SHEPPARTON UNITED V SEYMOUR
This is a massive opportunity for Shepparton United to test itself against one of the in-form teams in the competition.
The Lions have only lost the one game which was by a point to 2019 premier Kyabram and they come to Deakin Reserve fresh from inflicting Echuca’s first loss of 2023.
United is fresh of its own win last weekend – its first since the opening day when it defeated Rochester by 13 points.
Marcus Wattie, Sheldon Bogdan, Adam Pigatto, Riley Onley and Damien Pigatto all led from the front for the Demons.
They will again be important for the home team.
The Demons will be without Lewis Stanton for the game as serves the second week of three game suspension.
Jack O’Sullivan, Nathan Beattie, Ricky Schraven, Riley Mason, Jay Eager and Michael Hartley will be looking to continue their good form to ensure the Lions walk away with the four points.
Tip: Seymour.
KYABRAM V BENALLA
This will be a massive challenge for Benalla to take on the red-hot Kyabram on its home deck.
Since its three-goal loss to reigning premier Echuca in round 2, Kyabram hasn’t lost, claiming some prized wins against all the other top six contenders to be sitting second on percentage.
Ruckman, Zachary Norris, Brad Whitford, Rhys Clark, key forward Kyle Mueller, premiership defender Jason Morgan and young star Rueben Rode have been in strong form for the Bombers.
And the return of Brad Mangan in recent weeks coupled with the return of premiership forward Kayne Pettifer makes the Bombers a tough match-up.
The visiting Saints were competitive for three quarters against the Shepparton Swans only to go goalless in the last quarter to slip to a six-goal defeat.
Jakob Salmi, Blake Uebergang, Tom O’Brien, Nick Mellington, Josh Mellington and Chris Welsh will be doing their best to ensure their team is competitive for long periods of the contest.
Tip: Kyabram.
EUROA V SHEPPARTON
Shepparton will be hoping to use the thrilling after-the-siren win against Tatura to launch a challenge to try and put pressure on Mansfield and Mooroopna.
The Eagles and Cats are two games clear of the Bears and if they are to play finals, then they need to claim a big scalp to make a statement.
Are they good enough?
I am unsure that they are, but what I would say is they are a work in progress.
Co-coaches Xavier Stevenson and Ted Lindon would have like elements of what they have done in the past two victories.
But they both know that only a four-quarter effort will be enough to compete with the Magpies, especially on their home deck.
Will Hayes has been in Morrison Medal form in his first season back in the competition.
He will need some attention from the Bears midfielders.
Nate Trotter, Jack Frewen, Nathan Stewart, youngster Darby Wilson, Ryan Pendlebury and Jett Trotter will be important for the Pies to ensure they consolidate their fourth place on the ladder with a win over the Bears.
Connor Fleming, Ethan Baxter, last week’s hero Trent Herbert, Jacob Watts, Tyron Baden and Bryce Stephenson will be important for the Bears.
Tip: Euroa.
