Shepparton may not be featuring in the Goulburn Valley League finals race, but if Saturday’s extraordinary upset win over a flag favourite is anything to go by, pencil in the Bears to feature in 2024.
The Bears, not for the first time this season, caused a major boilover with a memorable 10-point triumph against second-placed Seymour in front of jubilant supporters at Deakin Reserve.
The remarkable 11.8 (74) to 9.10 (64) triumph is the second time the Bears have knocked off a top three outfit and it has the rebuilding outfit finish the 2023 campaign in seventh spot.
“It was a super pleasing result, we always had the belief, we have it with any side we face, but we felt like if we executed our game style we could get the win,” Shepparton co-coach Xavier Stevenson said.
“Great to see a collective effort from the group and to be able to sustain it for four quarters, or the best part of four quarters.
“They had a really strong third quarter, they hit the front at some stage, but we just went back to what we were doing well all day, which was being able to run and use the corridor as much as we could.
“It was incredible and the rooms were amazing. I feel like we’ve got the best supporter base in the league.
“We’ve got an amazing committee and supporters, everyone was just pleased for us to get a win against a side who are going to be well and truly competing in the pointy end of the season.”
Led by captain Mitch Brett who starred across half-back with his decision making, Shepparton held sway for most of the round 18 encounter against a Seymour outfit without star Michael Hartley, Tom O’Sullivan and suspended duo Josh Alford and Will Brock.
Brett was deployed in defence and racked up 32 disposals, at 81 per cent efficiency, eight score involvements and eight intercept possessions.
Tyron Baden (30 disposals, eight clearances, one goal) and Adam De Cicco (27 touches, 10 tackles) finished their maiden seasons with the Bears in ripping fashion, while ruckman Bryce Stephenson capped his stellar year with a 16-disposal, 41-hit-out and six-clearance game.
However, Stevenson applauded the Bears’ youth brigade.
Ryley Yenco played a role in his senior debut, while Jordan McGregor and Izak Artavilla performed strongly.
“Mitch was fantastic; we’ve been exploring a few things with him this year and have been playing him in different roles, but we put him in back to what he knows best across half-back,” he said.
“He controlled the game really well, his kicking and disposal efficiency were at a high level and he really helped us to attack out of defence.
“But I think the most pleasing thing was seeing some of our younger blokes do well. Jordy and Izak were super, Ryley played his first game of the year ... it was more that younger brigade and their efforts that was the most pleasing thing for Ted and I.
“We’re in a position now to grow and to get two big scalps this year gives us a lot of confidence that we’re not far off. What’s more exciting is that the 22 who played yesterday, all 22 have signed on for next year.”
Seymour will need to do a bit of soul-searching this week as it prepares for a qualifying final clash against minor premier Echuca.
The Lions had a fantastic contribution from gun on-baller Jack O’Sullivan (35 disposals and 13 clearances), while Riley Mason was lively inside 50 with three majors.