Sunny skies and good vibes on grand final day

By Caleb Francis

Sep 24, 2023

Feathered fandom: Shepparton Swans supporters Maree and Kelli Williams.

The atmosphere was electric and the crowd was buzzing at this year’s Goulburn Valley League grand final on Sunday.

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Families and friends flocked to Deakin Reserve in Shepparton to support their loved ones.

Among the spectators was Joff Evans, whose enthusiasm was arguably unmatched during the 15-and-under netball game.

Mr Evans was “pretty stoked” after his daughter Mackenzie Evans and her Echuca netball team members secured a 42-30 win over Mooroopna.

“I couldn’t be happier for them; it’s my daughter’s first grand final win, so after they lost last year, I’m pretty stoked for them,” he said.

“Look, it was gonna be a tight game, it was always gonna be a tight game, so I don’t know whether I expected them to win, but I’m pretty happy.”

If you had a craving for bacon and eggs or wanted to sink your teeth into a classic Aussie sausage sizzle, the place to be was near one of the barbecues — hosted by either the Shepparton or Shepparton United football clubs.

“It’s very hard to say how many we’re going to sell, but we’re just catering for the masses, and because it’s such a good day today, there’s going to be lots of that,” Shepparton United president Bec Monk said.

“We’ve only got one dozen eggs left, and we initially had 20 dozen. So it’s been really good.”

Ms Monk estimated 5000 or 6000 people would walk through its gates from all parts of the Goulburn Valley.

“Echuca has really good support; you feel like their whole town’s here,” she said.

She said that something like this (grand final day) was only possible with the support of volunteers.

“We’re just really thankful for our volunteers who make the day happen because we’ve also got to do duties for netball and also the footy,” she said.

Frank Pappallo, who was attending his third consecutive GVL grand final, was there to support his nephews, Isaac and Lucas Rachele, playing in the Shepparton Swans’ under-18 team.

“The games have been good, but Echuca – they’re out to a strong lead, and it’s gonna be hard to come back,” Mr Pappallo said.

Despite the Swans’ position, his enthusiasm was undeterred.

“(It’s) a good day for Shepparton and well done to the GVL,’’ he said.

“The weather’s great; people are out and about. It’s good to be here.’’