COMPLETE: Goulburn Valley, Murray leagues conclude home-and-away seasons

It was a bumper day around the region with the Murray Football League taking on an especially wild afternoon.

5.20pm - That’s all from us on today’s coverage

We hope you enjoyed our efforts to keep up with a huge day of action that saw finals solidified in the Goulburn Valley and Murray leagues.

We can at last catch our collective breath and look on to tomorrow’s action before these two competitions join the KDL and PDL in getting stuck into knockout competition in a week’s time.

Thanks for tuning in!

5.15pm - Recapping what we learned

While we didn’t get every upset available, there was plenty of late chaos across the afternoon as the last finals pieces fell into place - some with just about the last kicks of the day.

The action isn’t over this weekend, though, with KDL and PDL games continuing tomorrow alongside grand final day for the Goulburn Murray Junior League at Deakin Reserve.

5.10pm - Giving goalkickers their due

As we mentioned across the afternoon, there were a few individuals with the chance to shine around the big sticks today.

The news from Congupna was that star man Kyle Mueller notched eight in his side’s demolition job on Echuca United, landing him just five shy of what would have been a remarkable late turnaround to complete a century.

Mueller finishes on 95 for the regular season, but one would be plenty wise to watch him closely in September.

The GVL’s leading goalkicker award went to Lions rising star Riley Mason in a photo finish, having put eight past Mooroopna to land on 72.

He was able to storm over the top of Kyabram’s Anthony Depasquale, whose bag of five placed him at 71, one goal shy of the title despite coming in with a lead of two.

5.05pm - Eagles at a canter as semis await

Over in the KDL, Shepparton East did the expected job and marched powerfully into the semis with a 17.11 (113) to 7.6 (48) win over Tallygaroopna in Avenel that saw Hysen Ismet steal the show with 11 goals, posting a winning tally on his own.

The second elimination final is set for Sunday as Avenel and Nagambie meet in Lancaster.

5.00pm - The picture clears up at last

Echuca and Shepparton will contest a high-octane GVL qualifying final next weekend - but the two teams were well out in front, so we knew that already.

Rochester will take on Euroa and Mooroopna will meet Kyabram in the two elimination finals first up.

Congupna’s 136-point smashing of Echuca United was a solid tune-up for its own first vs second affair next week, eventually discovering its opponent would be Finley.

Deniliquin Rams will meet Mulwala in an all-New South Wales knockout clash, but if you enjoyed that Moama-Numurkah affair today, there’s good news - they’ll do it all again in the other elimination final next week.

4.55pm - Mulwala coach Rowe ‘very, very proud’

Mulwala boss Kade Rowe gave some comments to The News post-match following a gritty win.

“Everyone dug deep. We’re going to enjoy the win, have a couple of beers and enjoy each other’s company tonight, but it’s back to work tomorrow.

“We just had 17 men on the field for 45 minutes of that game. Internally, we probably need to toe the line a bit more, but there was so much to play for today.”

4.45pm - That’s a wrap in the GVL

An astonishing 11-goal final term saw Echuca claim the minor premiership in typically dominant fashion, brushing the Shepparton Swans aside to the tune of 92 points.

Shepparton settled for second after holding Kyabram at arm’s length to win by six goals, while Rochester was unchallenged for third after a 21-point win over Shepparton United, with Mooroopna licking some wounds in fourth after a belting at the hands of Seymour.

Kyabram held fifth despite its defeat as Mansfield grabbed its eighth win of the campaign by knocking over sixth-placed Euroa, while Benalla eventually prevailed over the Bulldogs in the bottom-of-the-table clash.

4.42pm - Rams or Magpies? We’ll find out in moments

Mulwala and Numurkah have exchanged fifth and sixth a handful of times across the past 20 minutes, and it looks increasingly likely - while we wait for a few sirens - that Moama and the Blues will rematch in a week’s time for a third vs sixth elimination final.

4.38pm - ANOTHER late twist for the Pies?

Moama’s sixth goal of the day is good for the lead - how long could there possibly be left?

