Shepparton United respond with 28-point Euroa statement win

In what was a competitive first half, Shepparton United held a narrow advantage at the main break, leading by 10 points after an arm wrestle across the opening two quarters.

The Demons made the early running in the first term, with Jayedon Hexter providing a spark through two quick goals, while Zane Chalcraft also hit the scoreboard as they built an early lead.

Euroa responded well through Nicholas Asquith and Jett Trotter to stay within reach at quarter time.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Shepparton United again starting strongly with goals to Angus Hicks and Matthew Casey extending the margin - but Euroa refused to go away quietly.

Asquith added his second major, while Adam Giobbi converted late in the term to keep the home side in the contest.

Despite United’s control of territory at times, they were unable to fully capitalise, taking a 38 to 28 lead into halftime.

Coach Trent Freer said he was pleased with the group’s response after a wounding round one defeat and their ability to implement his style of play.

“Yesterday's performance I was really impressed with after the first round loss,” Freer said.

“We wanted to come back and put our style of game on, I thought the boys were able to do that so it was super pleasing.”

Freer acknowledged that while his side had control in patches early, their ball use needed improvement, and the half-time message was focused on sticking to their structures.

“My message was to keep playing to our structures. We didn't use the ball super well early in the game,” he said.

“Euroa aren’t a bad side either, so we knew it was going to take a bit of time to break away.”

That adjustment proved decisive in the third quarter, which ultimately defined the match.

Shepparton United lifted their intensity and execution, kicking four goals for the term to break the game open.

Jordan Loverso and Liam Serra struck early, before Timothy Looby and Matthew Casey added further goals as United capitalised on improved ball movement and forward efficiency.

Freer said a return to basics was the key to the turnaround.

“Early on we were missing our very basic and simple kicks, trying to bite off more than we could chew,” he said

“So we went back to basics and were able to hit our shorter targets, which let us shift the ball and create one-on-one contests forward.”

The improved delivery gave United’s forwards the opportunity to compete more effectively, with Casey finishing with three goals in a strong performance inside 50.

“Our forward line really clicked, Matt Casey kicked three and probably left a couple more out there,” Freer said.

While the Magpies showed fight throughout, including a late push in the final quarter with two quick goals to Trotter, Shepparton United remained composed.

A steadying goal to Kaedyn Napier ensured any chance of a comeback was short-lived, with both sides adding two goals apiece in the final term.

Freer also praised the contribution across all areas of the ground, highlighting the midfield and defensive efforts as key components of the win.

“Our midfield really played well, Angus Hicks and Jensen Dowling were really great,” he said.

“Jordan Hayes showed some really good class and hard competitive football, and the whole backline really stood up.”

Freer said the way his side finished the match was particularly pleasing and something they will look to build on moving forward.

“I’m extremely pleased with how we finished and rounded the game off,” he said.

Looking ahead, the focus for Shepparton United will be on consistency and continuing to execute the fundamentals that underpin coach Freer’s ethos.

“We just want to be able to do the small things well, that builds pressure,” the United coach said.

“It’s about showing composure with the football and staying in the fight longer.

“That’s something we’ve worked on during pre-season and want to carry forward.”