The 2023 premier and 2024 grand finalist was crippled with injury for most of the campaign, but still fought to the end, narrowly missing out on a post-season place.
Echuca’s fate was sealed on the final day of the regular season at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, the Cats overcoming the Murray Bombers 50-45.
Mooroopna established its lead late in the first quarter and never looked back from there.
From a 7-7 opening, the Cats drained six of the last seven goals to go into the first break ahead 13-8.
It was a game of runs in the second, but Mooroopna’s streak proved longer and the game was threatening to get out of hand at 27-18 at half-time.
Echuca showed resilience after the main break and fought back, closing within five at the final change.
The Murray Bombers were within two goals in the final term, but Mooroopna was able to hold firm and walk away with the points.
Meanwhile, at Princess Park, Shepparton Swans accounted for struggler Kyabram by 17 goals, edging past Echuca on percentage and claiming sixth place.
Although the Murray Bombers had seven more goals to their name this campaign, the Swans leaked 27 fewer, giving them the slight advantage and securing their finals place.
Echuca finishes in seventh with a record of 8-10.
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