The task this weekend is struggler Shepparton United, and few would expect the Demons to pose much of a threat to the defending champions.
For Echuca, Jackson Stewart is one of only six players to suit up in all 11 games this season, and the 2023 best-and-fairest runner-up has been a consistent performer for his side.
Playing across forward, half-forward, and in the midfield at times, Stewart has made an impact as a distributor, averaging 20.5 disposals and 7.6 contested possessions per contest, and moves the ball at a 76 per cent disposal efficiency.
He has been getting the ball inside 50 2.8 times per game while also making 5.1 tackles, winning 3.3 clearances and snatching 2.4 intercept possessions for his team.
Stewart is involved in seven scores per contest for the Murray Bombers and averages 95.6 ranking points for the year.
Cucinotta key for Demons
If Shepparton United are to make any inroads against Echuca, Jesse Cucinotta looks to be key to their hopes.
The Demons star leads his team in ranking points (108.1), disposals (26.7), and inside-50s (4.3).
He is putting up good numbers all over the park, averaging 10.3 contested possessions, 3.2 rebound-50s, and 3.2 tackles.
He also wins 3.7 clearances and five intercept possessions for his team while contributing 6.7 scores per contest.
In United’s sole win for the year in round six, Cucinotta accumulated a massive 166 ranking points and had 43 disposals, eight inside-50s and 11 clearances.
Echuca’s Jackson Stewart
Disposals: 20.5
Contested possessions: 7.6
Disposal efficiency: 76%
Inside-50s: 2.8
Tackles: 5.1
Clearances: 3.3
Intercept possessions: 2.4
Score involvements: 7.0
Shepparton United’s Jesse Cucinotta
Disposals: 26.7
Contested possessions: 10.3
Inside-50s: 4.3
Rebound-50s: 3.2
Tackles: 3.2
Clearances: 3.7
Intercept possessions: 5.0
Score involvements: 6.7
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