Three Goulburn Valley League games greeted fans on Sunday afternoon, with the headline act coming at Tatura Park with the appearance of a former AFL star.
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Neville Jetta made a surprise appearance for Tatura in the Bulldogs’ gallant 13.11 (89) to 6.7 (43) loss to Echuca.
Jetta, a former Melbourne Demons star, wowed onlookers with his spark off half-back as the Bulldogs took the fight right up to the Murray Bombers.
The 2017 All-Australian provided experience in defence along with his leap, pace and superb foot skills.
Echuca was quick out of the gates to start the match and booted four goals to zip in the first term.
However, the home side responded with a spirited three-goal second term which was led by Jetta and talented defender Brad Ryan.
The Bulldogs’ stunning fightback saw them down by 10 points at the main break.
But like good sides do, Echuca rallied together after half time and held the Bulldogs scoreless in the third term.
The one-off appearance from Jetta came about from his close friendship with the side’s assistant coach Neil Cooper, and he was keen to play a game alongside Cooper’s son Billy.
Jetta is a development coach with Collingwood in the VFL and is tied with Bundoora when not with the Pies, but due to both sides having a bye this weekend it allowed him to make the trek north.
Around the grounds, Euroa produced a stunning performance to walk away with a 10.11 (71) to 8.7 (55) win over Kyabram.
Coming into the Sunday afternoon clash as two of the competition’s form sides, it was a tight first half, with Euroa taking a slight eight-point advantage into the main change.
The Magpies led by as little as four points halfway through the final term but Scott Rowan’s men got across the line by 16 points.
Lastly, Mansfield enjoyed a clinical 41-point win over the Shepparton Swans in the High Country.
Dominating the contest from start to finish, Mansfield kept the Swans goalless for the entire first half in what was a defensive masterclass.
Making the most out of the visitors’ inaccuracy in front of the sticks, the Eagles ended up boosting their percentage with a four-goal final term.
Will Foster starred with four majors, while Ben Christopher chipped in with three.