Shepparton's Jayden Gagliardi reaches for the ball.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
With one hand on the Goulburn Valley League minor premiership, Shepparton have looked imperious with only a single loss to their name this season.
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On Saturday at Kyabram Reserve, the Bears made it nine wins on the spin with a convincing 41-point win over the reigning premiers, who were celebrating Bomber legend Jason Morgan’s 300th game.
However, while the experienced defender lifted in his milestone match, Shepparton’s numerous avenues on goal stretched Kyabram thin.
A scintillating third quarter proved pivotal, turning a 16-point buffer at the half into a 33-point difference at the final change.
Trent Herbert and Lewis McShane bagged three goals apiece and Luke Smith’s eye-catching season continued with two goals and plenty of the footy.
Despite their recent dominance, it was a return to one aspect of the ladder leaders’ game that pleased co-coach Jason Wells.
“It was a four-quarter performance, which we probably haven't played for a little while,” Well said.
“I think yesterday that was a real focus playing against last year's premiers.”
Ash Holland and Zac Norris locked horns once again in an entertaining ruck duel, but it was a first-year Bear that caught the eye of onlookers.
“Most blokes contributed and had their moments, but I thought Kade O’Dwyer was fantastic,” Wells said.
“I think it's shown with him getting used to GVL football, and I think his last six weeks have been amazing.
“He’s at that level and he's such a barometer for us with the way he plays football, which is great for the rest of our group.”
Shepparton's Tanner Madigan attempts to bring down Kyabram's Bohden Learmonth.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Shepparton remains a game clear on top of the ladder with a final-round clash against Rochester at Deakin Reserve next week.
And though many eyes will be turning to a blockbuster Qualifying Final clash against Echuca in the first week of finals, Wells is determined to take it one week at a time, especially against a Tigers outfit that will require a win and favourable results elsewhere to qualify for finals.
“Our focus for the minute is probably just to make sure we play well each week,” he said.
“There’s different teams that we obviously strategise around, their game plans and their ball movement and what ours needs to be.
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