GVL Data | Young Swans’ run-and-dash powers stunning upset victory

Coming into the game as clear underdogs, many didn’t expect the young Swans to be able to challenge the red hot Lions, who entered the clash on the back of six straight wins.

But some recent competitive performances against top contenders Mooroopna and Echuca had the brains trust at Princess Park believing that breakthrough scalp was just around the corner.

And it was the Swans’ ability to shut down Seymour’s marking game and get on top of the outside that served as the key to their success.

Coming into the game the Lions sat second in the competition for total marks per game at 99.1 and first in uncontested marks with 88.0.

But on Saturday afternoon it was the Swans that took charge in this area, limiting Seymour to just 54 marks for the game (its lowest total for the season), while recording 97 of their own to blow their season average of 75.1 out of the water.

And it wasn’t just marks where the Swans dominated.

Led by its exciting band of youngsters, the home team ran the weary Lions off their feet, winning the uncontested possession count by a whopping 70 and recording a huge 125 handball receives, far exceeding their season average of 99.1.

As for who were the prime movers behind this epic Shepparton Swans performance, it all started with captain BJ Squire through the middle of the ground.

Of the long-sleeved Swan’s 40 disposals, 30 were uncontested while he took seven marks and cruised past for an incredible 21 handball receives, with the Lions midfield simply unable to stop the drive he created for his team.

Throw in 33 disposals for young gun Zac Banch and 26 for smooth mover Tyreece Collison, and it is clear to see that the Swans’ midfield brigade just outworked their Lions counterparts.

This performance showed the future is very bright for the Shepparton Swans, with their exciting brand of football sure to make them a contender sooner rather than later.