Up against one of the competition’s most formidable on-ball contingents, the younger Bears didn’t shirk away from the task in front of them.
Benalla, boasting the likes of star mid Chris Welsh, James Martniello and ruckman Josh Marchbank, was caught off guard by the intensity and pressure brought by the Deakin Reserve co-tenants.
Thanks to GVL Data, we can get a glimpse of how the Bears’ emerging stars performed in the win.
Jayden Dhosi was impressive and a clear standout for the Bears.
The young gun, who rotates forward, chalked up 28 disposals, six inside 50s and booted four goals to be the Bears’ best-on performer.
Dhosi had 15 kicks and went at 80 per cent efficiency by foot.
Jordan McGregor had 30 disposals, along with two goals, while Hamish Rowlands chalked up 26 touches and six tackles.
Jed Warrin was a standout with 11 clearances to go along with his 24 disposals and six inside 50 entries.
A standout statistic from the match was Shepparton’s kicking efficiency.
The Bears are ranked last in the competition for efficiency by foot, however, onlookers saw a huge improvement on Sunday.
With a season average of 56 per cent, the Bears went at 69 per cent in the win.
Although Benalla’s pressure was lacking, highlighted by its 27 tackles — nine in the first half — Shepparton’s coaching staff no doubt would have been impressed with its side’s kicking in the win.
Key stats
Round 17
Disposals
Shepparton: 337
Benalla: 278
Handball receives
Shepparton: 105
Benalla: 68
Tackles
Shepparton: 53
Benalla: 27
Inside 50s
Shepparton: 55
Benalla: 32
Kick efficiency
Shepparton: 69%
Benalla: 66%