Star midfielder to miss GVL grand final

By Riverine Herald

Sep 20, 2022

With the Goulburn Valley League grand final on the horizon, Echuca has been dealt an early blow.

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Murray Bombers midfielder Jack McHale will not take part in the club’s grand final against Euroa after being dealt a four-week suspension at the GVL tribunal last Thursday.

The charge stemmed from the third quarter of Echuca’s semi-final victory over Euroa on Saturday, September 10 at Mansfield Recreation Reserve.

McHale was reported by the league’s match review panel for intentionally striking Magpies player Max Gleeson, and a four-week suspension was upheld at tribunal.

The star midfielder has been a key part in Echuca’s premiership push, featuring in the club’s best players in nine games.

Murray Bombers ruckman Kane Morris was also cited for engaging in rough conduct with Pies ruck Andrew Smith during that clash, but will take his place in Echuca’s grand final side after he was found not guilty at the tribunal.

Euroa defender Nate Trotter was also reported for engaging in rough conduct during the game, but was also referred to the tribunal where he was found not guilty.

Both teams will look to break long-standing premiership droughts this weekend in the first GVL grand final since 2019.

Echuca and Euroa will do battle in the Goulburn Valley League grand final at Deakin Reserve this Sunday, September 25.