‘This is the journey’: Shepparton belts Benalla at home

“This is the journey.”

Captain Jacinta Todd stated Saturday’s 43-goal drubbing of the Saints was an injection of confidence on the path to finals, and it was clear the Bears were playing with no shortage of moxie to bounce back from a prior defeat to Seymour in round eight.

“I think it’s probably one of our best, most consistent performances that we’ve put out there,” Todd said.

“We’ve had quite a few hard games over the last month or so, and haven’t quite pulled four quarters together, so I’m really proud of the girls for actually putting four quarters together.

“It also puts us right up there in that top six and we’re still trying to push for that top four.

“Last week it was a good game from our behalf and we did push Seymour, we just didn’t get over the line in the end, but today it was a real confidence booster for us.”

From the jump, one match-up ― or perhaps mismatch-up ― was blatantly obvious.

Shepparton goaler Jane Cook stood head and shoulders above Benalla’s Meg Morrison, and with immaculate service from goal attack Ella Sidebottom the 200cm shooter drilled goal after goal with robotic efficiency.

The Bears broke out to a 17-7 lead in the first quarter, with Cook slotting 16.

Benalla was far from out of the contest as goaling duo Natalie Pritchett and Mikayla Lessing received good supply from Alex Davies and Olivia Dalton, but the second quarter was a different story as chances were spurned and turnovers conceded to have the Saints post just three goals during the term.

Up by 26 heading into the third term, Todd entered the fold in wing attack and provided voice and drive towards the ring as Shepparton went in for the kill.

She and Sidebottom threw up what should have been hail Maries for Cook, now guarded by Ella Sheehan, but it was like picking apples for the City West Falcon.

Cook would retire to the bench at three-quarter time for a well deserved rest after draining 52 of Shepparton’s 56 goals and, despite Benalla recording its best showing, the Saints trailed by 35 approaching the last exchange.

Sidebottom donned the goal shooter bib and roused the home crowd with each attempt that swished through the hoop, while Benalla’s Davies championed her side’s impressive lateral movement which brought about a slight resurgence from the visitors.

However, the margin was well out of reach and Shepparton sprinted across the line in a full faceted showing at Deakin Reserve.

Todd paid credit to Cook for her direction and talk, while also praising youngsters Eliza Bicknell and Caitlyn Tuohey as well as veteran defender Ash Cann.

The Bears’ skipper was vocal on and off the court throughout the win, and cited her side’s willingness to listen as a key part of the journey ― and why she wants to be at the heart of it this season.

“That’s why I think I continue to play, not only to get a run around and keep my fitness, but also to help the ones coming through because you can go out there and coach them while you’re on the court,” Todd said.

“I’m really loving it and thriving in that position and the great thing is that they listen.’’

In other games, Tatura vaulted into third on the ladder after beating Seymour 48-40.

The Bulldogs join Mooroopna and Euroa on 32 points at the head of the table, with the Magpies leading on percentage following their 67-48 victory over Rochester.

Elsewhere, Shepparton Swans produced a seven-goal win against Kyabram and Shepparton United saw off Mansfield 47-35.