Seconds ago, there was a strong chance we’d see these two teams lock horns again in a week’s time, but the Pies are again up to third on the live table.

4.37pm - Full time in Mulwala!

The Lions are home and hosed, and while we don’t know quite where they’ll find themselves in a few minutes, Mulwala is guaranteed a finals place now.

Three goals to reigning league best and fairest Jackson Gash saw the Lions over the line, with Cobram’s season ended courtesy of a 10.8 (68) to 7.8 (50) result at Lonsdale Oval.

Now, we wait...

4.35pm - A shock still on the cards in Moama?

The Magpies might have let it slip late at home with the Magpies suddenly hitting the front late in additional time.

It’s only a four-point advantage to now - 7.7 to 5.15 - but one that could upend multiple finals spots if the Blues hold firm.

4.32pm - Everything Seymour touches turns to gold

The Lions are moments away from registering a hugely morale-boosting win over Mooroopna - but they’re not the only Seymour celebrating.

Mulwala’s Beau Seymour might have just delivered the dagger that brings finals home for good, extending the gap to 17 points - 10.7 to 7.8 - with precious little time on the clock.

4.30pm - Katamatite cruises home

The Picola league’s minor premiers have closed the book on a comfortable 46-point semifinal victory over Katunga, getting over the line 13.9 (87) to 5.11 (41).

4.25pm - Magpies finally on course

Moama has come good at the right time, moving to a nine-point advantage over Numurkah with 5.15 on the board - is fourth safe?

Meanwhile, Cobram has all the momentum entering added time with 11 points the difference.

4.22 - Late drama at Lonsdale?

There’s been some ill-discipline on the turf today from the home side, and in the immediate aftermath of a desperately needed Cobram goal - Artavilla’s second - Mulwala’s Nathan McNair received his marching orders for an incident seconds later.

The result was a double goal for Artavilla, notching number three by converting the set shot. 13 points the gap...

4.20pm - If only Benalla did that favour...

Euroa wiped Benalla off the Showgrounds last week in a thorough beating, and given that the Magpies are poised to drop points to Mansfield today, it’s a good thing they got their runs on the board.

All GVL results bar the Tatura-Benalla clash appear accounted for, with Echuca, Shepparton, Mansfield, Rochester and especially Seymour all in prime position with a handful of minutes left.

4.18pm - It’s gone kaput for Katunga

Katamatite has made good on its second chance, home and hosed 15 minutes into the final term in Picola.

The Tigers have benefitted from a woefully inaccurate Katunga side to adopt an insurmountable 12.7 (79) to 3.11 (29) advantage, certainly booking its prelim ticket.

4.15pm - Has Sutherland sunk Cobram for good?

The final term’s opening goal needed to go Cobram’s way in the eyes of Tigers faithful - but it most certainly hasn’t.

Jack Sutherland sinks his second of the day to give Mulwala a 23-point advantage nine minutes into the final term...back to sixth for now though as Numurkah leads by a solitary point.

4.05pm - It’s all on the line with a half-hour on the clock...

Nothing is yet solved back here in the Murray despite Mulwala’s 17-point buffer entering the final term.

The Lions are into fifth as it stands, though, with Moama drawing level with Numurkah ahead of an action-packed frenzy of football.

Nathalia appears to have run out of legs, now 32 down to Finley with the season surely called at this point.

4.03pm - EIGHT for Ismet on the south side!

Shepparton East’s Hysen Ismet has essentially put the first KDL elimination final to bed off his own boot, up to eight as we close in on the final change.

The Eagles look safe as houses, up 13.5 (83) to 4.5 (29) on Tallygaroopna.

4.00pm - GVL finals puzzle all but solved

Echuca has one hand on the minor premiership despite some goalkicking woes, with the defending champions holding 9.17 (71) in the face of the Shepparton Swans’ 7.3 (45).

Shepparton’s best efforts look destined to fall short but the double chance is consolation enough, the Bears up 13.11 (89) to Kyabram’s 10.6 (66).

