It is hard to find anyone else who embodies Shepparton United’s rise in 2023 more than vice-captain Mitch Roche.
With United facing its best result since 2021, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season for the Dees and has thrust his name into eye-catching territory across half-back.
His most recent blistering performance came in last weekend’s win over Benalla.
In the club’s third triumph of the Goulburn Valley League campaign, Roche posted 43 disposals, 39 of those effective, eight intercept possessions, six rebound 50s and went at 91 per cent disposal efficiency to be judged player of the week.
“It was a good way to end the year, hopefully we can get another good win this weekend against Rochester,” Roche said this week.
“I think we just executed our game plan the way we wanted to for longer period of times than we have in previous games.
“It was good that we could finally execute our game style and take what the opposition gave us and really reward that run from behind the footy. It was pretty evident with Liam Serra also doing well in a similar role.”
Roche’s transformation into one of the competition’s ball magnets has come following a shift to half-back.
The defender is ranked fifth for disposals and second for intercept possessions.
The exciting talent is ranked elite in both areas of the game and is averaging 24.9 touches a match.
United coach Duane Hueston has stationed the No.19 as an intercept and running defender, along with a few stints in the guts as a run-with tagger.
“I’m just enjoying playing down back. I’ve always sort of been one of those players that sort of just get put where the team needs you,” Roche said.
“I’ve enjoyed working on my one-on-ones and my shut down playing on small forwards, but also that run off half-back and (being an) intercept player ... I do a bit of everything down back and then I floated through the midfield as a tagger and learned off some of those good mids.
“I lined up on Will (Hayes) who has probably been the standout and it goes to show playing on him, his work-rate is so high and he’s so smart with the footy.
“To play and to hone in on one position for the season, I’ve been able to build my craft around that and play consistent footy.”
This year has also seen Roche chalk up 50 games, a milestone he achieved in round 12 against Shepparton Swans.
His younger brother Kian also made his debut that day to cap a memorable afternoon for the Roche household.
Both Roche boys ― along with the majority of teammates ― are showcasing that the future is bright at Demon land with the youth leading the way forward.
Roche epitomises that by being vice-captain in only his second full year of senior football.
“We’ve got a young tight-knit group and we’re keen to improve, so getting these little wins along the way are always good,” Roche said.
“I know there’s probably a few games where we let them slip and the opposition got over the top of us. There’s definitely been a few ups and down ... I think if we can build and drive on the positives hopefully we can improve next season again.
“It’s pretty enjoyable being a leader there. I’ve got Clarkey (Kyle) and Adam Pigatto by my side and we’re pretty young, but we’re learning together.
“I know we don’t have that many experienced players to feed off, but I think we’re doing a pretty good job as a leadership group at a young age.”
United gets a chance to finish this year on a high with a road trip to Moon Oval to take on fellow rebuilding outfit Rochester.
Roche believes a win on Saturday will inject crucial confidence and momentum into an emerging line-up.
“Hopefully we go out and execute what we did last week again,” Roche said.
“(It’s really important) to finish the year on three more wins than last year, so that’s a positive and hopefully get off the bottom of the ladder which will be even better.”