Goulburn Valley Giants were back in action at the weekend.
The Giants hosted Echuca at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on Saturday night for the David “Buck” McPhee Memorial game.
McPhee was a former player for Echuca’s masters side and was the initial coach of the GV Giants when the club was formed nearly a decade ago.
This was the second time the two sides played for the Buck McPhee Cup in 2024, with the Emus walking away with the victory in round two.
It was a similar tale on Saturday night, as Echuca was the stronger side from start to finish to claim the cup once again.
Giants spokesperson Jason Aspland said the match was played in good spirits, but started in poor weather.
“It was windy and wet and started off in pretty yucky football conditions, but as the game went on the conditions got a lot better,” Aspland said.
“Echuca were just that little bit better than us on the day.”
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GV Giants' Ian Maiden on the fly. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 14
GV Giants' Shane Bensch clears the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 14
GV Giants' Shane Bensch collects a ground ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 14
Echuca's Bruce McCahon takes a mark for the Emus. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 14
Echuca's Matthew Veitch takes control of the ball on the boundary line. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 14
Echuca's Michael Davis had strong hands in the rain. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 14
GV Giants' Russ Sheriff looks to lace out a teammate. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 14
Echuca's Paul Elso scans the field for teammates. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 14
GV Giants' Dan Hatton goes to smother the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 14
GV Giants' Steven Tate looks to turn on a dime. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 14
Echuca's Drew Elliott sends the ball deep inside 50. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 14
Echuca's Drew Elliott found plenty of the footy. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 14
GV Giants' Dan Hatton stands the mark. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 14 of 14
Echuca's Lyndon Nevill steadies himself in the wet. Photo by Rechelle ZammitReflecting on the 2024 season, Aspland believes the Giants have enjoyed a strong year thanks to hosting a successful masters carnival at Kialla Recreation Reserve in late June.
According to Aspland, another reason the Giants have found success this season is the influx of players they have received during the year.
“A lot of positives with the new players,” he said.
“Last year, we had games where we struggled for numbers; (Saturday’s game) we had close to 30 people available to play, nearly double what we had before.
“In that respect, it has been really good for the club going forward.
“There is a variety of talent; some that have come are ex-GVL superstars, and others are new players to football altogether; that footy-for-fun aspect is still being brought in for masters.”
The masters season may be drawing to a close, but Aspland said the Giants would look to make the most of their final three games.
“The round 10 fixture was left open for clubs to decide if they want to play, and we (do, so we) will travel to Albury-Wodonga and play the Murray Crays in that last game,” he said.
“We are playing Benalla in a fortnight and then we will play in Yarrawonga against the Pigeons.
“Training is normal, back on a Wednesday night at Kialla Oval.
“Training kicks off at six o’clock sharp for anyone new that wants to play football.”