Rochester and Mooroopna’s margins are large but contrasting, with the Tigers ementing third in a comfortable 39-point lead over United and Seymour set to pull off a serious coup to end their campaign, up by 54.

Riley Mason has six on the afternoon, drawing level on 70 with Depasquale, who has been stuck at four for some time.

3.54pm - It’s time we checked in around the Murray

As Will Gorman puts Mulwala 11 points up - letting a couple of Tigers know full well about it - Moama’s inaccuracy is threatening to undo some good work, boasting just 2.10 as Numurkah holds onto a two-goal advantage.

The Blues are continuing to ensure that only a winner here - or Mulwala, in the event of a draw - has a sniff of finals.

Nathalia’s early onslaught has been totally counteracted with Finley taking an eight-point advantage into third quarter time-on, critically dentingthe Purples’ realistic chances at the six.

Kyle Mueller will have all the answers as Congupna’s margin moves into triple figures, while the Rams are still poised to nab third in what shapes as a big win over Barooga and Rumbalara is locked in a tussle with Tongala.

3.47pm - Tigers trucking along in PD semi

Katamatite is rapidly running away with the contest in Picola, with the minor premiers finding all the solutions in a five-goal third term against Katunga.

The Tigers hold a sizeable 11.4 (70) to 3.8 (26) advantage just over halfway through the third term.

3.45pm - Even more lead changes in Mulwala

Jackson Trengove’s second goal of the afternoon yet again handed Cobram a brief advantage at Lonsdale, quickly undone by Jack Sutherland’s sweet set shot.

The back-and-forth nature would provoke some nerves among the Nathalia faithful, with a potential draw still a real chance to advance both and freeze out the Purples if Numurkah cannot hold on.

3.40pm - How did the GVL’s A-grade wrap up?

Euroa put its best foot forward for the GVL A-grade minor premiership following a 77-21 thrashing at Mansfield, but Mooroopna just outlasted Seymour to claim top spot at Kings Park.

The Cats prevailed 45-39 to claim home-and-away honours, while Echuca and Tatura landed in the top four following wins over the Shepparton Swans and Benalla, respectively.

Rochester claimed a six-goal win over Shepparton United to close both teams’ seasons out and Shepparton won easily in the day’s early clash.

3.32pm - Long break in the two finals football clashes

Shepparton East looks the goods halfway through the KDL elimination final in Avenel, with Hysen Ismet’s five goals powering the Eagles offence to a handy 10.3 (63) to 4.5 (29) lead over Tallygaroopna.

Over in Picola for the PDL semi, Katunga had its chances but could cost itself action next week as Katamatite takes a 6.3 (39) to 2.7 (19) lead into the break.

Action has resumed here in Mulwala!

3.30pm - Murray results are in and it’s perfection for Rumba!

The Rumbalara A-grade side has completed its undefeated 2024 home-and-away campaign by knocking over Tongala 59-43 this afternoon.

Moama comfortably secured second with a strong 46-23 win over Numurkah, while Finley beat Nathalia 39-26 to lock in third spot and Deniliquin Rams completed the top four in an 80-17 belting of Barooga.

Mulwala powered past Cobram 63-24 right here at Lonsdale to close the campaign out with a smile, and Congupna likewise closed out with a 49-31 victory over Echuca United.

3.25pm - Another sub-plot thickens in the GVL

As far as the live ladder goes, there are far fewer factors in play, but two men continue to vie for the league’s goalkicking title.

Shepparton’s 30-point lead over the Bombers is one thing, but Anthony Depasquale has slotted four of Kyabram’s six goals in a dominant showing that moves him to 70 for the year.

Seymour’s Riley Mason, currently at the forefront of what could be a big day out for the Lions, has four of his own and 68 across the season.

It’s likely neither will have time to be briefed on the other’s progress - there are games to win - but the shootout will be fascinating for the neutrals across this next half-hour.

3.20pm - So...where do we stand in the Murray?

