GVL ǀ Gallery ǀ Lindon marks milestone with Bears derby win

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Get around him: Shepparton celebrates a goal in its win over Shepparton Swans on Saturday. Photo by Megan Fisher

Premiership captain and Shepparton Bears senior coach Ted Lindon ticked off his 100th game for the Goulburn Valley League club in some style on Saturday, as the Bears overcame Shepparton Swans 11.14 (80) to 7.12 (54).

The Bears were back at Deakin Reserve for another all-Shepparton encounter, fresh off a 35-point win over United in round two.

It was a memorable day for the club for a number of reasons, with Shepparton’s 2018 premiership captain pulling on the Bears jumper for the 100th time, during his first year at the coaching helm.

In the mixer: Shepparton’s Jayden Dhosi weaves through traffic under pressure from Swans’ Andrew Riordan. Photo by Megan Fisher

Bears president Mark Washington said having a player like Lindon around the club was of great benefit both on and off the field.

“It’s a great milestone for Ted, he’s a terrific ambassador for our club, Washington said.

“He’s a terrific on-field leader, but off the field as well he offers so much, not just with the footy but across the board.

“He connects with everyone.”

Safe hands: Hamish Rowlands plucks one out of the air. Photo by Megan Fisher

As Lindon hit his 100th, young gun Tanner Madigan took the first step of his senior career, running out for his senior debut against the Swans.

If his debut is anything to go by, Madigan looks set for big few years in maroon, slotting a goal at a critical stage for the Bears on Saturday.

“He’s come to us from the Shepp-Notre juniors and has worked really hard to get where he is,” Washington said of the debutante.

Into the bread basket: Andrew Riordan takes a grab. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Kicked a goal at an important moment for us, everyone was just stoked for him.”

Forward utility Anthony Andronaco backed up his stellar seven-goal performance against United with another three majors on Saturday, taking his tally to 13 already this season.

Andronaco spearheaded the Bears’ scoring across four quarters, ensuring the home side kept the Swans at an arm’s length throughout the game.

Jacob Watts was best-on for the Bears with two goals to his name, while Lindon himself capped his century of games with another fine performance across half-back.

Despite the narrow loss, the Swans can take comfort in the performances of Andrew Riordan, who was ever-present around the contest for his side.

Moving it on: Mason Pedretti looks inside 50. Photo by Megan Fisher
Full focus: Isaiah Jones looks forward. Photo by Megan Fisher
Searching: Tyreece Collison asseses his options. Photo by Megan Fisher
Watchful: Zac Clohesy gathers the ground ball. Photo by Megan Fisher
Wrapped up: Shepparton’s Harry Brodie brings down Swans’ Rylen Damianopoulos. Photo by Megan Fisher
Good hit: Miles Rowlands lines one up. Photo by Megan Fisher