Echuca fends off Demons in premiership quarter

The visitors were the underdogs, but started well by kicking the first two goals, Echuca responding with two of its own before United did the same again to take a 10-point lead into the first change.

The Demons would kick the first major of the second term before the Murray Bombers clicked into gear with the next three goals, all within five minutes towards the end of the first half.

The two sides would trade one more major each before the main break, leaving the match evenly poised with the Demons leading 6.6 (42) to 6.4 (40) at half-time.

Although Echuca has won each match, the run has not been without challenges, and after a late surge was required to pull away from Mooroopna in round five, the third quarter was where the Murray Bombers would separate themselves from the Demons.

They booted seven goals to one in the term, including five towards the end of the quarter to suddenly open up a 32-point lead heading into the fourth.

Two goals to open the final quarter for the hosts effectively secured another four points, with one more major for the Demons proving only a consolation as Echuca prevailed 15.7 (97) to 8.12 (60).

The Murray Bombers kept their opponent to less than 10 goals again, but their improved accuracy at the other end stood out, the 15.7 representing the first time the side kicked less than 10 behinds and the third time it booted more goals than behinds in 2026.

Echuca is still sitting second on the ladder behind Shepparton on percentage, as the Bears — looming as the Murray Bombers’ primary threat to a premiership this season — easily disposed of Kyabram.

Next up Simon Maddox’s team travels to Seymour to take on a Lions side that has made a solid start to its campaign.