But despite the 22.16 (148) to 8.5 (53) win, Echuca co-coach Simon Maddox thought there were certain areas his side could sharpen up, with the stoppages at the top of his list.
The Murray Bombers won the clearance count, but only just, recording 36 to the Demons’ 34, with the contests halved at nine apiece either side of the half-time break, while United won the centre clearances overall, 13-12.
Maddox highlighted the third term especially after the game, with the statistics showing the visitors enjoyed a much better quarter in terms of raw numbers.
The Demons were able to score 2.0 (12) from stoppage in the third quarter, outscoring Echuca from that source for the term.
Despite winning significantly more of the ball over the course of the entire game, recording 362 total disposals compared to the Demons’ 293, the Murray Bombers were beaten to the ball in the third term, losing the disposal count 73-77.
Shepparton United also evened up the contested possessions in the third quarter, only losing by two (25-27), having been -20 in that category in the first half.
The trend continued in turnovers, with Echuca giving the ball up 11 times to United’s 10, the only quarter the Murray Bombers surrendered possession more times than the opposition.
That was reflected in their lowest disposal efficiency for the match (74%), while Shepparton United was able to produce its best quarter in terms of efficiency, using the ball at 79 per cent.
It mattered little, however, as Echuca was still able to put 3.3 (21) on the board compared to the Demons’ 2.3 (15).
Echuca vs Shepparton United in the third quarter
Disposals: 73 to 77
Clearances: 9-9
Scores from stoppage: 1.2 (8) to 2.0 (12)
Contested possessions: 27-25
Turnovers: 11-10
Disposal efficiency: 74% to 79%
Total score: 3.3 (21) to 1.3 (15)
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