GVL Data | Echuca’s first third of the season compared to 2023

By Alexander Dabb

May 16, 2024

Stacking up: How does Echuca’s start to the year compare with the same point in 2023? Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

With just the weekend’s matches to come before the interleague break, thanks to GVL Data, let’s take a look at how Echuca has performed in the first third of the season compared to the same point in 2023.

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We will compare the Murray Bombers’ averages in a number of key metrics from the first six rounds of last season with their current averages so far this season.

First of all, a quick glance at the ladder suggests one major difference — through six rounds last season Echuca had a perfect 6-0 record, but this year it has dropped a game early, although it still possesses an impressive 5-1 record.

There have been a number of improvements the Murray Bombers have made this season, namely in total marks, where they average more than 100 per game (100.3), well up on the 89.8 they took through six rounds last season.

Echuca has also seen increases in the number of clearances it wins, a statistic it ranks first overall in last season, up to 40.3 per game this year as opposed to 39.3 at the same point last year, while tidying up the number of times it surrenders the ball, down to 62 from 65.3.

But there are also a number of categories in which the Murray Bombers have seen a decline in the early part of the season.

On the chest: Echuca is averaging over 100 marks per game so far this season, a big improvement from the same point last year. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Through the first third of the season last year, the reigning premier averaged 341.7 disposals, which has dipped to 322.3 this season, while there has also been a slight decline in the number of contested possessions it has won (129.8 down from 133).

The biggest differential, however, comes in both scores for and against.

Last season Echuca averaged an enormous 118.3 points per game in the opening six rounds, and while this season it still averages a more than respectable 97 points per game, the decrease represents a downturn of more than three goals per outing.

Echuca also had the tightest defence to open the season last year, conceding just 41 points per game, while this year it has conceded 53.8, an increase of just over two goals, meaning there is a total five-goal swing per game in terms of scores for and against.

With all of that said, it is only round six and there is a lot of football to play out before it truly matters in September, a month where Echuca has proven it thrives.