Echuca ends Swans’ unbeaten run in low-scoring dog fight

By Oliver Shedden

Jun 1, 2025

Echuca's Riley Murphy and Shepparton Swans’ Ty Sutherland contest the ruck. Photos: Rechelle Zammit

Trust the three-time defending champion of Goulburn Valley League football, Echuca, to bring a harsh reality check to the fairytale team of the season, Shepparton Swans, in round eight.

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The battle at Princess Park was easily the lowest scoring contest in 2025 for both sides as the battle was one split by grit, constitution and depth.

From the outset spectators knew they were in for an interesting contest when, for the first time this season, the Swans were held scoreless in the first quarter.

Joshua Hoffmann searches for a teammate. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

This gave the Murray Bombers the perfect opportunity to seize the lead, which they did (1.3), but not in as emphatic a fashion as they would’ve liked.

Echuca’s William Deutsher answered the call to arms, making the leap from reserves to senior football this season and slotting the only goal of the opening quarter.

Harry Milburn keeps his eyes locked on the footy. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A double by Cameron Valentine in the second period kept the ball rolling for the Murray Bombers with captain Wil Monahan also chipping in with a major to his name.

The Swans’ struggles continued in the lead-up to half-time, with the hosts only managing a single behind, the lead 18 in favour of Echuca.

Jack Evans collects the footy in the dying moments of the game. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Not one to back down, Shepparton Swans outscored Echuca in the third term, but didn’t make the most of their extra chances, settling for 1.6.

Meanwhile, another Cameron Valentine major kept the Murray Bombers in the lead by 22 points heading into a pivotal final quarter.

Jackson Stewart hangs on to it. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Experience and youthful exuberance collided in the final quarter for the green machine, with Valentine’s steady hand guiding the visitor while young gun Joshua Hoffman got in on the action.

However, it wasn’t enough to outscore the Swans down the stretch, who put in an almighty effort to cut down the lead to 17, but that was all she wrote.

Joshua Hoffmann and Mason Reeves get caught in a tangle. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Murray Bombers managed to hold their nerve in the final frame to notch a triumphant 7.8 (50) victory over Shepparton Swans 4.9 (33).

Valentine’s (4) efforts in front of goal earned him a place among Echuca’s best alongside Sam Reid, Jack Evans, Harry Milburn and Jackson Stewart.

Harry Milburn takes a drink and a breather. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The victory will go a long way in boosting the morale of the still hobbled Murray Bombers who know they can still come out on top against the best of the GVL.

Echuca will return home in round nine to host Mooroopna, with the hope of having one loss to its name at the halfway point of the season.