What a way to start the 2024 Goulburn Valley League finals series.
Shepparton blitzed Echuca in a fiery first quarter before the Murray Bombers bounced back with a ballistic and match-winning last-quarter effort on Saturday.
The victory means Echuca is one win away from a fourth straight grand final appearance — pandemic-affected years excluded.
In Sunday’s afternoon elimination final, the first half was tight between Rochester and Euroa, with the Tigers taking a nine-point lead into half-time.
After the main break, Rochester delivered Euroa a well-cooked Sunday roast in the third term.
The Tigers bombarded the scoreboard to outscore the Magpies 38-9 in a match-deciding 30-minute period to claim the victory.
However, the match of the round came on Saturday night at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve when Mooroopna hosted rivals Kyabram in an elimination final classic.
The Cats-Bombers fixture had everything a classic final could ask for: biff, big celebrations, physicality and a large and vocal crowd.
At three-quarter time, Mooroopna held a 63-42 lead, but three quick goals to Kyabram closed the gap to three points in the first half of the last quarter.
This meant that the final 15 minutes of the match was squeaky-bum time for the players, coaches and the swarm of parochial supporters.
Ultimately, the Cats outlasted the Bombers’ power surge to secure a seven-point win. But what was the catalyst for Mooroopna’s triumph?
The answer can be found thanks to the busy elves at GVL Data.
Throughout the elimination final, the Cats looked at their best in clean air, utilising their speed and sharp disposals to dismantle Kyabram’s defence.
Mooroopna’s best football this season has been when the Cats stretch their opposition and dominate uncontested disposals.
The story was no different on Saturday night under the bright lights of Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
Mooroopna key statistical wins vs Kyabram
Disposals: 404 - 313
Handballs: 182 - 101
Intercept possessions: 72 - 62
Uncontested marks: 98 - 63
Turnovers: 65 -76
Gathers: 59 - 35
The Cats took 110 to 80 marks and had 35 more uncontested marks (98-63) against their opposition, meaning they were able to control the football and tempo of play better than the Bombers.
Mooroopna lost the contested possession count 125-142 and clearances 38-49, but it didn’t matter for the Cats as they kept the inside-50s even (47-50) and did their damage with speed on the outside.
The conditions for football on Saturday night were near-perfect, and the Cats made the most of it.
Despite winning the disposal count 404-313, the Cats had 11 fewer turnovers than the Bombers (65-76) as their elite skills came to the fore.
The question that is hanging on the lips of Cats supporters is, ‘Can Mooroopna do it again this weekend against Shepparton?’
The Bears are renowned for their intense tackling pressure and ability to hunt the ball.
Can the Cats’ quick, rebounding, outside-ball game plan work against the Bears?
Or will Shepparton bounce back from its second defeat to Echuca this season?
The potential inclusions of towering twins Matt and Jack Whitlock will certainly help the Bears’ case.
But who knows what can happen during September?
Can Mooroopna rise to the challenge and send Shepparton crashing out of the finals in straight sets?
The answer awaits when the two sides clash at Kings Park in Seymour on Sunday at 2.30pm.