It’s only round two, but a duo of the finest contested-ball winners have already stamped their authority early in the season.
Joe Atley and Sam Willoughby are set to create an entertaining contest when Rochester and Echuca butt heads in round three’s Goulburn Valley League clash at Moon Oval this Saturday.
The Tigers are hoping for their first win of the season, and crucial to their chances is the man who has enjoyed a stellar start in the engine room.
Atley’s game against Seymour in Rochester’s 30-point defeat was a highlight, tallying 33 disposals and an eye-watering 19 contested possessions to go with 13 clearances.
And if you thought those numbers looked familiar, you would be right; Atley also collected 33 disposals (11 contested) against Kyabram in round one.
The Tiger star is ranked second in the GVL for average contested possessions (15) and third for average disposals (33). He is unsurprisingly going to be a vital cog in Rochester’s efforts to upset the reigning premiers.
Because over at the Murray Bombers’ engine room, his contested footy counterpart has also made a stirring start to his 2023 campaign.
Willoughby starred against Tatura (24 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 tackles) and then again against Kyabram (23 disposals, 10 contested possessions, one goal) in what’s been more of the reliable high standard from the 2022 premiership star.
If the two line up against each other this weekend, it should make for an entertaining spectacle in what should be an intriguing encounter.
Atley vs Willoughby (season averages)
Joe Atley: 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 8 clearances,130 ranking points
Sam Willoughby: 23.5 disposals, 13.5 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 125.5 ranking points