Deakin Reserve bragging rights remain with the Bears.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Shepparton has overcome a new-look Shepparton United outfit in a physical contest under lights at the shared home venue, running away in the third quarter to kick off its Goulburn Valley League season in style.
A picturesque sky covered the first half’s gameplay, as a field filled with senior footballers bursting with energy spilled into multiple fracas and spot fires in the early proceedings, before Matthew Casey kicked the opener for Shepparton United.
The Demons put the opening two on the board before United’s Jesse Cucinotta was given a yellow card following the second, reported by the boundary umpire.
Another incident occurred a few minutes later as a heavy tackle led to an all-in brawl that spilled over the boundary line, following Shepparton’s Anthony Andronaco lunging in to remonstrate against Shepparton United.
In case it needed to be spelt out, there was plenty of feeling in this one.
Shepparton coach Xavier Stevenson kicked a goal on the line after the Sherrin juggled between multiple hands, kicking on another push and shove, Shepparton’s first goal on the board coming in the 30th minute.
Trailing by five at quarter-time, Stevenson put the even bout down to contested work by the Demons and their ability to hold possession with uncontested marks.
“These games between these two clubs are always tough, and the night game adds another layer to that contest and pressure, and I think that’s where it was won and lost,” he said post-match.
“I thought their contest was really good to start with and hence they probably got the jump on us a bit.”
The Bears and Demons continued in an arm wrestle until Shepparton went bang-bang to extend its lead in the second to 19, before Demon Jensen Dowling kicked a goal to peg it back to 13 at half time in his return game from injury.
In the third term, the Bears maintained possession and began to run away with the game, with recruit Lachie Ludeman amongst six goal scorers to United’s one.
“We knew that eventually it would open up and it did,” Stevenson said.
“We thought if we limited their uncontested marking our contest work would shine through... they were dictating the contest through that, they had about 21 or 22 in the first quarter.
“From there we were able to get our game style going.”
VFL-listed Bear Jake Watts showed his style as he tore up the midfield with pace, while Stevenson commended Ludeman and Kade O’Dealy, Bears recruits donning maroon and gold for the first time, as Shepparton stormed home under the blackened night sky 15.8 (98) to 5.4 (34).
“We really celebrate our role players here, and they did exactly that today,” Stevenson said.
“Kade played a really good forward-mid role, and Lachie was excellent at negating their tall intercept-markers.”
The Bears host Seymour next week, a side Stevenson stated Shepparton “really rate” and is expecting it to be a early tester, while United will look to overcome its loss against Euroa at the Magpies’ deck.