Having the supreme talents of Andrew Walker, Peter Faulks and Tim Allan alongside them during the week at training and on game-day seems to have rubbed off on Echuca’s brigade of young players.
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Three under-21 players were named in the best players for the Murray Bombers and those three were well supported by the countless of other youngsters who have cemented their spot in the senior line-up.
Nick Sheldon and Trent Campbell were tasked with nullifying the input of Tatura’s star midfielders, Jamason Daniels and Jason Tutt, respectively and Jack McHale (two goals) starred in the middle.
VFL-listed youngster Darby Henderson was unavailable as he ran out for Williamstown for the first time this year — further highlighting the growth of Echuca’s youth.
Echuca co-coach Simon Maddox praised the performance of his side’s younger players in the five-goal win against Tatura.
‘‘I thought our young guys were great for us today, they are getting better each and every week,’’ Maddox said.
‘‘They’re still learning and improving and once they get a few more senior games under the belt they’ll be even better come the end of the season.
‘‘We have 10 to 11 guys under the age of 21, which is fantastic for the club and for our future.’’
Lively forward Jordan Frew kicked two goals and defender Mitch Kemp showcased his run and carry off half-back, while young ruckman Jobee Warde played an important role in tandem with Kane Morris.
‘‘I thought McHale was good today, his hands were good and he’s also smart at the stoppages and Mitch (Kemp) gave us run off half-back and Jordan (Frew) was lively up forward before he hurt his ankle,’’ Maddox said.
‘‘Nick Sheldon on Jamason Daniels was an interesting match-up, Daniels got a little bit of the ball, but Nick was able to get a bit himself and I thought he did a great job running with him all game.
‘‘And Trent (Campbell) did a terrific job today on Tutt, he’s probably played eight or nine senior games as opposed to Tutt having experience at AFL level, so I thought it was great game from him.’’
McHale spoke about the win, which continues Echuca’s undefeated start to the season, highlighting the intensity from his side played a key role in the win.
‘‘I thought our pressure early on in the game was really good, it helped set up those early goals and eventually the win,’’ McHale said.
‘‘We kind of dropped away in the last quarter, couple of the boys started cramping, but we were down to one on the bench, which made it a bit hard.
‘‘It will just be something we work on now during the week for when we take on Kyabram next week.’’
