High five: Jackson Stewart and Will Monahan celebrate a goal. Photos: Josh Huntly
With Echuca coming off its first loss since round 18 last year, the Murray Bombers’ brains trust expected a sharp response in their qualifying final rematch against Mansfield.
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And that’s exactly what they got.
Echuca started strong with a six-goal first quarter in its round 11 clash against the Eagles, finishing with a six-goal fourth quarter to set the stage for a comfortable 42-point victory.
Mansfield put up a better fight in the second quarter, limiting Echuca to just one goal while scoring 2.6.
But despite Pat Marks’ set shot from 50 metres bringing the Eagles within 17 points at one stage, the inaccurate visitors still trailed by 19 at half-time.
Jackson Stewart had another productive game for the reigning premiers with 26 disposals, including a goal to kickstart the proceedings in a physical third quarter.
Ben Christopher responded with one of his three goals for the day, but strikes from Cooper Barber, Liam Tenace and Sam Reid helped Echuca maintain its advantage.
With a six-goal lead heading into the final quarter, Christopher and Nathan Buchanan quickly scored two goals within a minute to narrow the margin to 25 points.
Hot footy: Matt Lias weaves through traffic.
However, Jack Evans’ burst of goals dashed Mansfield’s hopes, and Will Monahan’s fourth and final goal sealed Echuca’s 10th win of the year.
In his first game back after eight rounds, Andrew Walker made an impact with 24 disposals and six clearances.
Mitch Kemp also had a standout performance since returning from an ACL injury, contributing 29 disposals, 11 marks, and six score involvements.
Quick kick: Mansfield’s Nathan Buchanan gets a kick away.
For Mansfield, Frazer Dale, Dirk Koenen, and Christopher were the top performers for the Eagles.
The Murray Bombers have reclaimed the top spot on the GVL ladder, but the victory may have come at a cost.
Ruckman Kane Morris, playing his first game since round five, suffered what appeared to be a game-ending ankle injury and did not participate in the contest after the second quarter.
Echuca may be without Morris for its round 12 clash against Tatura, as it aims to secure another win against the Bulldogs in 2023.
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