Mooroopna and Echuca are one win away from grand final berths while Tatura has kept its resurgent 2023 season alive in an action-packed opening week of Goulburn Valley League A-grade finals.
Under lights at Mooroopna the Cats bounced back from a horror end to the home and away campaign as they edged out Euroa in a gritty 44-38 qualifying final.
Maddison Wong led from the front with superb defence, while Asha Gray was lively through the midcourt with Shelby Britten.
Euroa, with its double chance, now faces Tatura on Sunday.
The Bulldogs escaped the first week of finals, their first appearance in 17 years, with a memorable 27-goal rout over Seymour.
The reigning premier, with injured star duo Casey Adamson and Sarah Szczykulski watching on, had no answers for the rampant and quick Tatura.
Molly Boyle and Jasmine Fraser were standouts in defence, while Steph Smith-Gorrie showcased her class under the ring in goals.
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Looking to attack: Mooroopna's Ella Ogier. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 6
In the zone: Mooroopna's Ashley Lancaster. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 6
At full stretch: Euroa's Kellie Davidson. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 6
Leading from the front: Euroa playing coach Ellie Warnock. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 6
Focused: Mooroopna's Asha Gray. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 6
Mooroopna, Maddison Wong.GVL A-grade qualifying final.Euroa v Mooroopna. Photo by Rechelle ZammitIt all kicked off on Saturday at Benalla Showgrounds, where Echuca went into its elimination final clash against Shepparton with a point to prove after drawing with it earlier in the season.
What that determination delivered was Echuca going one better than last season and progressing to week two of finals courtesy of a convincing victory over the Bears.
After the heartbreak of last year’s elimination final, the Murray Bombers ensured no repeat in a clinical performance from start to finish in the clash at Benalla.
Echuca has booked a date with Euroa in this week’s do-or-die semi-final after its 60-43 triumph, with the margin rarely venturing within 10 goals after the Murray Bombers came out swinging.
Sheridan Townrow, Greta Pearson and defensive duo Ash Mangan and Lauren Jones led the charge to make amends for an early-season draw against Shepparton and keep Echuca’s bid for its first flag since 2018 alive.
Coach Belinda Lees formed a dangerous partnership with Townrow in goals and said her side was just getting started.
“I just think everyone’s starting to play their role and they’re all playing for each other,” Lees said.
“It’s fun out there. Our defence right around the court was excellent, we’re really connected and it’s exciting.”
Lees couldn’t find fault with any of her charges.
“I’d rather just say that it was an incredible full-court effort,” she said.
“That’s all we can ask and when that happens, we play like that.”