Hugh Byrne led both sides in scoring, slotting four goals in round five and earning a place on Echuca’s best-on list. Photos: Rechelle Zammit
Despite a contingent of its three-peat winning squad exiting the fray to join rivals and other leagues in 2025, the reigning Goulburn Valley League champion Echuca still has every ounce of its premiership DNA following a strong 2024 grand final rematch against Shepparton in round five.
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As the league begins to shake out and tiers of contenders form, the Murray Bombers have finally returned to their rightful place at the top of the tree after downing arguably their most fierce challenger for the flag this season.
Echuca drew first blood in the highly anticipated contest through Sam Reid with Liam Tenace, Kane Morris and Makai Cronin following suit for the visitors
The Murray Bombers managed to keep their kicking on target, slotting 4.2 while the Bears remained in the hunt with 3.3 of their own, Echuca’s lead just five at the first break.
A slump in attacking production from Shepparton (2.1) opened the door for the Murray Bombers to take a strong lead heading into half-time, but too many chances went begging with eight shots on goal converting into behinds (3.8).
Despite the relative inaccuracy, Echuca still strolled into the major break up by 18 and would remain in the driver’s seat through the third term.
It was a similar song for both sides after half-time, with the Bears’ inability to navigate inside 50 resulting in just one goal and two behinds for the period while the Murray Bombers remained consistent in their efforts (3.6).
Echuca's Curtis Townrow closes down Shepparton's Daniel Meek.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Yet, recalling memories of its historic defeat at the hands of Echuca in the 2024 grand final meant Shepparton wasn’t going to roll over, slotting 5.4 down the stretch to scare the visitors.
Echuca lifted its game to match the Bears’ sudden surge in energy, also slotting five goals and just one behind less in the fourth, meaning the green machine was able to weather a late storm and come out on top 15.19 (109) to 11.10 (76).
Hugh Byrne led the way in front of goal (4) and was joined by Mitchell Wales, Curtis Townrow, Jackson Stewart, Lachlan Watson among Echuca’s best.
The 33-point victory was perhaps Echuca’s first true test to see if it still had anything in the tank following its three seasons of unrivalled greatness.
Next round’s road trip to Kyabram will be an equally challenging test for Echuca with the Bombers eyeing a return to premiership glory.
Through their unbeaten start to the season, the reigning champions have reaffirmed a message that spectators and rivals may have forgotten, that the Murray Bombers are here to stay.
The Game
Scores
Echuca: 4.2, 7.10, 10.16, 15.19 (109)
Shepparton: 3.3, 5.4, 6.6, 11.10 (76)
Goals
Echuca: Hugh Byrne 4, Liam Tenace 2, Mitchell Bell, Makai Cronin, Jack Evans, Jack McHale, Kane Morris, Samuel Reid, Jackson Stewart, Mitchell Wales, Cody Walker
Shepparton: Luke Smith 3, Lewis McShane 2, Daniel Meek 2, Zac Metcalf 2, Sam O’Brien 2
