The Goulburn Valley’s top two contested teams go head-to-head in what is shaping up to be a bruising semi-final encounter.
With a spot in the 2022 grand final on the line, it’s set to be a hot footy flying around Mansfield Recreation Reserve, no more so than at the coalface.
Echuca leads the league for contested possessions this season, averaging 136.7 a game, but not far behind on 133.5 is Euroa, who narrowly trails the Murray Bombers in clearances, 37.5 to 35.7.
In these areas however, Euroa has been a comfortable winner on both occasions. It’s lapses within single quarters that have undone the Magpies.
A slow start against Echuca in round 13 where the Magpies conceded five goals to none and a third-quarter capitulation in round three means the way forward is simple for Euroa — bring a four-quarter game to win.
In terms of matchups, the return of ruckman Kane Morris for Echuca will set up an entertaining clash with Andrew Smith, a player who has set himself as one of the finest tap artists in the GVL.
Last time, round 13
Score
Echuca 16.6 (102)
Euroa 5.10 (40)
Disposals
Echuca 287
Euroa 313
Contested possessions
Echuca 115
Euroa 138
Clearances
Echuca 32
Euroa 39
Inside-50s
Echuca 41
Euroa 35
The ruck duel
Kane Morris versus Andrew Smith (season averages)
27.3 Hit-outs 30.4
12.1 Disposals 14.9
5.8 Marks 3.6
1.7 Clearances 4.6
3.1 Ground ball gets 5.6