Echuca flies into Eagles clash in unfamiliar territory

By Josh Huntly

Jun 29, 2023

Head over the ball: Echuca's Joe Guiney gets his kick away. Photo: Aydin Payne Photo by Aydin Payne

Echuca will come into its Goulburn Valley League clash against Mansfield on Saturday in a rare position.

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The Murray Bombers are coming off their first loss since round 18 last year after Seymour toppled the reigning premier by two goals at Kings Park before the split-round bye.

Out of action last weekend, Echuca will be raring to go when it hosts the Eagles at Victoria Park, who will be smelling blood in the water after their opposition’s rare miss.

But the Eagles, who sit in sixth place, will need to defy a poor recent record against the back-to-back premiership aspirant.

They meet Echuca for the first time since last season’s 69-point qualifying defeat, and the Murray Bombers’ winning ascendancy over Chad Owens’ men stretches back to 2016.

The Eagles’ depleted senior side are coming off a 51-point defeat to Kyabram, but a week off will help rejuvenate Mansfield’s squad.

For Echuca, the prize on offer is clear should they topple the Eagles.

The Murray Bombers have been leapfrogged by Seymour and Kyabram, who has now taken top spot on the GVL ladder.

With superior percentage, a win will take Echuca back to the apex, a fact they will be utilising for inspiration when the first ball is bounced at 2pm at Victoria Park.

By Josh Huntly