GVL ǀ Gallery ǀ Egan makes cameo in Swans’ clash with Euroa

Trading the bright lights of Ikon Park for the netball courts of Princess Park, Egan said it was always enjoyable being back in Shepparton playing sport of any kind.

“It’s a bit strange, very different. It’s a completely different sport but it’s a lot of fun,” she said.

“It’s really good (being back), it’s a fun environment here, which makes it a lot easier to come back and play. I wish I could do it more often.”

With the Carlton midfielder enjoying a break ahead of the 2022-23 AFLW season, Egan didn’t rule out another appearance in the red-and-white in the coming months.

“I think this was just a little fun one-off, maybe a few games before footy starts again,’’ she said.

“I enjoyed it a lot, so hopefully there’s a couple more.’’

Fresh off a stunning round three upset over Seymour, Euroa put on a superb performance against the Swans on Saturday, securing a solid 47-26 win.

The performance leaves little doubt in anyone’s minds the Magpies will be a serious Goulburn Valley League netball premiership contender come September.

A well-drilled, well-oiled machine took to the court at Princess Park, growing into what was a highly physical contest early.

Getting out to a six-goal lead at quarter-time, the Magpies were in control of the game from there, matching a Swans surge and Egan’s entrance in the second quarter to carry a lead into half-time.

Euroa coach Ellie Warnock, who had a superb day in defence, was pleased with how her girls settled in and were able to play the game on their terms.

“It was a really physical, tough game,” she said.

“I think we were just a bit erratic to begin with, but we adjusted accordingly, settled in and started to play our netball.

“We had a really strong last half, just went back to our game.”

It was Euroa's third win from four games, with the new-look side building on each performance.

“It’s a really nice chemistry,’’ she said.

"We’ve got two new players this year, so it’s just happened on it’s own — we’ve just jelled really well.

“We have the ability to rotate players into different positions on the court and we didn’t have that last year.”

The Magpies’ defensive end was strong across four quarters, with Warnock and goal defender Tylah Marchbank ensuring the Swans’ shooters could not find consistent goals.

“Tylah Marchbank you can thank for that, we’re just talking really well,” Warnock said.

“We haven’t played together since we played at Benalla Saints years and years ago.

“After four rounds, things are working really well and just the talking there as well — we’re just jelling.”

In other GVL A-grade action, spectators were treated to some superb netball around the grounds in round four.

Seymour shocked the competition, bouncing back from its loss to Euroa with a resounding 53-33 win against Mooroopna.

A brilliant second half from the Lions saw them run away with it after a highly competitive opening two quarters from both sides.

Meanwhile, Benalla made it three wins on the trot after getting up over Kyabram in an exhilarating 47-41 win.

Best-on-court Kelsey Palpratt was at the centre of a lot of Benalla’s play, also managing to create some crucial intercepts from her role in wing attack.

Mid-courter Hayley Martiniello and Tilly Lang were also among the standouts in the Saints’ thrilling six-goal win.

Shepparton Bears came away with their second win of the season after an equally thrilling nine-goal win at Tatura.

Caitlin Hill’s return in goals for the Bears saw her rewarded with best-on, while mid-courters Tanner Edwards and Bree Robinson set the tone to see their side come away with an important 49-40 win.

In the final match-up, competition powerhouse Echuca kept its perfect record intact with a comprehensive 75-17 win against Mansfield.

Goal defender Claire Byrne had another blinder to earn best-on for the Murray Bombers, while wing attack Greta Pearson and goaler Bianca Willis kept the score ticking over in attack.