GVL Data | Clinical forwards lead Bears to Deakin Derby victory

So when the last-placed Demons came around on the fixture for the second time this season, Shepparton coach Ted Lindon knew this was an opportunity his team couldn’t let slip.

And despite the scoreboard indicating a comprehensive 15.10 (100) to 7.4 (46) win for the Bears, the statistics show a much a closer contest.

Around the ball, the two teams were remarkably similar, with the young Demons winning the disposal count by five, uncontested possessions by 11 and clearances by seven.

But when it came to the nitty gritty, it was the Bears that prevailed, winning contested possessions by a 15 and ground-ball gets by seven.

Overall though, looking at these numbers you would think the game would be a close one on the scoreboard.

But as often is the case in football, making the most of your opportunities in front of goal proves crucial.

And it was in this area where the Bears excelled.

With the inside 50 count reading 52-47 in Shepparton’s favour, the class of the Bears forwards was the difference in the game — as they converted 48 per cent of those entries into scores.

Livewire Anthony Andronaco led the way in attack for Shepparton, booting four goals and taking seven marks from his 10 disposals.

Stalwart Nick Allan also added three majors to what was a dominant day out, while Tyler Larkin and Rowan Hiscock chipped in with two each.

The offensive stat that would have pleased Lindon the most, however, was the number of players recording score assists, with Andronaco and Jayden Dhosi leading the way with three each, and 12 players in total managing to help set a teammate up.

This shows an attacking set-up flowing with great synergy.

Compare that to the Demons, who converted 23 per cent of inside 50s into scores, and there is the difference in the game.

So as Shepparton embarks on the final stretch of its season, it will be hoping its potent forward line can trouble some of the league’s top teams in the run to finals.