Echuca and Kyabram took part in a hotly-contested slugfest in the first Goulburn Valley League semi-final on Saturday afternoon with little separating the sides in several key categories.
It is not unreasonable to suggest, absent statistical context, that Echuca (15.9) taking far better care around goal than Kyabram (11.16) would tell much of the story.
In securing an eventual 16-point victory at Euroa’s Memorial Oval and punching an early ticket to another grand final, though, the Murray Bombers were able to flex their muscle in ruthlessly swooping on the turnovers they could generate.
The third quarter, in particular, was a highlight for the reigning premiers, their scoreboard dominance primarily due to the errors they forced high up the ground.
Echuca taking charge in Q3
Score: 4.6 (30) - 0.6 (6)
Scores from turnovers (opp. defence): 2.0 - 0.2 (6.0 - 0.3 full game)
Hit-outs: 13-8 (51-63 full game)
Turnovers in defence: 0
Forward 50 entry efficiency: 77% (just 56% full game)
Finals football means a pressure and intensity that cannot be matched any other time of year, so it is extraordinary to go an entire half-hour stanza without coughing up possession inside defensive 50.
Kyabram had plenty of action in that area of the ground despite fading away on the scoreboard, its goal kicking woes in this period ultimately marking its downfall.
Echuca’s ability to effectively create attacks spanning more than half the length of the ground was vital in its propulsion to a lead that would prove unassailable.
This efficient style meant Echuca could rely on avenues other than dominating stoppages to gain an advantage, with the Murray Bombers losing clearances both in the third quarter and overall.
Skipper Sam Willoughby roared to life in congruence with his team, shaking off a first half of negligible influence to more than double his disposal tally by three-quarter time.
Four of his inside-50s came straight after the main break, the captain once again instrumental in elevating Echuca to a winning position against a formidable Kyabram outfit.
Big man Liam Tenace also found another gear when needed in all areas coming into the second half, registering two huge intercept marks to turn the tide and providing a goal assist among four total score involvements for the term.
Being a deserving opponent, Kyabram would not lay down from there, eventually finding some touch inside 50 to lay down 5.4 in the final half-hour.
Echuca’s superior execution, though, had done the damage by then.