Shepparton's Xavier Stevenson started the season in fine form.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Goulburn Valley League midfielders were the stars of the show at the weekend.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Round one done and dusted, attention turns to this Saturday as round two rises above the horizon.
But before the first quarter siren blares across the region’s grounds, let’s take one moment to reflect on who the statistical stars were from a gripping opening round of action.
Who were the pigs at the trough? The midfield bulls? The first picked for a (fictional) fantasy team?
Below The News ranks the top three statistical performances from some of the Goulburn Valley League’s stars.
This week’s podium — coincidentally — has a distinct theme to it, see if you can spot it.
3. Mitch Trewhella (Rochester)
Rochester's Mitch Trewhella was a bull at the source in round one.
Photo by
BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
Rochester’s bullocking midfielder picked up right from where he left off last season.
Star Tiger Mitch Trewhella will be an integral cog in his side’s push to go two steps further in 2025 following a preliminary final loss to Shepparton in 2024.
Trewhella collected 33 disposals during Rochester’s impressive 79-point mauling of Seymour on Saturday.
As the Tigers confirmed the fact they will once again be one of the top sides in the league this year, Trewhella did what Trewhella does as he finished the game with 11 tackles, eight clearances, five intercept possessions, six inside 50s and two goals.
His ranking points total of 160 may not have featured in the top five for round one, but his impact on Rochester’s opening game of the season was profound.
2. Archie Watt (Kyabram)
Kyabram's Archie Watt is a star on the rise.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Kyabram jet Archie Watt has enjoyed a bountiful start to his first season as a full-time senior footballer.
Watt spent last season playing the majority of his football for Coates Talent League side Bendigo Pioneers and school Xavier College, with the young gun featuring only two times in Kyabram’s seniors.
During the Bombers’ first round 37-point victory over Euroa, Watt showed his might by collecting 38 disposals.
Veteran Kyabram Free Press sports journalist Gus Underwood predicted during the pre-season that Watt would emerge as one of the league’s best players and the bold call is fast-becoming fact.
Watt also registered 12 inside 50s and three goals in a damaging performance against the Magpies.
His 196 ranking points were the second-best by a player in the league from round one.
1. Xavier Stevenson (Shepparton)
Shepparton’s Xavier Stevenson will be a key figure in his side’s flag aspirations.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
After a quiet — like the majority of his teammates — performance in last year’s grand final, Shepparton’s Xavier Stevenson started the 2025 season on fire.
The Bears midfielder-forward was dominant in his side’s 101-point thrashing of Tatura.
Stevenson was a rampaging bull in the middle, recording 38 disposals, 13 tackles and 10 clearances as he bullied the Bulldogs.
Shepparton’s co-player-coach finished the game with a goal, eight intercept possessions and four inside 50s.
Stevenson also registered a league-high 207 ranking points — the only player in round one to score 200-plus.
The Bears leader is part of a deadly midfield mix at Deakin Reserve, with Adam De Cicco (31 touches, nine clearances and 170 ranking points), Ned Byrne (27 touches, eight clearances and 165 ranking points) and Jake Watts (20 touches, eight clearances and three goals) also starring.
Add in 2024 Morrison medallist and ruckman Ash Holland and the Bears are looking primed at another run at the premiership this season.
This Saturday's OneFM GVL broadcast match is between Tatura and Kyabram live from 1.30pm, while on Sunday, the KDL broadcast match is between Stanhope and Murchison-Toolamba, live from 1.30pm.
17°C