Sport

Emus tackle Maryborough and mindfulness in final home game

By Phil Arnott

Aug 16, 2023

Front of mind: Echuca Moama Masters took part in a Sport and Life Training seminar with a focus on mental wellbeing. Photo: Supplied

Saturday night saw the Echuca Masters Emus host their final home game for the year, against the Maryborough Pumas.

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While the night will be remembered for the Matildas’ historic victory, the Emus also served the nation proudly, with a big win confirming their rightful place on the Australian coat of arms.

On a brilliant night for footy, it was the visitors who jumped out of the gates early and got the first goal on the board after several forward-50 entries. The Emus started flat-footed but got their game flowing by midway through the first quarter, pushing through the Pumas’ defence to score three goals and gain control of the game, which they never relinquished.

Leading scorer for the year Mark Van Poeteren and returning sharpshooter Clint Jurey made for a potent forward line, combining for six goals for the game.

Aaron Prewett and Toby McCoy were dogged with their forward-half pressure and kept the ball from exiting the Emus’ forward 50 too easily.

Another returnee was Paul Elso down back, who picked up his early-season form and proved to be rock-like in defence, stopping many advances from the Pumas as well as propelling the play into the Emus’ forward half.

Drew Elliott proved his reliability again in defence after a best-on-ground effort last game, and Ash Formosa, Damien Hammond, Olivier Oranje and Dave Chapman were resilient in the back line.

Extensive depth has been one of the Emus’ most valuable assets this year and it allowed their quality midfield brigade to overrun a gallant Pumas outfit.

Brad Colliver and Mark Battiscombe starred, with many clearances from the ruckwork of Justin Voss and Daniel Fitzgerald. Fantastic support was supplied by Craig Danswan, Adam Davidson and captain for the day Josh Hunter.

At the final siren, it was a comfortable eight-goal victory for Echuca. After singing the song, the Emus and Pumas players and supporters gathered in the clubrooms to cheer on the Matildas in what was an epic day for Australian sport.

Last week also saw the Emus host Sport and Life Training in a mental wellbeing presentation and workshop sponsored by Mawsons; this was a valuable session.