GVL Data | On-ballers key in Echuca-Seymour match-up

By Matthew Kappos

Jul 10, 2024

Ben Reid has worked hard for Echuca this campaign, disposing of the ball efficiently and providing an outlet for open marks. Photo: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

It is almost time for Echuca to return to action in the Goulburn Valley League when it takes on Seymour at Victoria Park on Saturday.

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Here, we’ll examine some key individuals who could have an impact for their teams.

Echuca’s on-ballers are some of the most effective in the league.

Among that contingent is Ben Reid, who is one of five Echuca players to average more than 100 ranking points per contest, picking up 109.2 a game.

Although he’s only suited up on six occasions this season, Reid has been a key link-up piece in the middle of the park, averaging 23.2 disposals a game at an 81 per cent efficiency.

Reid provides an important release valve for the Murray Bombers’ attack.

He takes 7.7 marks a game, the second most of his team behind Angus Byrne (8.6).

Of those marks only 0.5 are contested, demonstrating Reid’s ability to find space and provide an easy outlet for his side.

By comparison, Byrne averages 2.5 contested marks a game.

The Murray Bombers mid also provides 3.3 inside 50s, 1.8 rebound 50s, 3.7 tackles and 1.7 clearances per contest.

On the Seymour side, the Lions will look to their own top on-baller and ranking points leader (139.6), Nathan Beattie, to try to wrest control of the game away from the champions.

Beattie is the key piece of the Lions’ ball movement and has the third most disposals in the league, averaging 33.5 a game.

Like Reid, he is also a significant open mark target, grabbing 8.4 a game, only 0.3 of which are contested.

Beattie works hard at both ends of the field, getting the ball into attacking 50 3.4 times a game and also delivering three rebound 50s per contest.

The Lions maestro earns 4.7 clearances a game while also working hard out of possession, making 6.4 tackles and grabbing 4.5 intercept possessions for his side.