In a topsy-turvy game the Cats led by nine points at the first change, but lost the lead going into the major interval, with the Bears leading by four.
A 3.4 third quarter allowed the Cats to take the lead once more at three-quarter time, by five points, but they couldn't hold on to it when it mattered as they went down 8.11 (59) to 9.6 (60).
Jack Hunt was named best for the Cats, while Matthew Pellegrino starred for the Bears in the win.
Mooroopna coach John Lamont said a straighter third-quarter scoreline could have been the difference.
“We had enough opportunities throughout the night,” he said.
“We were a bit inaccurate in the third quarter and felt like we should have been further in front at three quarter time.
“Credit to the Bears - they kept going and never gave in.”
Lamont said he was impressed with his team's defence, but would be looking to improve its efficiency going inside 50.
“I thought some of our clearance work was good at times,” he said.
“We defended well at times with good team defense as well as inside pressure,” Lamont said.
“We will keep making sure the things we are good at get better and we want to improve our efficiency going forward, so we can turn clearances into inside 50s and turn inside 50s into scores.”
Shepparton co-coach Ramadan (Rum) Yze was impressed with his young cubs as they sung the song for the first time.
“It's always good after a win,” he said.
“The young kids stood up to the pressure really well.
“I thought we started a bit slow, but the boys came out and played a role and followed instructions to a tee.
“We don't rely on individuals, we rely on a team effort and I thought we had that.”
Yze is hoping his young chargers can continue their winning form, when they host Benalla next weekend.
“Round one didn’t go our away, but it's always good to go back to Deakin (Reserve) and hopefully we can get our first win in front of the home crowd.”
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