For most of the Goulburn Valley League’s under-18 competition, they’ve had one common figure to point to — the rampant, multi-time defending premiers in Echuca.
The Shepparton Swans have borne the brunt more than anyone, arguably, having made the past two grand finals only to fall to the Murray Bombers on both occasions.
They seek to make the third time the charm when these two sides collide once again on the biggest day of the Goulburn Valley sporting season at Deakin Reserve.
Recognising his adversaries’ well-rounded operations, Swans coach Tim Bruton says the key to knocking Echuca over is founded in his own side’s developing strengths.
“Echuca has been the benchmark with the last few flags, and they have an excellent junior program,” Bruton said.
“I will say I think the under-18 league this year is the most even that I’ve seen, especially among the top four and top six.
“They play a very good system and we will have to play well to beat them, but I’m looking at our improvement over the last six weeks.
“They’re hard to beat, but any of the top four have been on their day and I still give our boys a big chance of being able to beat them.
“I’m backing us improving more than them having a weakness.”
In truth, the Swans have largely found themselves undone by all-encompassing flurries later on in the contest all three times they’ve met the Murray Bombers this year.
In fact, Bruton’s boys have been ahead or level at quarter time in each and every encounter.
Beyond those promising signs, there’s the matter of getting key personnel back gradually over the year, with many boys maintaining presences elsewhere in 2024.
“I think they’re gaining confidence. We haven’t had our full side all year and we’ve probably only got it two weeks before the end of the season,” Bruton said.
“It’s come together at the right time for us and we’ve nearly got the full list to pick from, which is pleasing.
“We played them in the last round of the season and I think we’ve had five back in since that day.”
One major Swan who won’t be running around in the red and white is AFL draft fancy Oliver Warburton, with eyes on the upcoming national draft combine.
There was plenty of recognition as far as other individuals go, though, with vice-captain Xavier Janke earning joint second place in the league’s best and fairest count on Monday night.
“It was a really good effort from him,” Bruton said.
“He’s a really popular member of the team and he adds a bit of humour.
“He’s someone who was named vice-captain for a reason, and he and Jake (Cirillo) are the two boys they really look up to in order to guide the team when they need to.
“He’s got good leadership skills.”
