The Murray Bombers are on the tear with four straight wins under the belt to start the season while the Bears picked up their first against Rochester by 11 points last week.
Echuca were comfortable winners on both occasions against Shepparton last year, firstly in an 80-point victory at Deakin Reserve in round 16 and by 156 points in round six.
The Bears have failed to topple Echuca since the 2018 preliminary final, and a busy night at the Victoria Park selection table could spell more trouble for the Bears as six premiership stars eye a return to play.
“It’s going to be a tough bloody selection after winning by 100 points (against Shepparton Swans),” Echuca co-coach Sam Reid said.
“Curt Townrow, Andrew Walker, Sam Willoughby, Cooper Barber could possibly be back, Ben Reid and Cam Valentine are close as well.
“Whether they all play this week, I don’t know, but there’s a few handy players coming back.
“It’s heating up at the moment but like I said last week, it’s a good problem to have with all these blokes returning.”
Reid said a good start and maintaining 22 contributors would be a focus against the Bears, who were the beneficiaries of a final-quarter arm wrestle in last week’s win over the Tigers.
The first bounce at Deakin Reserve will take place at 2pm.
Head-to-head
Echuca vs Shepparton (2023 averages)
345.3 Disposals 303.6
82.8 Marks 77.8
44 Clearances 32
50.5 Hit-outs 33.3
56.8 Inside-50s 40.8
64.8 Tackles 51.3
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