With a more competitive Deakin derby slated than has been traditionally expected in recent times, intrigue was high ahead of the Good Friday clash between Shepparton and Shepparton United.
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Especially considering the Demons’ stingier defiance against Goulburn Valley League high-flyers Echuca and Mansfield in consecutive clashes, despite not picking up the points in those games.
However, despite co-coach Xavier Stevenson’s acknowledging United’s improvement, he would instead join a goal-kicking procession of six unanswered first-term majors to lay the platform for the Bears’ 17.12 (114) to 5.10 (40) triumph.
“United have definitely improved, as shown by their first two games,” Stevenson said.
“It was nice to start strong and obviously assert scoreboard pressure. The scoreboard probably wasn’t reflective of the contest; I thought it was actually pretty hard fought and contested.
“We were able to get the game on our terms for a bit longer and capitalise when we did.”
The onslaught consigned the Demons to playing catch-up for a second straight game as Trent Herbert fired off two majors, while Lewis McShane, Stevenson, Zac Metcalf, and Ned Byrne converted.
Jordan Loverso struck United’s first goal late in the opening stanza off the back of some brute midfield work from Joel Serra and Jesse Cucinotta, but the shadow of Bears ruck Ash Holland – who instigated an eye-boggling 87-17 hit-out count – continued to allow first use for the Bears.
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Shepparton’s Liam Duguid chases Joel Serra. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 6
Shepparton United's Mitchell Trevaskis goes for a run. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 6
Lewis McShane shoots for goal. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 6
Luke Smith likes what he see’s from the set shot. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 6
Shepparton United's Jesse Cucinotta chases Ned Byrne. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 6
Shepparton United's Corey Reardon and Shepparton's Ashley Holland do battle in the ruck. Photo by Rechelle ZammitDown 28 points, United claimed first blood in the second quarter through Kaedyn Napier as the Demons’ upped their contested game, but a sharp one-handed grab from Luke Smith and resultant set shot kept the willing opposition at bay.
Lewis McShane’s third goal of the game fired the Bears even further ahead, profiting off what Stevenson referred to as “non-talent acts” further up the ground.
“Our pressure around the football was fantastic; we didn’t give the opposition a lot of time and space, and I thought that was just a collective effort across the board,” he said.
Shortly after half-time, Holland, who collected 19 disposals and 10 clearances, extended the Bears’ lead beyond 30 points, signalling the start of a four goal to none premiership quarter that put the contest beyond doubt.
Ned Byrne made the most of Holland's ruck dominance, amassing an impressive 32 possessions and 12 clearances, topped off with a goal.
His fierce competitiveness in contested situations drew high praise from teammates and coaches alike.
“Ned Byrne is starting to see the fruits of his labour,” Stevenson said.
“He works harder than anyone on our list, hence why he’s had this enormous growth over the last 18–24 months.
“On Friday he was super around the contest, he probably didn’t finish as well as he would like but just his ability to put on pressure and his stoppage work was fantastic.
“Ash (Holland) was doing Ash things in terms of giving us first use, and he was pretty dangerous around the ground as well.”
Meanwhile, McShane’s four-goal haul fired him to 15 from three games and four clear atop the GVL goal-kicking table.
“Lewy (McShane) has had a great start to the year, he’s been super clean below his feet and in the air, and he’s making the most of his opportunities,” Stevenson said.
Serra (30 disposals, 15 clearances) and United co-coach Cucinotta (34 disposals, six tackles) battled bravely for the Demons but will head into this weekend’s clash against Kyabram still seeking their first win of the season.
The opposite is true for the Bears, who not only turn their eye to Mooroopna aiming for four consecutive wins, but do so with an AFL star in tow for one more rodeo.
Former Port Adelaide star Tom Clurey, on break from Katamatite duties due to a league bye, made his debut for the Bears, and for Stevenson, having the services of a man of his experience is unsurprisingly a welcome addition.
And against an always dangerous Cats outfit, it’s one that could propel Shepparton to even greater heights.
“It’s always nice to have the addition of someone who has spent 10 years in the AFL system,” The Bears co-coach said.
“He knows a fair few of the boys already so it was a pretty seamless transition into the side.
“We’ll see him again this weekend against Mooroopna which is pleasing, and we’ll take it from there in the long run.
“Obviously, his commitment is with Katamatite which is amazing so we’re just lucky to have him when the opportunity presents.
“Mooroopna are always a tough team to play; they’re well-coached and well-structured.
“We know they haven’t necessarily had the strongest start to the year, but it looks like from the optics alone and the stats they’ve been competitive in all the games they’ve played.
“We’ve still got a lot of growth ourselves; we’re not necessarily playing the best periods of football for 120 minutes just yet.”