Brilliant Byrne: Angus Byrne’s 284 ranking points from the opening two games of the season has him the highest rated Echuca player at the bye. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Echuca’s flag defence has well and truly been launched in 2024, with the side recording two wins from two games, both by more than 80 points, but who have been the top performers in the wins?
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Here is the top five ranked Murray Bombers from the opening two games of football in terms of total ranking points.
1. Angus Byrne — 284 ranking points
Byrne has started the season like a house on fire, bagging six goals against Mansfield before adding another three against Shepparton United, a total which could easily be higher given his tally of seven behinds.
Aside from kicking goals, Byrne also has the most goal assists (five) and has a massive 31 score involvements from just two outings.
The former Geelong Cats VFL skipper is leading the way for Echuca in a number of categories after the opening two rounds of the season, averaging 23.5 touches and 14 contested possessions a game.
Byrne has also clunked the most marks in total (21), which includes the most contested marks (seven) and marks inside 50 (14) of any Echuca player so far this season.
2. Logan Prout — 221 ranking points
Strong start: Logan Prout is the second highest ranked Echuca player following the first two games of the season. Photo: Megan Fisher
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Megan Fisher
The ever-reliable defender has enjoyed a solid start to 2024, averaging 21 touches across the opening two games.
A valuable asset across half-back, Prout leads Echuca with 17 intercept possessions, while also ranking equal first in rebound 50s (seven), overall pressure and spoils (three).
Prout has the second most tackles (nine), score involvements (20) and inside 50s (nine) at the club, while also being ranked fifth in uncontested marks (12).
3. Riley Smith — 221 ranking points
A hard running wingman, Smith has averaged 19.5 disposals across two games so far this season, which he has used at a tidy 79 per cent.
With three goals and 16 score involvements, Smith has made an impact on the scoreboard, while also putting in the hard yards with 3.5 tackles per game.
Smith wins on average 7.5 contested possessions per game and records 4.5 intercept possessions per outing, which is above average for the competition so far this season.
4. Jackson Stewart — 213 ranking points
Stewart has showcased his tireless pressure in both outings so far this season to be the equal number one-ranked player at Echuca for overall pressure, while recording 13 tackles, also the most at the club.
Averaging 23 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency while also winning 2.5 clearances and 6.5 contested possessions, Stewart’s start to the year has seen him earn the fourth most ranking points within the side.
The vice-captain has been a valuable contributor on the scoreboard too, adding a goal and goal assist per game to go with 17 total score involvements.
5. Liam Tenace — 212 ranking points
Tenace has been everywhere for Echuca to start the season, with the big man racking up 10.5 disposals and 2.5 clearances alongside his 29.5 hit outs per game.
Three goals, four goal assists and 16 score involvements has seen Tenace have a direct impact on the scoreboard, while clunking on average seven marks a game, two of which have been contested.