That was a pulsating hour or so of action, so it’s time to take a breath and see where we land on the live table.

Finley is holding second for now despite trailing Nathalia by 11 at the break, thanks primarily to Numurkah threatening an upset by taking a nine-point buffer over an inaccurate Moama into the sheds.

Deniliquin Rams are in cruise control at home to Barooga, placing them in third for the time being.

Moama, fourth, is joined by Numurkah at 46 points as things currently stand, but the narrow margin means the Magpies at least hold where they are.

Unable to progress any higher than sixth if Numurkah wins, Mulwala sits in that spot as of now but this contest has been turning on a dime.

With the Purples currently holding Finley off via an 11-point margin and the Blues in front, only a win or a draw for either the Lions or Tigers sees them through right now.

3.10pm - Mulwala into finals once more for now

Cobram’s advantage lasted barely a minute before the Lions - through who else but Jackson Gash with his third - inched back ahead.

Closing in on half-time here, so a wrap of the day’s proceedings up to now is imminent.

3.07pm - Tigers in front!

For the second time all day, Cobram is in the six on live standings after star man Jackson Trengove followed up Matt Ward’s goal with his first of the day.

Cobram has its first lead of the contest, 4.3 (27) to 4.2 (26) with the man advantage.

3.05pm - A couple of big margins in the GVL as well

Two GVL games have gone out beyond 40 points as the half-time siren draws nearer - not near enough for some clubs.

Seymour is carrying on with the strong foundations set in the first term, leading Mooroopna 11.3 to 4.3, while Rochester has flown out of the blocks at Deakin Reserve to open up a 10.4 to 3.3 lead over Shepparton United in a powerful second quarter.

3.00pm - Feeling creeping into this one

The physicality is increasing as the stakes grow higher - and Cobram has fired a much-needed salvo in response.

Artavilla’s first is the Tigers’ second to close the gap to 11 nearing time-on in the second term, with Mulwala defender Lachlan Rouel given a 15-minute spell courtesy of the umpires.

2.57pm - A couple of games blowing out

We can safely deduce at this stage that a couple of Murray fixtures are unlikely to deliver us any further surprises.

Congupna and Deniliquin Rams each have leads over 50 points well before half-time against bottom-two opposition - but we will keep an eye out for Mueller news.

2.55pm - Katamatite to make amends?

We have our first news of the day out of the Picola league’s first semifinal with Katamatite, determined to make up after a tough qualifying final defeat, doing the job so far.

The Tigers are holding steady midway through the second term, leading Katunga 6.0 (36) to 2.4 (16).

It’s safe to say this is a far more promising start than the Tigers’ goalless first half seven days ago.

2.52pm - Coming up: what it all means

At half-time across the 2pm senior fixtures, we’ll take a look at where things stand on the live ladder across both competitions, so don’t spend too much time punching the calculator app just yet - we’ve got it covered.

2.50pm - Lions start to build

A one-step snap from Harry Haley directly in front has brought the margin out to a game-high 18 points in this one, 4.1 to 1.2 six minutes into the second term.

2.47pm - Eagles soar early in the south

Shepparton East has made the ideal start to its elimination final with Tallygaroopna in Avenel.

The Eagles lead 4.1 (25) to 1.1 (7) with Hysen Ismet contributing each and every major for the blue and gold so far.

2.42pm - A look at the GVL - quarter time

Shepparton seems intent on snuffing out any thoughts of an upset, establishing a firm 5.4 (34) to 2.1 (13) lead over Kyabram in the west at the first change.

Seymour has piled it on against Mooroopna, leading by 30 after a nine-goal blitz, while Rochester is a goal to the good over Shepparton United and looks to maintain an iron grip on third place.

Shepparton Swans could produce the story of the day if they can build on a three-point lead at the first change at home to Echuca, while Benalla has a slight upper hand in its cellar-dweller battle and Mansfield leads Euroa by 12.

