Mark Kovacevic is a key piece for Shepparton Swans, leading the team with 41.7 hit-outs and 7.2 clearances per game. Photo: Megan Fisher
Coming into the final round, Shepparton Swans have nothing left to play for but pride after being mathematically eliminated from finals contention last weekend.
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The red and whites effectively have a free shot at two-time champions Echuca at Princess Park on Saturday and could ruin the Murray Bombers’ minor premiership hopes should they cause the unlikely upset.
So, what could the Swans throw the premiers’ way on Saturday?
The two areas that the Swans stand out, compared to the rest of the Goulburn Valley League, are contested marks and centre clearances.
Their 16.3 contested marks are tied with Kyabram for the most in the GVL while the Swans’ 13 centre clearances won per game stand alone as the highest in the league.
Both stats indicate strength in the air, with Swans players able to out leap their man to claim marks, and centre clearances coming out of the ruck contest.
Echuca also scores well in each of these categories, placing third in both contested possessions (15.9), and centre clearances (12.4).
Nevertheless, the Murray Bombers will need to be cautious of the Swans’ strength in the air when the sides meet on Saturday.
Shepparton puts its strength to the air to use on the defensive end as well, with only Echuca (17.5) taking more intercept marks than the Swans (16.2), while the red and whites also sit just behind the Murray Bombers in the top two for contested possessions (152.6 to 158.7)
Swans stars to watch
Shepparton Swans’ Zac Alderton averages 2.9 centre clearances per game, a major factor in the Swans leading the GVL in this category. Photo: Bruce Povey
Key to the Swans’ strength around the contest is their ranking points leader, big man Mark Kovacevic.
Kovacevic distributes 41.7 hit-outs per game while also being the Swans’ clearance leader with 7.2 per contest.
He also contributes 17.9 disposals, 14.4 of which are contested and is involved in 6.5 Swans’ scores per game, leading to his team-high ranking points total of 123.6.
When it comes to centre clearances, Zac Alderton leads the way for his team with 2.9 of his 6.9 total clearances coming from the centre.
Alderton also leads the Swans on disposals (22.4), getting involved in 4.4 scores per contest.
