On a dreary day at Tatura, Echuca was clinical in club leader Jackson Stewart's 50th game.
Seeking their second victory over the Bulldogs in 2023, the Murray Bombers withstood a spirited first-half challenge from Tatura, eventually pulling away in the second half with 10 goals to one.
Stewart marked his milestone with 24 disposals and two goals in the team's commanding 73-point win, while Jack McHale and Riley Smith also made notable contributions in the midfield.
However, it was co-coach Sam Reid who led the charge, amassing an impressive 35 disposals, including 21 contested possessions, 11 inside 50s and three goals, a statement performance after successfully overturning a three-week ban at the Goulburn Valley League tribunal last week.
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Head over the ball: Echuca's Will Monahan gets his kick away. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 6
Off and running: Tatura's Billy Cooper. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 6
Under pressure: Tatura's Brayden Hall. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 6
Get around him: Echuca's Liam Tenace celebrates a goal. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 6
Watching on: Echuca's Jackson Stewart in game 50. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 6
Looking for a teammate: Echuca's Joe Guiney. Photo by Aydin PayneBut it was a trio of debutants in Will Rohde, Sam Edgar and Leo O'Brien who drew praise from Reid for their performances in Echuca's 11th win of the season.
“A couple of young blokes we brought in played well,” Reid said.
“Sam Edgar with his pressure was good, Will Rohde worked hard all day.
“With Will’s injuries, he hasn’t played as many games as he would have liked, but we got him back and he had an impact up forward.
“It’s just what happens at the moment, doesn’t matter who we bring in they just play their role.”
For Tatura, Billy Cooper put in a determined effort with 30 disposals, while experienced ruckman Chris Ryan recorded an impressive 57 hit-outs and was crucial for the Bulldogs who trailed by three goals at half-time.
Echuca remains at the top of the ladder, closely followed by Kyabram in second place and Seymour in third.
The top three have now created a two-game gap on fourth-placed Euroa, intensifying the race for the coveted double chance in the finals.
Echuca is set to face Kyabram in a highly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash at Victoria Park this Saturday.
“My view is that us and them are probably the two top teams,” Reid said.
“They know how to win and they’re well balanced across their whole team.”