Shepparton's Lincoln Brand.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Beware the bear.
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Shepparton kept its back-to-back premiership ambitions alive with a commanding 125-point victory over Benalla in the Goulburn Valley League thirds preliminary final, securing its place on grand final day.
Lincoln Brand and Riley Myers slotted seven goals apiece against the Saints in the preliminary final, while Brand’s fellow Murray Bushranger assignees Jack Mellington and Alex Whitlock made their presence known.
“We're fortunate that we've probably brought in some top end talent to help,” Shepparton co-coach Josh Pearce said.
“From a talent perspective, we've probably improved, but we've also gone back to playing the way we want to play.”
Shepparton's Archer Hueston and Benalla's Braedon Blackford battle in the ruck.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton's Hunter Howells wraps up Benalla's Bryce Cooney.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton's Jack Mellington gets boot to ball.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Benalla's Cooper Binion takes a mark.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Benalla's Jackson Fry lines up a set shot.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton's Riley Myers sets sail for goal.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
It’s been a ruthless response since the Bears’ 44-point defeat to Echuca in the opening week of finals, defeating Shepparton United by 74 points a week later.
The Bears’ have laid the foundations for the clubs first shot at back-to-back thirds premierships since 2012, but they will need to inflict the Murray Bombers’ first defeat of the season to do so.
And Pearce knows the thirds powerhouse that is Echuca, which has won five of the past six premierships, won’t go down easy.
Shepparton's under-18s co-coach Joshua Pearce.
Photo by
Callum Farquhar
“We’re certainly under no illusions Echuca is obviously undefeated,” Bears’ co-coach Josh Pearce said.
“They’ve been the beacon throughout the year, and we knew if we're going to win it we'd have to probably come across them in the grand final.
“I think it'll be a pretty competitive game - excited to be part of it.”
The under-18 Bears are the first of Shepparton’s three football sides to play this Sunday at Deakin Reserve, remarkably joining the reserves and seniors in attempting to knock off Echuca.
So, can they get the club off to a winning note?
“We were in it for three quarters last time, so we just have to be a little bit better for an extra quarter or so and give ourselves a chance at the end,” Pearce said.
“The group at thirds level is really excited and deserve the opportunity to be there.
“They’ve had a really consistent year as a whole, so we’re thrilled that they get the opportunity to potentially have some success at the end.
“Having the reserves and their seniors as well from a football perspective just adds another level of excitement.
The under-18 GVL grand final gets underway at 9.15am this Sunday, September 20, at Deakin Reserve.
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