WITH just five rounds to go in the Goulburn Valley League, Echuca supporters might just be counting down the days until the senior football team’s showdown with the all-conquering Kyabram on July 27.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
However, that would not be wise as the second-placed Murray Bombers have to get through another tough test this week in the form of Tatura.
They may be five wins behind Echuca on the ladder, but the Bulldogs have the ability to beat a good side when they play to their full potential.
We obviously have a great deal of faith in what Echuca brings to the table this year — after all, they are 12-1, which is not an easy achievement in a strong competition like the GVL.
Echuca also has some form against Tat in the past two seasons, which works to their advantage as well.
It might be perfect for the Murray Bombers to have a bit of a warm-up match against a good side as we get closer to next week’s showdown with the undefeated Kyabram.
Echuca will win here.
■ MOAMA has another big task awaiting it this week in the Murray Football League.
Numurkah sits in the top four, and have looked incredibly strong this season.
Moama is in a weird place. The Magpies have a bit of skill and can probably go toe-to-toe with a lot of sides if they can stay on their game for a full match.
That’s not easy to do against tomorrow’s opponent. Numurkah is obviously in a good position at the pointy end of the competition for a reason.
But the Pies have had moments against pretty good teams, if they can produce well on the weekend, maybe they are a chance.
Unlikely, yes, but we’re willing to have hope.
■ TONGALA is flying high in the top four of the Murray Football League.
But there are a few other teams circling them.
Cobram is on the same win tally, but sits below the Blues in fifth, while Numurkah sits above them with an equal record.
A lot could change this round.
For the Blues part, they are on the Road against Congupna.
Seventh placed, with a handy side, this is not going to be an easy battle.
If the Blues can keep getting the job done, they will get a coveted double chance.
So a win this week could lead to a smooth drive down the highway of the Murray League.
■ LEITCHVILLE-GUNBOWER had been playing some pretty good football of late in the Heathcote District Football League, but LBU brought them back down to earth last week.
The Bombers need to play better if they are going to be a contender in finals.
They take on Heathcote this week, and while the Saints were able to break through for their first win of the season on Saturday against Huntly, they’re probably not on the same level as Leitchy Gunny.
This should be an easy win for the Bombers.
■ LBU will not be in action this weekend after their round 14 clash with White Hills was rescheduled as a season opener on April 6. The Cats won the game 25.11 (161) to the Demons 10.7 (67).
■ MATHOURA remains alive in the Picola and District Football League finals hunt — but only just.
If the Timbercutters lose against Katamatite on Saturday, they may well start looking ahead to 2020.
The Timbercutters failed to overcome the Tigers earlier in the year but they’ve come a long way since then even if they’ve taken two steps forward and one back in recent weeks.
They’ve consistently proven their best is good enough to match it with the best teams and this is another chance to do demonstrate how good they can be.
A shock defeat could be on the cards, although going on the road makes it slightly more difficult.
■ ECHUCA WOMEN’S football side has not lost a game, meanwhile Tatura have now won a match — so this can only go in one direction.
Last time the two sides were set to play, Tatura didn’t take to the field due to low numbers so we can only hope a similar pattern doesn’t follow.
The game will follow the Goulburn Valley League senior clash between Tatura and the Murray Bombers so fans should stick around to see a high quality football team in Echuca.
Coach Mick McInnes will have his side primed for the clash after several weeks without a game and we expect them to come out firing.
This may well be Echuca’s biggest margin of victory, where they keep the opposition scoreless.