The Bears clinched a first minor premiership in five years as they put the seal on a terrific showing across the home and away campaign with an emphatic 21-point victory over Rochester on August 22.
That win in the final round of fixtures capped what has proven to be a memorable term to-date, during which they have tallied 17 wins and recorded a single loss to emerge as favourites for the flag.
After that statement triumph against the Tigers, the mood within the Shepparton locker room is one of unity as it looks to create history in September.
That is according to Stevenson, who has made a major impression after helping to guide the team in the maroon and gold to the finals as the competition’s standout outfit, alongside Jason Wells.
“We’re confident,” Stevenson said.
For a side that has tasted grand final glory twice during the 21st century, the opportunity to write a new chapter in the club’s folklore represents a golden chance for the Bears’ class of 2026.
Undoubtedly, Stevenson is well-placed to assess his side’s probability of clinching a double in the upcoming month – having formed part of the team the last time his beloved club won the grand final in 2018.
“We’ve been able to show that our style and our brand of football has held up across the season and to finish 17-1 is pleasing,” he said.
“Really, the season starts again now with finals and we know that this is completely a different level, so we’re really excited by that prospect.”
As the stakes increase heading into finals Shepparton will be well-aware of the threat posed by next opponent Echuca – not least after the Murray Bombers defeated the host at Deakin Reserve by 10 points in round eight in May.
Though this game proved to be an entertaining contest for the neutrals, as both sides slugged it out in the hope of victory, the visitors eventually edged proceedings, 11.14 (80) to 10.10 (70).
Led by coach Simon Maddox, they went on to finish four points adrift of the Bears in the league standings.
They also boast the invaluable experience of having claimed back-to-back premierships as recently as 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“It’s first versus second in terms of Echuca, who have been the benchmark of the competition over the last four years,” the Shepparton boss said.
“Last time we played them, albeit both sides had a host of different personnel, it was a really close and tight game with plenty of momentum shifts.
“So we’re really excited by this upcoming weekend and hopefully the weeks following.”
Shepparton will face off against Echuca at Moon Oval, Rochester from 5.30pm on Saturday, August 29 in the qualifying final.
