SHEPPARTON V EUROA
This shapes as a real test for both of these teams to see where they are at this early stage in the season.
Bears coach Brad Campbell would be pleased with what the team has shown in patches of the opening two games, but knows to be a contender, that playing consistently well for four quarters will be required.
And four quarters will only be good enough to get over a Euroa team that many believe will be there when the whips are cracking in September.
Andrew Briggs of Echuca rated the Magpies midfield one the hardest running in his time in charge when he got a first look at them on Easter Saturday.
The Bears have a very good midfield and they will need to win their fair share of the ball to ensure they kick a winning score.
Euroa has found a very hand forward in Francis Kinthari, who starred in the win over the Swans last weekend.
Others to shine in the win included Bradley McCann, defender Adam Tarrant, former Melbourne midfielder Rohan Bail, Trent Storer and Marcus Varley.
Shepparton started like a house on fire against Kyabram as did it in its season opener against United.
Ben Davies has fitted into the team beautifully after joining over the summer, Luke Smith continues to get better with every game, defender and skipper Ted Lindon continues to enhance his reputation as one of the best players in the competition, while youngsters Mitch Brett, Rowan Hiscock and Matt Ryan all did well last week against the Bombers.
Tip: Shepparton.
ROCHESTER V KYABRAM
The grand final rematch promises to be an intriguing contest.
The Tigers know that beating Kyabram today will not make up for the disappointment of last year.
Coach James Flaherty would have liked what his troops dished up against United, but he clearly understands that the challenge against the reigning premier will be much tougher.
Nathan Marrone, Scott Oakley, Nicholas O'Connor, Nathan McCarty, Jarod Bacon and Dillon Williams all helped the Tigers get on the board for season 2017.
Steve Stroobants was back to his best with six goals against United and he will be eager to do well against the Bombers.
Bombers coach Paul Newman would be the first to admit that his team still has plenty of room for improvement.
Against the Swans, the Bombers were ruthless in the first half, while against Shepparton they struggled for a half.
He knows that only four quarters will be good enough against a very formidable opponent today.
Aaron Hayes, Liam Ogden, Zac Norris, Lachie Smith, Liam Barrett and Brad Edwards have been some of the early season shining lights.
Tip: Kyabram.
MOOROOPNA V ECHUCA
Both of these teams are searching for their first win of the season on this historic occasion for Mooroopna.
Following the installation of the lights over the off-season, this will be the first time they are switched on for a home and away fixture.
Echuca was much better last weekend, despite going down to Benalla.
Morrison Medallist, Simon Buckley starred for the Murray Bombers, while big man, Kane Morris was a good contributor as was Cameron Valentine, Alexander McCann, Ruory Kirkby and Tyler Phillips.
Mooroopna is heading in the right direction under the watch of Dale Osborne.
New recruit Clint Riley was outstanding in the loss last weekend, while skipper Trent Freer provided great leadership for the likes of some of the young Cats in Bayden Fallon, Benjamin Hicks, Rhys McKenzie and Ryan Devine.
Tip: Echuca.
TATURA V SEYMOUR
Tatura faces its toughest test of the new season when it takes on the red hot Seymour.
The Bulldogs have played and beaten two of the teams who didn’t figure in the finals last year.
Jamison Daniels knows his team can’t afford any lapses against the Lions.
The Lions have one of the best midfields in the competition led by Ben Clifton, Andrew Sturgess, Jason Cole and Brett Meredith, while Brent Colbert marshals the defence and Saad Saad commands the opposition’s best defender.
For the Bulldogs, Andrew Ciavarella has been a good recruit along with Luke McGill while Mitchell Elliott, Sean Martin, Bradley Ryan and Lincoln Wellington were very good against the Cats.
Tip: Seymour.
SWANS V BENALLA
Benalla will be eager to make it three wins on the trot today at Princess Park.
Coach Luke Morgan is a smart operator and he will be reminding his troops to not underestimate the young Swans.
Rhys Shannon, Dean Johnson, Isaiah Jones, Billy Cooper and experienced midfielder Christopher Cullinan were the shining lights while BJ Squire, Jared Service and Nathan Terlich have been others to play well in the opening two weeks of the season.
Jarrod Bannister has been a brilliant inclusion for the Saints. He has given them a target to kick to in the opening two weeks and expect him to kick another big bag to add to his 16 goals for 2017.
Christopher Welsh, Thomas O'Brien, Patrick Robinson, Thomas Bennett and Zachary Pallpratt were key contributors in the win last weekend and they will look to continue their good form.
Tip: Benalla.
MANSFIELD V UNITED
This is going to be a huge opportunity for both these teams to chalk up a victory, having started with two losses.
Mansfield has really struggled in the opening two weeks to kick a winning total and United has also found goals hard to come by.
Earl Ree-Goodings, Brett Mahoney, Brant Anselmi, Jacob Howes, Ross Brown and Patrick Marks were some of the Eagles’ shining lights in the loss to Seymour while the experienced Stephen Scott, new recruit Reid Crowe, youngster Adam Pigatto, assistant coach Luke Lowden, youngster Aaron Britten and skipper Benjamin Bingham held their heads high against Rochester.
The return of Hawk premiership player Matt Spangher will certainly give the Demons some much needed experience.
Tip: Mansfield.
Last Modified on 01/05/2017 10:05
