GVL Data | Echuca stuffs the stat sheet in Swans massacre

By Alexander Dabb

May 19, 2024

Day out: Echuca’s Matthew Lias posted season-best numbers as the highest rated player on the ground in the big win over Shepparton Swans. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Echuca has hoisted its percentage above 200 with a brilliant 24.9 (153) to 6.8 (44) win over Shepparton Swans at Victoria Park on Saturday.

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As the scoreboard suggests, the Murray Bombers were dominant in all parts of the ground, winning virtually every statistic possible, and often by a long way.

The reigning premier had almost 100 more disposals for the match, topping the count 384 to 297, while also dominating the hard ball, winning 181 contested possessions to 133.

And although the Murray Bombers claimed significantly more marks overall (91-76), the usual disparity between the number of uncontested marks they took compared to their opponent we have seen this season was missing, with the home side taking 69 compared to the Swans’ 65.

Huge grab: Liam Tenace was among Echuca’s best in the win, booting five goals and finishing with 141 ranking points. Photo by Aidan Briggs

However, there was a huge difference in one marking area, with Echuca clunking 31 marks inside 50 from 57 entries, while the visitors took just four from their 27 forays forward.

Last week saw Liam Tenace and Kane Morris dominate the Mansfield rucks and it was a trend that continued this week, with Echuca winning the hitouts 61-27, with 17 of its taps to advantage, compared to just four from the Swans.

The knock-on effect was felt in the clearance count too, with the service provided to the Murray Bomber mids seeing them emerge from the stoppage with the ball 44 times, while the Swans mustered just 32 clearances.

Echuca’s pressure was understandably low, given it had the ball more often than not, which led to the Swans having a much higher overall rating (135-76), however Echuca was still much tidier with possession, turning the ball over 68 times, fewer than the visitors, who logged 74 turnovers.

The Murray Bombers also made the Swans pay when they surrendered possession, piling on 14.7 (91) from that source, while the Swans managed just 5.6 (36).

Lias posts big numbers in win

There were a number of standout performers from the Murray Bombers in the big win, but Matt Lias ended the day as the highest-ranked player on the ground with a showing worth 148 ranking points.

A season-high 31 disposals, complemented by 20 contested possessions, the most of any player, was just the tip of the iceberg, with Lias putting in a complete performance.

Ten clearances, eight inside-50s, four tackles, four marks and seven score involvements saw the on-baller pip Cooper Barber (144) and Liam Tenace (141), who both finished with five goals, for the most ranking points.