2.40pm - Around the Murray grounds - quarter time

In our featured clash, two Jackson Gash pearlers have Mulwala leading Cobram 3.1 (19) to 1.2 (8) - and most importantly, entrenched in the six for now.

Good thing, too, because Nathalia could be in line for a berth right behind them with a shock 29-point lead over Finley at the first change.

Moama holds onto third for now with a slender two-point lead at quarter time over Numurkah, while Tongala, Congupna and the Deniliquin Rams are all in the ascendancy through the first half-hour.

2.35pm - A moment to breathe in A-grade

Seymour and Mooroopna kicked off late, but most A-grade fixtures are a quarter down at this stage.

Euroa is strolling, up 46-12 against Mansfield, while Tatura is holding Benalla at bay 12-8 and Rochester leads Shepparton United by four.

How about the Shepparton Swans, though? The red and white girls have ambushed Echuca at Princess Park and currently sit 13-6 to the good.

2.33pm - Apple of the Lions’ eye

If one Gash finish was nice, how about a 35-metre pocket snap out of a stoppage?

Lions with the first set of back-to-back goals for the day, leading 3.1 to 1.2.

2.30pm - Spotlight towards the KDL

Shepparton East and Tallygaroopna are just getting started in a Kyabram District League elimination final down south in Longwood.

Mulwala has snatched the advantage back in this one as well following a well-taken finish from Jackson Gash.

2.28pm - Early contender for boilover of the day?

Mooroopna’s top-four passage was already solidified last week, but eliminated Seymour could steal a headline or two with this start.

Riley Mason already has three goals to his name and the Lions have thus far piled on a massive 8.1 (49) to shellshock John Lamont’s side, who trail by 30.

2.25pm - Ramming home

A handful of Murray clubs would have hung at least part of their ambitions on misfortune befalling the Deniliquin Rams, but there are no signs of their wishes coming true thus far.

Barooga did notch the game’s opening major, but the Rams have restored regular business with the next four to take a commanding advantage halfway through the first term.

Jackson Meade has levelled proceedings in Mulwala at 7-7, running into an open goal.

2.20pm - Movement in Mulwala

Our featured contest has its first goal courtesy of vice-captain Luca Allen with the Tigers inching narrowly ahead in this pivotal clash.

2.15pm - Netballers hit the court running

A-grade action around the region is kicking off at this moment - and a reminder Mansfield and Euroa are already approaching the halfway mark after a 1.45pm start.

The ladder-leading Magpies are well on track, leading 25-10, while Shepparton finished its finals preparations with a solid 61-32 win over Kyabram.

2.14pm - Huge jump in the high country

It’s a good thing Euroa’s passage through to finals was already secured, with the Magpies firmly in a hole early.

Mansfield has a big jump at home, up 4.1 (25) to no score through 15 minutes with Harry Mahoney, who has impressed in Collingwood’s VFL side this year, among the early goalkickers.

2.10pm - Off and racing in Mulwala!

The day’s most important non-finals event is up and running as Mulwala meets Cobram in a do-or-die affair.

We’ll give you more regular updates from Lonsdale Oval as the finals shape changes before our eyes.

2.08pm - Congupna flying high early

Congupna was always an overwhelming favourite in its dead-rubber clash with Echuca United today, but with four goals on the board inside 10 minutes, this seems the right time to remind readers we are on ‘Mueller watch’ as the dynamo aims for 13 on the day to complete his century.

2.02pm - First salvos fired in the GVL

Numbers are going to start flying thick and fast from here.

Three games have seen goals barely a minute into the afternoon, with Nathan Buchanan (Mansfield), Daniel Johnston (Mooroopna) and Ed Adams (Shepparton United) making early statements in their respective games.

2.00pm - Ready, set...GO!

With Lake Mulwala just barely out of viewing distance, it’s a picturesque and more than ideal day for some high-octane football and netball just over the border.

Wherever you’re tuning in from, we hope you’re enjoying much the same.

The reserves have just wrapped up here, with the Lions winning by 69, so we’ll have a slight delay as the seniors get set for action.

