GVL Data | Tigers hoping to claw Echuca in search of first win

By Josh Huntly

Apr 20, 2023

Pressure: Rochester’s Grant Fuller wraps up Echuca’s Andrew Walker in last season’s round 8 clash between the two clubs. Photo: Bruce Povey

It’s the Worksafe Country Round clash between Echuca and Rochester at Moon Oval this Saturday, with the Murray Bombers aiming for their third straight win and the Tigers hoping for their first of the Goulburn Valley League season.

Despite it only being round two, the numbers provided by GVL Data have each side sitting at contrasting ends of several key statistical categories.

The reigning premiers have worn the tag well over the first two rounds, blitzing Tatura by 98 points before holding off Kyabram last Saturday by 21.

The Murray Bombers rank first for total inside-50s (112), clearances (94) and tackles (144) while the ruck numbers point favourably to Echuca, tallying 106 hit-outs — 26 to advantage — in what’s been a strong midfield operation early in 2023.

Rochester have been at their best when they have attacked from defence.

The fourth quarter against Seymour, where they booted five goals to three, and the first half against Kyabram where the Tigers led by nine points at half-time, showed when the Tigers tighten the screws in their back half, they have been more than effective at utilising their high rebound-50 count.

While the numbers might predict Echuca to come out comfortable victors, the Murray Bombers will nonetheless be wary of a Tigers side desperate to notch a win on their home turf and give the reigning premier a good run for its money in the GVL rivalry clash.

Last time they met, Echuca was a 45-point winner over Rochester at Victoria Park in round eight last season.

But it will also be a big day off the ground, with former Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd and Melbourne Vixens star Emily Andrew in attendance as part of the Worksafe Round initiative.

On top of that, representatives from Beyond Blue and Mind Australia will be on hand to discuss mental health needs and concerns, as Rochester continues to battle the impacts of last year’s floods.