Bragging rights are up for grabs on Saturday when Shepparton Swans play host to Shepparton United in round 12 Goulburn Valley League action.
Tied on two wins each for the season, Saturday’s Indigenous Round encounter presents both sides with an opportunity to secure a third triumph.
Both sides go into this clash lacking key personnel, but it’s still expected to be a tight tussle with most pundits undecided on the likely victor.
The Dees will be without on-ballers Joel Serra, Kaedyn Napier, Fergus Pinnuck, Damon Carroll and star talent Lewis Stanton.
Swans’ first win of the campaign came in the round two victory over United — a game on paper that was dominated by the victors.
Jedd Wright’s charges owned possession and won the disposal count by 112, while United displayed its signature pressure and tackling by posting 15 more tackles and 26 more pressure acts.
Although Shepparton United coach Duane Hueston missed the round two contest, he still sat through the game footage of the defeat.
“I actually was unavailable for the match, but I watched the footage and I loved how they look to play,” he said.
“They are really dangerous with ball in hand and with their link-up, they also like to move the ball quick. They’ve got a handful of players in form ... Hrovat is one, the other is Zac Banch, who is lively around contests, and ‘Riordo’ (Andrew Riordan) who reads the ball well.”
Both teams look to play a similar brand.
Cause turnovers through pressure and move the ball in quick fashion with high risk.
Swans are first in the league for pressure acts, while the two sides sit first and second for tackles in back 50.
However, they are also the top two teams in the competition for turnovers.
United is ranked first with 68.6, while the Swans sit second with 65.4 a match.
In round two, the Swans feasted on United’s 88 turnovers with 10.8 scored ― three goals coming from turnovers in their backline.
Last time they met, round two
Disposals
Shepparton United: 310
Shepparton Swans: 422
Clearances
Shepparton United: 25
Shepparton Swans: 45
Tackles
Shepparton United: 63
Shepparton Swans: 48
Turnovers
Shepparton United: 88
Shepparton Swans: 68
The Demons enter the clash from their week off, while the Swans are still smarting from a disappointing 11-point defeat on the road to Rochester.
Hueston’s counterpart said his young outfit was still juggling the challenges of playing four-quarter football ― something it would look to rectify this weekend.
“We take confidence in knowing we beat them (United) last time out but our form is a bit hit and miss at the moment which is what you get with a young side,” Wright said.
“They play a similar brand to us really and we know that we have to stick to our game plan, execute better with the ball and not lose momentum.
“It’s Quade Johnstone’s 200th match this weekend too which is a big occasion for the club.”