In fact, GVL Data suggests the Swans were up to the challenge across a variety of statistical categories.
It was the lack of a first-choice ruck, however, that thwarted Shepparton Swans’ efforts to unseat the Murray Bombers, despite a promising first quarter.
Will Dwyer shouldered the ruck burden for the Swans in the continued absence of Mitch Bell, and the powerful duo of Kane Morris and Liam Tenace capitalised, winning the ruck taps 54-15.
Jack McHale (36 disposals), Dan Willis (25) and Sam Willoughby (24) were the beneficiaries of Morris’ 30 hitouts and Tenace’s 22, feeding the in-form Ruory Kirkby (five goals, four behinds) all day.
Before that point it was the Swans with the early ascendancy on the stats sheet, winning the disposal and tackle counts in a pressure-filled opening stanza.
But the Swans failed to capitalise with an inaccurate 1.7 (13) quarter proving costly, and the Murray Bombers were too strong after quarter-time.
The major ball-winners for the day included, unsurprisingly, B.J. Squire, who had 32 touches for the day.
Not far behind him was Zac Banch with 31 touches and 15 contested possessions.
Max Clohesy (28 disposals) and Bowen Calogero (27) were also hard workers on the day for the home side.
Echuca vs Shepparton Swans
363 Disposals 379
136 Contested Possessions 133
107 Marks 87
58 Inside 50’s 38
54 Hitouts 14
Major ball winners
Jack McHale (Echuca): 36
B.J. Squire (Swans): 32
Zac Banch (Swans): 31
Max Clohesy (Swans): 28
Bowen Calogero (Swans): 27
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