Taking on the Murray Crays at Tongala, the EMUs delivered a spirited, hard-fought victory that may just become the turning point of their season.
For the coach, the win couldn’t have come soon enough.
The game began as an arm wrestle, with momentum swinging both ways, but the Crays were sharper early, making the most of their chances with accurate goal kicking.
The only major for the EMUs in the opening term came courtesy of Adam Davidson, who snapped truly to keep the EMUs within striking distance.
Heading into the first break trailing, the blow torch was lit by Walker who delivered a very uncharacteristic, but much needed spray.
Reeling from the quarter time spray, the EMUs increased the intensity and focus, quickly finding their rhythm and kicking six goals for the quarter.
Robbie Guerra started giving the midfield silver service in the ruck, allowing Matthew Veitch to get first hands on the footy and drive the ball forward.
Tall timber Clint Jurey and Ollie Oranje became dangerous targets inside 50, both converting truly as the EMUs wrestled back control of the match.
By the main break, the EMUs had opened up a 23 point lead.
With the pressure lifted, the EMUs club captain, Troy Ramsey, started the 2nd half still thinking he was playing the previous quarter.
Charging out of the centre bounce with purpose for a perfect centre clearance, the wrong way, Troy delivered what can only be described as a centimetre perfect pass, directly to the opposition centre half-forward.
Thankfully for the EMUs, the resulting shot scraped through for just a behind.
Coach Walker was finally relieved of the infamous “Tool of the Week” honour, and you could sense the pressure was off, and a win was on the cards.
From that point on, it was all one-way traffic.
The EMUs defence stood tall for the remainder of the contest.
Garner Smith, Daniel Flemming and Damo Hammond formed an impenetrable wall across half-back, repeatedly shutting down attacks before launching waves of counterplay.
The composure across half-back became one of the defining features of the victory, with The Crays not scoring a major after the half time break.
Chris Hagan, Jarred Johnson, and coach favourite, Josh Hunter, provided relentless run and carry from the wings, adding to the pressure applied all over the ground.
By the final quarter, the EMUs were buzzing.
Tanner Christie, who was swung forward for the day, proved a constant threat, crashing packs and creating opportunities but the master stroke belonged to coach Walker.
In a move that will surely silence critics for at least another week, veteran Bruce “Jonesy” McCahon was swung from the back pocket into the forward line, and the old warrior delivered.
Two clutch goals later and teammates were swarming him as he put the cherry on top of the icing on the cake.
It was a true Masters footy moment and what our footy is all about.
When the final siren sounded, the scoreboard showed a big victory, but for the EMUs, it wasn’t just about the win.
It was reward for persistence, camaraderie and sticking together through a winless start to the season.
Most importantly, it was Masters football at its best; hard-fought, spirited, slightly chaotic, but full of laughs both on and off the field.
Adding even more excitement for the EMUs has been the emergence of recruit Vaz Sarup, who continued his blistering start to life at the club.
In just his second game, Vaz was once again recognised as best afield by the opposition.
His ability to work hard, get to the right places, and his hardness at the contest are quickly making him one of the EMUs success stories this season.
Echuca EMUs 14.9 (87) defeated Murray Crays 3.3 (21).
Echuca Workers Club Best On- Josh Hunter.
Caledonian Hotel- Bruce “Jonesy” McCahon.
Moama Bowling Club- Clint Jurey.
Dominoes Pizza- Tanner Christie.
Oarsome Fitness- Troy Ramsey.
Echuca Stihl Shop Tool of the Week- Troy Ramsey.
EMU’s “Burn ya mates”- Jon Beach (although Ash Formosa was very stiff to miss out).
Goal Kickers - Christie 3, Jurey 4, Oranje 2, McCahon 2, Davidson, Smith, Thompson
Now the challenge gets even bigger.
The EMUs next face a daunting away trip to Yarrawonga in what is already shaping as one of their biggest match-ups of the season.
After a narrow loss to the Pigeons at Gather Round with an undermanned side early in the season, the EMUs go into the game with confidence restored and belief in the game plan, keen to reverse the result.
The EMUs may have picked the perfect time to hit some form.
Training is Wednesday nights 6pm at Echuca South Oval, new members (playing or non-playing) are always welcome.
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