Echuca repels fierce Kyabram assault in top-of-the-table clash

By Josh Huntly

Jul 16, 2023

Quick hands: Echuca’s Mitch Wales flicks the ball to Brady Simpson under pressure from Kyabram’s Mitch Dodos. Photos: Gregor Mactaggert Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

The Archie Walker Indigenous Round clash between Echuca and Kyabram lived up to the first-versus-second billing in the first half before the reigning premier flexed its muscles in front of a big Victoria Park crowd.

A fierce Kyabram came out firing, led by milestone man Liam Ogden playing his 200th game.

Ogden and Bombers spearhead Kyle Mueller were pivotal in the first stanza, helping the premiership challenger to a five-point lead at half-time to threaten Echuca’s table-topping status.

However, the Murray Bombers were unfazed in the second half.

They piled on nine goals to three, including five in the final quarter, to power away to a 15.10 (100) to 9.9 (63) victory, Echuca's 12th of the Goulburn Valley League season.

Echuca co-coach Sam Reid described it as a physical contest and credited his side for standing firm against a fiery Kyabram challenge.

“It was a hard contest,” Reid said.

“The boys played to a plan and we ended up running over the top of them.

“We thought we could get them on the outside with our run and carry. Everything we spoke about during the week came to fruition in the second half.”

Reid once again played a pivotal role, collecting 29 disposals, including 17 contested possessions, 10 clearances and a goal.

Ogden was influential throughout the game with 26 disposals, a goal and seven clearances, while Mueller kicked a game-high four goals.

Well done: Tom Holman congratulates Kyle Mueller after his remarkable snap from the pocket. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

But Echuca's multiple avenues to goal proved decisive, with five players each kicking two goals.

“It was an even spread across the whole team, everyone had good games,” Reid said.

“Jackson Stewart (22 disposals, 16 contested possessions and 10 clearances) was good in the middle. (Kyabram’s) Zac Norris has probably been the number one ruckman all year, and I thought Kane Morris took it up to him.”

It’s the second time Echuca has beaten Kyabram this season and the result allows the Murray Bombers to retain the top spot on the ladder, while Seymour has leapfrogged Kyabram into second place.

Echuca will now shift its focus to its clash against Shepparton Swans this week.