He has been involved in some of Shepparton’s finest wins in recent memory and Bears’ co-coach Xavier Stevenson can add another to the ranks.
Stevenson celebrated game 100 for the club in Saturday’s upset 8.10 (58) to 4.14 (38) win over an inaccurate Kyabram ― one of the biggest results this Goulburn Valley League season.
The Bears raced out of the blocks with a class four-goal opening term and posted a 20-point buffer by the first break at an overcast and wintry Deakin Reserve.
It was a margin that Kyabram, despite its abundance of chances in front of goals, was never able to reel in for the rest of the match as Shepparton chalked up its fifth win of the year.
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Tussle: Shepparton co-coach Xavier Stevenson and Kyabram's Brad Whitford. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 5
Happy days: Shepparton teenager Jack Whitlock celebrates his senior debut with a win. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 5
Hands on it: Shepparton's Bryce Stevenson is tackled by Kyle Mueller. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 5
Air time: Kyabram's Mitch Dodos flies for the ball. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 5
In traffic: Kyabram's Tom Burnett caught in amongst a group of teammates. Photo by Aydin Payne“Yeah it’s right up there. It’s always nice to win as a bit of an underdog,” Stevenson said.
“I love this club and it’s great to get the win in it (milestone match).
“All year we’ve been really determined to take a scalp and obviously they are a really good side and today we were able to do that and execute which is great.
“They are always strong and we’ve got a lot of respect for them as a football club and it’s always nice to beat them because they’re such a great team.”
Stevenson pointed to Shepparton’s hard-edge around the contests and it’s ball movement on Deakin’s open spaces for grabbing the unlikely of wins against Kyabram.
The Bombers, without some of their key personnel from the previous round’s loss to Echuca, were left to rue missed chances in a game that sees them drop to third on the ladder with four rounds left to play.
The Bears’ playing coach was rapt with performances from Adam De Cicco, Bryce Stevenson, Jonty Wardle and defender Mitch Brett, who kicked the match-sealing goal late in the fourth term.
“All year we’ve showed really good patches and we’ve been doing a lot well for two or three quarters and there’s been games against other top-six teams where we’ve been in positions to win and we just haven’t been able to,” Stevenson said.
“I think today it was our ability to execute the inside 45 kicks, continue to spread hard and make the ground big and our willingness to compete at the contest which is what we pride ourselves on.”
The win was a memorable afternoon for Shepparton’s young guns, none other than debutant Jack Whitlock.
The talented Murray Bushranger joined his twin brother Matt in making a senior debut in 2023.
“We had three under-18 boys play today and Jack made his debut which is really exciting and it’s extremely positive going forward,” Stevenson said.
“The whole group are super enthusiastic and they’re a pleasure to coach for Ted and myself. They’re just sponges, they want to learn and want to get better and we’re excited for the future.”