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GVL | Gallery | Ben Giobbi masterclass lifts Euroa to big win over Demons

By Zac Standish

Jul 31, 2022

A clinical performance: Euroa livewire Ben Giobbi was at his scintillating best on Saturday, booting five goals in the Magpies’ big win over Shepparton United. Photos: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

A blistering five goals by Euroa midfield dynamo Ben Giobbi lifted the Magpies to an 11th victory of the Goulburn Valley League season on Saturday afternoon.

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Travelling to Deakin Reserve to face Shepparton United, Euroa imposed its class on the contest early, as it kicked 11 first-half goals to the Demons’ two to set up the 19.20 (134) to 6.9 (45) victory.

Happy days: Euroa’s Jett Trotter. Photo by Megan Fisher

Led by Giobbi’s handful, the Magpies had an even spread of contributors around the sticks, with Jett Trotter (three), Erish Uthayakumar (three) and Tristan Davies (two) all cashing in as they gave their percentage a healthy boost.

Now sitting comfortably in second spot on the GVL ladder, Euroa coach Scott Rowan said it was pleasing to see his team do what it had to against a young United outfit.

Strong hands: Euroa’s Tristan Davies marks in front of Shepparton United’s Harry Smith. Photo by Megan Fisher

“We just set up very well, a lot better than we had the previous few weeks, which was a major focus going into Saturday,” Rowan said.

“I could tell the boys were enjoying themselves out on the field, and when we are able to set up the game how we want, other teams often find it hard to score on us and we can be pretty attacking going the other way.

The big boys fly: Euroa’s Andrew Smith and Shepparton United’s Mitchell Oliver contest the ruck. Photo by Megan Fisher

“It probably became a bit of a scrap in the second half, but overall we are happy to walk away with the win and with no injuries.”

Assessing his options: Euroa’s Ben Giobbi. Photo by Megan Fisher

Having the game in control from start to finish, there were no passengers in the black-and-white on Saturday afternoon, with the entire 22 playing their part in 89-point win.

Rowan said having that even contribution was something they had been striving to achieve consistently all season-long.

Cracking in: Euroa’s Tom Garside and Shepparton United’s Robbie Mifka collide. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Overall it was just a complete team performance and I don’t think we had anyone not play their role on the day,” he said.

“Jack Hellier was brilliant through the midfield, Andrew Smith dominated in the ruck all day and as a result we got a lot of ascendancy around clearance.

“The backs set up well and provided great pressure which allowed the likes of Ben (Giobbi), Jett (Trotter) and Tristan (Davies) to get on the end of a few up forward.”

And while there were a number of winners across the ground, Rowan made sure to praise the game-breaking ability of Giobbi, with his versatility making for a welcome headache for his coaching staff.

Reaching out: Shepparton United’s Robbie Mifka gathers possession. Photo by Megan Fisher

“It’s hard to know with Benny where to play him, he’s incredibly dangerous up forward but is also a real bull in the midfield,” he said.

“So we have a real luxury to be able to throw him where we need him and he is enjoying his stint up forward while also contributing in the midfield.

A tight unit: Shepparton United come together. Photo by Megan Fisher

“We saw the best of that mix yesterday and he just had himself another great game.”

Euroa now gears up for a blockbuster clash with fierce rival Seymour next weekend at Kings Park, while United will make the trip to Moon Oval to face Rochester.