GVL data | How Echuca is stacking up

By Matthew Kappos

Jun 6, 2024

Echuca averages the equal most clearances per contest in the GVL this season, tied with Shepp Bears. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Echuca averages the equal most clearances per contest in the GVL this season, tied with Shepparton Bears. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

As we approach the half-way point of the GVL season, the defending champion Echuca is well-positioned in its title defence.

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Having lost just one of their eight matches this year, in round five against local rivals Rochester, the Murray Bombers are in outright second position on the league ladder, behind the undefeated Shepparton Bears.

Echuca’s win column speaks for itself, but how does the champion compare to the league in key stat categories?

The Murray Bombers are in the top third of the league in terms of getting their hands on the ball, ranking fourth in disposals per game (341.3).

However, the champion enjoys cleaner possession than its rivals with only 138.6 of its possessions being contested, the sixth most in the GVL.

When it comes to inside 50s, Shepparton Bears lead the way with 51.8 per contest, with Echuca close behind with 51.5.

Where the Murray Bombers separate themselves is how they get the ball inside the attacking zone, with Echuca well ahead of the league in terms of marks inside 50 (20), with the Bears (16.8) their closest rivals.

Conversely tackles is a category where Echuca trails the rest of the league, as the Murray Bombers wrap up their opponents, along with Benalla, the equal least times per game (52.9).

Of course, it could be argued that a winning side would naturally make fewer tackles as its opponents have the ball less often, but the stats would seem to disagree, with the undefeated Bears (71.4) more than a tackle per game clear of their nearest competitor and well ahead of Echuca in this metric.

Another key stat for analysis is the clearance count and the Murray Bombers shine in this category, winning the equal most clearances per game (41.9) along with the Bears.

Finally, let’s see how well Echuca keeps hold of the ball through a look at turnovers.

The Murray Bombers’ 62.4 turnovers per game is the second lowest in the league, with only Mansfield giving the ball up less often (61).

As would be expected for a side at the top end of the league, and one with a percentage over 200, Echuca compares well to its competition in many of the key stat categories.

The Murray Bombers head into a favourable match-up with Tatura (1-7) this week, before a mouth-watering clash with the Bears on June 15.