Shepparton United was impressive, but lacked polish with the ball in Saturday’s 49-point defeat to Goulburn Valley League premiership fancy Seymour.
Looking at the numbers from the round 11 encounter, Shepparton United was able to match it for most part and blustery conditions seemed to suit the home side.
The Dees brought the fight to Seymour early in the clash at Deakin Reserve, but Ben Davey’s squad was able to stand tall to claim its 10th win of the campaign.
In the opening term, United won the contested possession count (36 to 34), clearances (12-10) and tackles (14-9).
United also posted 10 inside 50 entries to Seymour’s 13, yet it was mistakes with ball in hand that cost Duane Hueston’s outfit.
From United’s 16 turnovers in the first quarter, Seymour was able to pile on 4.1 (25).
Seymour was able to make the most of United’s 70 turnovers for the match and scored 10.9 (69) for the match from those errors.
The visitors used the ball better in that first term as well, something that was evident across the four quarters.
Efficiency numbers
Scoring efficiency
Shepparton United: 25%
Seymour: 58%
Disposal efficiency
Shepparton United: 64%
Seymour: 75%
Inside 50 entries
Shepparton United: 30%
Seymour: 56%
Seymour’s disposal efficiency was at 79 per cent in the first quarter and 81 per cent in the second term.
The Lions were also a class above in terms of scoring efficiency.
The visitors doubled United’s scoring efficiency for the match with 58 per cent.
Seymour’s 4.3 second term came from only nine inside 50 entries and a scoring percentage of 77.
Seymour dominated the air with seven contested marks for that quarter ― seven marks came from inside 50.
Nathan Fowler booted two goals from inside 50 marks, while Riley Mason and Lachlan Waite hit the scoreboard.
Key stats
Disposals
Shepparton United: 287
Seymour: 341
Contested possessions
Shepparton United: 115
Seymour: 137
Total ground ball gets
Shepparton United: 93
Seymour: 84
Contested marks
Shepparton United: 1
Seymour: 18
Clearances
Shepparton United: 35
Seymour: 34
Inside 50s
Shepparton United: 40
Seymour: 48
Turnovers
Shepparton United: 70
Seymour: 53
But despite some of Seymour’s strengths, United can walk away with plenty to smile about.
United is the number one ranked team in the competition for tackles and once again Hueston’s charges brought the pressure and intensity on Saturday.
The Demons finished with plus 10 in pressure and won the tackle count by six and won the overall clearance count.
There was also plenty of positives from individual performances.
On-baller Sheldon Bogdan led from the front with 11 bruising tackles and six clearances.
Jayden Magro, although playing higher up the ground, was able to hit the scoreboard with four majors from his 17 disposals and four clearances.
Running defender Kyle Clarke continued his rich vein of form with 35 disposals and six tackles.