.
Herbert and Corey Carver would have been pleased that the team won three of the four quarters against the Swans, but they both know to win against the Bears everything has to go right.
Ashley Holland, Jhett Cooper, Tyler Larkin, Jacob Watts and Trent Herbert were dominant in the Bears near 20-goal win over the Bulldogs.
They won every quarter and had seven different goal-kickers, with six of those kicking multiple goals.
For me, they will be difficult to match-up on as they have good players on every line that will lead them to victory. Tip: Shepparton.
ROCHESTER V SHEPPARTON UNITED
Rochester is chasing a fifth win on the trot when it welcomes the improved Shepparton United.
The Tigers survived a real low-scoring arm wrestle at Kings Park where the Lions had a shot after-the-siren to win it.
Thankfully for them it didn’t go through to give them four wins in a row.
On the other hand, Shepparton United dished up another really competitive effort against Mooroopna last week.
Liam Serra, Ed Adams, Dae Szydlik, Joel Serra, Sam Jackson in the ruck and defender Aaron Britten will be looking to continue their good form.
They won two quarters despite going down by three goals, so the challenge will be to work harder for longer against the Tigers.
Mitchell Trewhella, Dylan Gordon, Wil Hamilton, Bailey Wileman and James McPhee were the shining lights in helping the Tigers across the line.
They will look to lead the way again to help the Tigers win and consolidate a place in the top three – behind pacesetters Shepparton (32) and Echuca (28).
I think this will be a close one, but I am tipping the Tigers to continue their winning form. Tip: Rochester.
BENALLA V SHEPPARTON SWANS
The Shepparton Swans must win this game if it wants to be any chance of figuring in the September action.
They have been thereabouts in all of their matches bar one but currently sit at 2-6 (W/L ratio) and three games outside the top six.
Max Clohesy, Zac Alderton, Zac Clohesy, Will Dwyer, Joeve Cooper and Matt Perry will be important for the visitors, who are missing some of their best 21 through injury.
That said, coach Jedd Wright still has some good talent in his team to be able to ensure they get the win over the Saints.
Wade King, Jarrad Waite, Jordan Wolff, Nick Mellington and James Martiniello will be having plenty to say about that and will be desperate to lead the Saints to a break-through win after only having a draw with Shepparton United this year.
For mine, if the Swans can put together four consistent quarters, then I think they will be too strong for the Saints. Tip: Shepparton Swans.
EUROA V SEYMOUR
Euroa will be desperate for a win having not won since defeating Benalla nearly a month ago.
The Pies have suffered back-to-back losses in between the inter-league weekend bye.
Seymour has been another team that has surprised many, sitting only with one win after finishing the 2023 home-and-away season in second place.
The Lions came close to defeating Rochester last round had an after-the-siren kick for goal sailed through the big sticks.
If they are to feature in the September action, then the Lions will need to get a wriggle on, starting with victory at Memorial Oval against their arch rival.
Seamus Feery, Dylan Scopel, Thomas Martin, Tayte Lewis, Nathan Fowler and Riley Mason will be looking to put their best foot forward against the Pies.
Will Hayes, Jett Trotter, Keily Jager, Nic Burke and Michael Barnes will be looking to guide their season back on track and climb back inside the top six.
The Pies won only the one quarter against Mansfield and they will be hoping to get a couple back who were unavailable last round that will help them get the much-need win.
I think the Pies can get the win if they can string together four consistent strong quarters. Tip: Euroa.
