Rising high: Echuca’s Lachie Watson and Tatura’s Chris Ryan do battle in the ruck.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
With the 2022 Goulburn Valley League flag hanging from the rafters at Victoria Park, Echuca started its premiership defence in style with a big win over Tatura in the season opener.
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The Murray Bombers had 12 individual goal-kickers en route to a round one win, with a big crowd in on Saturday to see Echuca run away with a comprehensive 98-point victory.
After taking a 14-point lead into the first break, the reigning premier put the foot down in the second quarter to lay the groundwork for the 19.15 (129) to 5.1 (31) victory, booting seven goals to one to take a 54-point lead into half-time.
Echuca co-coach Simon Maddox was impressed with his side’s performance as the Murray Bombers gave their talented youngsters a “taste of senior footy”.
Flying high: Echuca’s Andrew Walker attempts a speccie over the pack.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
“I was really pleased with how we played considering we had six or seven out just with injuries, VFL commitments and things like that,” he said.
“It gave our youngsters an opportunity with a couple making their senior debut so it was good to give them a taste of senior footy.
“Keiran (Hogan) and Joe (Guiney) both played down back and did really well.
“They’ve been starved of opportunities, but to their credit, they came in and really contributed which was pleasing.
“The game played out how we wanted ... the mids got on top and we had a really good spread of goal-kickers.”
Echuca racked up more than 101 disposals (351 to 250), won the contested disposals by 42 and chalked up 29 inside 50 marks to four to highlight their attacking prowess.
Big mark: Echuca’s Sam Willoughby marks under pressure. Photos: Steve Huntley
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Sam Willoughby was a standout for the Murray Bombers with 24 disposals, 17 of those contested, a whopping 11 tackles, nine clearances and eight inside 50s.
The VFL-listed talent was not alone in the dominance.
Ex-AFL guns Andrew Walker (32 disposals, eight clearances) and Sam Reid (34 touches, 17 contested, nine clearances, eight tackles and two goals) were a step above in the win.
Tatura big man Chris Ryan (16 disposals, five tackles, 22 hit outs) toiled hard for the Bulldogs alongside Dan Weetra and Mitchell Elliott, but new coach Paul Barnard will be looking to move on swiftly with a clash against Mansfield on the horizon.
