After two weeks with just six teams in action, Goulburn Valley League supporters will have a full complement of matches to chose from this weekend.
A mouthwatering contest between Seymour and Kyabram headlines another big weekend of games, while the Shepparton Swans will be hoping to build on their big round 13 win and Tatura is set to celebrate a significant games milestone.
Seymour vs Kyabram
In what is shaping up to be the game of the round, Seymour will welcome Kyabram to Kings Park, with a distinct finals flavour to the fixture.
Coming off a two-point loss to the Shepparton Swans last week, Saturday afternoon’s game is a must-win for the Lions and coach Ben Davey acknowledged this.
Davey said his side was approaching the game “pretty much as a grand final”.
“If we lose this one then finals might not be possible,” Davey said.
“We need to start stronger this week, quicker and just be ready to go from the start.
“Playing a better team like Kyabram, they won’t give you a chance to get back into the game.”
Seymour will welcome Michael Hartley back into the squad this weekend, while Nathan Beattie returns after playing for North Melbourne’s VFL side.
Saturday afternoon’s game in Seymour will begin at 2.35pm.
Mansfield vs Shepparton
With both sides coming off impressive wins, supporters will be treated to an interesting match-up in Mansfield on Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles returned from their week off to put Rochester to the sword last Saturday, while the Bears enjoyed a well-earned break last week after downing Shepparton United.
Mansfield coach Chad Owens said his side was chasing consistency.
“When we played them over in Shepparton it was actually a really good game,” Owens said.
“In the first term they sort of got hold of us but didn’t hurt us on the scoreboard so we’ve got to make sure that we’re the team that gets off to the fast start this time.”
Brett Mahoney and Frazer Dale will be two big ins for the Eagles on the weekend, while others may come in depending on the balance of the squad.
Like Mansfield, Shepparton is shaping up well for the weekend.
Bears coach Ted Lindon said his side was developing into being a strong team, with the round 13 victory a good reward for effort.
“When we don’t have the ball we’re doing a lot of things right in that space, our challenge for the back half of the year is to continue to get better when we do have the ball,” Lindon said.
“We’re looking forward to the weekend, it’ll be a really good test against a side who’s in third.”
Play at the Mansfield Recreation Reserve will begin at 2pm on Saturday.
Rochester vs Benalla
Rochester will be looking to bounce back on Saturday afternoon, with the Tigers playing host to Benalla.
After suffering a loss at the hands of Mansfield last time out, Steven Stroobants said he would be looking for a strong four-quarter performance this weekend.
“I thought we played a good two quarters against Mansfield last week but couldn’t get the job done in the second half,” Stroobants said.
“Obviously Seymour losing last weekend helps us out a bit, we’re looking forward to this weekend.”
Chris Jansen, Shaun Atley and the rest of Rochester’s midfield will be ones to look out for this weekend and they will need to be at their best against a much-improved Benalla.
The signing of Jarrad Waite has seen a resurgence for the Saints and after picking up another win last weekend, Benalla will not be an easy task.
Saturday’s clash at Rochester’s Moon Oval will get under way at 2pm.
Echuca vs Tatura
The ladder-leading Murray Bombers will welcome Tatura to Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon.
Last time out Echuca picked up a 49-point win, however with Tatura stalwart Linc Wellington set to play his 300th game, the Bulldogs could cause an upset.
Tatura coach Paul Kirby, a premiership player and great mate of Wellington, wished his old teammate the best of luck ahead of game 300.
“It’s a huge achievement for Linc. I’m just super happy and proud for him,” Kirby said.
“He’s done everything in the GV and he deserves to have a big day and celebration. Linc’s been a great player, a great leader and a great mate and I’m happy that I can coach him in his 300th.”
The Bulldogs will be missing another three players from the squad this week, with the side’s injury list continuing to add up.
“We’ll be light-on again,” Kirby said.
“We know we come up against a really good side but we’ll put up a fight.
“They (Echuca) look like a complete side; they have key targets, strong midfield and bat deep.
“We’ll just concentrate on our effort, our pressure and maintaining possession.”
Tatura will face the daunting task of Echuca in Echuca on Saturday at 2.35pm.
Shepparton United vs Mooroopna
Saturday afternoon’s contest at Deakin Reserve is set to be an entertaining one, with two young sides preparing to do battle.
Both teams will enter the game with fresh legs after a week off and the match is likely to be played at a quick pace.
United will face the full force of a Cats side looking to secure finals action, with John Lamont’s men hungry for a win.
With games against Seymour, Mansfield, Euroa and Echuca coming up, Saturday afternoon’s game is a must-win for the Cats and United will be doing everything they can to spoil the party.
Shepparton United will take on Mooroopna at 2pm on Saturday at Deakin Reserve.
Euroa vs Shepparton Swans
The battle of the birds will be an intriguing one on Saturday afternoon, with two big round 13 results leaving plenty to think about.
While Euroa is returning from a week off, a massive 62-point loss to Echuca last time out is sure to be playing on their minds and after the Swans downed Seymour last week this contest could go either way.
The Magpies will certainly go into this match as favourites, however with the confidence of last week’s win, Jedd Wright locked in to coach from 2023 and their season drawing to a close, the Swans cannot be ruled out.
Euroa and the Shepparton Swans will do battle at Memorial Oval at 2.35pm on Saturday.