GVL ǀ Lions, Magpies itching to get back on winner’s list in split round blockbuster

By James Kleeman

Aug 4, 2022

Integral: Euroa’s Tylah Marchbank has been key to the Magpies defence in recent games in the absence of key players. Photo by Megan Fisher

Two Goulburn Valley League A-grade finals-bound sides will face off in the first half of the split round this weekend, but that’s not to say the stakes aren’t high.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Euroa and Seymour enter their round 16 clash reeling from tough defeats last time out.

Mooroopna took a hammer to Seymour’s minor premiership hopes last Saturday, overcoming the Lions 36-32 at the Cattery.

It’s a defeat Ellie O’Sullivan’s side will be eager to make amends for this weekend.

Equally eager to return to the winner’s list is Euroa, who suffered a serious reality check at Deakin Reserve last Saturday against Shepparton United.

The 57-34 drubbing at Deakin Reserve, albeit against a different-looking Magpies line-up, has given Euroa coach Ellie Warnock plenty to think about.

“We are coming off quite a disappointing loss against United, we’re a bit depleted at the moment with only six players from our line-up available,” Warnock said.

“We’re trying to look at the positives, it does give our B-grade players the chance to step up to A-grade.”

One of those is defender Milly Treacy, who accounted for herself well in last weekend’s loss to United, and is set to run out again at Kings Park this weekend.

“Milly Treacy stepped up to play against United which is a massive challenge in itself, but she was absolutely fantastic and she’ll be playing again on Saturday,” Warnock said

Stepping up: Euroa’s Milly Treacy attempts a block on Shepparton United’s Jessie Barnes-Hill. Photo by Megan Fisher

Still in the process of recovering from a broken finger she suffered against Echuca, Warnock said she was looking forward to putting a full-strength side on the court against Mooroopna in the penultimate round of the season.

“We’ve been struggling for consistency for four quarters, not having a full team has hurt us a bit but there’s a number of positives there we can build on,” she said.

“We’ll get Bridget Hill back for the Mooroopna game, we’re hoping to have a full side in for the first time in a long time.”

Another intriguing battle will unfold over in Rochester this weekend, where the Tigers take on Shepparton United.

With just three regular season rounds remaining, time is running out for Rochester, which is positioned in seventh and six points adrift of Shepparton in eighth.

The Tigers remain in the hunt on the back off three straight wins, including a dominant 62-35 win over Benalla in round 14.

But an in-form Demons side will be looking to secure a precious four points which would continue their quest for a minor premiership.

Lastly, Shepparton Swans take on Tatura at Tatura Park.

The Swans went down in heartbreaking fashion last time out to Shepparton, delivering any remaining Swans finals hopes a devastating blow.

The Bulldogs will play on their home court for the second last time this year and will be hoping to end a difficult season on a competitive note.