For Echuca, they were arguably best served by returning star Gus Byrne, who seems to have a knack for finals impact.
After playing a key role in last year’s finals series, the Geelong VFL skipper slotted four goals, gathered 13 contested possessions and 11 marks in Echuca’s 32-point qualifying final win over Seymour, his first game back in the senior side since round nine.
Three of those goals came in the third term after Seymour threatened to blow the game open in the penultimate stanza, an invaluable contribution.
The performance was matched only by Lions’ star Riley Mason, who was similarly lethal with four goals of his own to go with 18 disposals and 10 marks, kicking Seymour off to a fast start.
Logan Prout helped weather the Lions’ storm with a 21-disposal, nine-mark performance out of the backline for Echuca.
Out at Mooroopna, Kyabram’s Zac Norris was a force in the Bombers’ 16-point elimination final win over Mansfield.
Norris dominated the aerial duel with 39 hitouts but managed 11 clearances in a double-edged performance from the Ky big man.
Down back, Brad Whitford played a steadying hand with 30 disposals and 10 rebound-50s, coupled with several key plays in the final quarter when the Eagles were on the charge.
Player of week one finals
Gus Byrne (Echuca): 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 marks, 4.3, 142 ranking points