Stay tuned as a fast and furious slew of fixtures from all four leagues begins in the coming minutes!

1.50pm - The calm before the storm...

Our first top-division result is in and Shepparton has eased home after a scintillating second half to end a youthful Kyabram’s season on a tough note, 61-32.

The Bears move level with Tatura on 50 points, but in trailing by three and a half per cent, it would take Benalla moving mountains to see Shepparton into fourth.

Mansfield and Euroa have begun their A-grade clash in the high country.

Get ready, folks...

1.35pm - Let’s show the twos some love

Mulwala made a barnstorming start to its Murray reserves clash with the Tigers here at Lonsdale Oval with an eight-goal first term.

The second-placed Lions will comfortably hold that position, up 12.4 (76) to 3.3 (21) at the final change.

Cobram would be concerned with Finley a game behind, but even if the margin blows out slightly further here, the Cats would need a whopping triple-figure margin over Nathalia to make up the gigantic percentage gap and knock the Tigers out of finals.

1.30pm - It’s starting to come up Bears out west

Shepparton has solidly built on what looked like a tussle of a first half at Wilf Cox in its A-grade clash with Kyabram.

A quarter remains with the Bears looking like drawing level with Tatura for the time being at 50 points, currently up 39-23.

1.20pm - Our featured clash on today’s coverage

If you think of this as our Goal Rush - although not across EVERY single goal - this afternoon’s featured clash is centred just over the border in a massive Murray League clash.

Mulwala and Cobram will do battle from 2pm in a game with enormous ramifications across a handful of finals places - with only a winner assured September action, if we get one.

Again, you can check out all the scenarios on a fascinating run home in the linked text at the top of this story.

1.10pm - Let’s not forget the knockouts on today’s slate

Live ladders are fun and all but for the KDL and Picola league, we’re well past that point.

Avenel and Picola United - some mighty distance apart - set the respective stages for KDL elimination final action and the first Picola semi.

We’ll endeavour to bring you timely updates from those finals events as well.

1.00pm - What do we know about the GVL’s state of play?

The run-in towards GVL finals is split into three separate head-to-head races, with the top six safely locked in.

Echuca merely has to defeat the Shepparton Swans at Princess Park to secure another minor premiership - but should the Murray Bombers fail, Shepparton needs only to better their result away at Kyabram to nail down top spot.

It’s a similar situation for Rochester and Mooroopna after the nail-biting meeting between those two clubs saw Daniel Johnston bring the Cats back to life, with the Cats needing to better the Tigers’ result for third.

Kyabram, meanwhile, has a game up on sixth-placed Euroa in hopes of finishing fifth but face a tough ask against the visiting Bears.

The Magpies would need to win at Mansfield and hope for a significant percentage swing to unseat the Bombers - but as the AFL shows, Magpie fans like to hold out hope for those, don’t they?

12.45pm - Could we be on ton watch today?

Most clubs around the region will keep an eye on the scoreboards than anything today - and for good reason.

There are some sub-plots bubbling, however, and Congupna’s Murray Football League meeting with Echuca United presents one of the more intriguing.

Spearhead Kyle Mueller brought his name into centurion contention with a massive bag of 15 against Barooga in the penultimate round, sitting at 87 for the year.

Could a lucky 13 be on the cards for the Murray’s premier marksman against an unfancied Eagles outfit?

12.38pm - A-grade GVL off the mark early

We’re already into our first top-level contest of the day as Kyabram (1-16) meets Shepparton (11-1-5) in an early A-grade contest on the Wilf Cox courts.

The Bears come in hoping to finish fourth - though they would need to rely on winless Benalla having its breakthrough moment at Tatura’s expense.

The Kyabram-Shepparton fixture is running earlier than usual due to the Bombers’ Ladies Day event.

The Mansfield-Euroa contest is set for a slightly forward-leaning start as well at 1.45pm.

12.30pm - we are off and running with our live coverage

Stay tuned throughout the afternoon as we bring you the latest from around all four competitions on a busy, busy Saturday.