SENIOR XVIII

COMING off the interleague bye with Cohen Paul representing Euroa exceptionally well, the Euroa side was eager to return to action at Tatura on Saturday.

Returning to the team were Jack McKernan and Will Creevey, replacing Max Gleeson and Tom Burke.

The club continues to prioritise opportunities for younger players in the senior team, with Callan Howell stepping back into the under-18s.

This gave Coach Gleeson and assistants Neale Poole and Chris Burke the chance to reward Harrison Mills with his first senior game.

A third-generation Magpie, Harrison received his jumper from his grandfather Don in a moment to treasure.

An opening five-goal term from the Magpies stamped their authority on the contest early.

Nine scoring shots to four reflected their dominance over the Bulldogs.

Veterans Andrew Bell and Marcus Varley played key roles in establishing control in the opening period.

Despite the early ascendancy, ball movement from defence into attack lacked polish.

Coach Gleeson reminded his side at half-time that they were in control and needed to start playing accordingly.

In response, Euroa produced their most dominant quarter of the game, with a four goal to none third term establishing a commanding lead.

Hard-running efforts and creative play from Jayden and Jacob Gleeson set the tone.

Captain Jett Trotter slotted three of his game-high seven goals in the opening 10 minutes, leaving Tatura scrambling.

Lachlan Hill, once again outstanding, was ever-present at the contest.

His work in winning the hard ball remains unmatched.

Cohen Paul marked everything in sight – a consistent and thrilling presence.

Nate Trotter provided a strong forward target, finishing with three goals and creating others.

Euroa kicked another five goals in the final quarter, running out 11 goal winners.

Jack McKernan and Nic Asquith added two apiece, with Asquith shifting into a defensive role in the second half.

Next Saturday, Euroa hosts Kyabram at Memorial Oval, with football times at 10am, noon and 2pm.

SCOREBOARD: Euroa 16.12.108 defeated Tatura 6.8.44

BEST PLAYERS: Jett Trotter, Lachlan Hill, Cohen Paul, Jayden Gleeson, Andrew Bell

GOAL KICKERS: Jett Trotter (seven), Nate Trotter (three), Jack McKernan (two), Nicholas Asquith (two), Lachlan Hill (one), Jacob Gleeson (one)

RESERVE XVIII

By SALLY REDFERN

CONDITIONS were picture-perfect at Tatura Park for the Reserves clash between the Bulldogs and Magpies.

Euroa’s coaching duo Declan Redfern and James Henry fielded 20 enthusiastic players, and expectations were high at the opening bounce.

However, Tatura started strongly, kicking five goals before Euroa could respond.

Will Jackson continued his excellent form, tackling fiercely and contesting across the ground.

Nick Brodie and Nic Thomson stood out in defence, intercepting repeatedly and turning play to Euroa’s advantage.

Euroa lifted in the second quarter, playing focused, competitive football.

Alif Chambers applied relentless midfield pressure, using every disposal effectively.

Jye Bjorksten showed his goal-kicking class, earning cheers from the senior squad on the boundary.

At half-time, the margin gave Euroa hope of a comeback.

Tatura returned re-energised, determined to extend their lead.

Dublin Anderson performed well in his return from a shoulder injury, while Bryce Hogg delivered his usual dependable display.

The Magpies remained competitive in the third quarter but could not close the gap.

Nic Hill threw himself into every contest, doing all he could to win the ball.

Ultimately, Tatura’s dominant first quarter left Euroa chasing for the rest of the game.

Tatura sealed the win with a strong final quarter.

Euroa will regroup to face Kyabram next Saturday at Memorial Oval.

SCOREBOARD: Tatura 13.8.86 defeated Euroa 5.4.34

BEST PLAYERS: Will Jackson, Nic Thomson, Alif Chambers, Bryce Hogg, Nic Hill

GOAL KICKERS: Isaiah Trotter (two), Nicholas Hill (one), James Henry (one), Jye Bjorksten (one)

THIRD XVIII

By SHONA HUGGARD

EUROA travelled to Tatura for an early Saturday game under chilly but sunny conditions.

A tight, defensive and contest first quarter unfolded with frequent boundary stoppages.

At the 14-minute mark, a downfield free kick and 50-metre penalty allowed Ethan Saxon to slot Euroa’s first goal.

Jack Walters and Noah Campbell kicked early goals to give the Magpies momentum in the second quarter, while the Bulldogs managed only a behind.

Euroa’s accuracy in front of goal gave them a 34-point lead at the main break.

Tatura scored their first goal via a free kick and 50-metre penalty.

Saxon quickly replied to maintain the buffer.

A second Bulldogs goal narrowed the margin briefly, but a late major from Lucas McClure kept Euroa comfortably ahead.

Noah Campbell unselfishly passed to McClure for the opening goal.

Further goals extended the margin, including one from Nathan Hendricks, prompting a proud cry from his mother on the sidelines.

Despite continued Bulldogs pressure, Euroa proved too strong, running out 58-point winners.

It was a competitive game played in great spirit.

Standout players included Noah Campbell, Callan Howell, Ethan Saxon, Drew Coller, Jack Walters, and Ollie Wilson.

The performance reflected skill development, resilience, and excellent sportsmanship.

SCOREBOARD: Euroa 11.6.72 defeated Tatura 2.2.14

BEST PLAYERS: Noah Campbell, Callan Howell, Ethan Saxon, Drew Coller, Jack Walters

GOAL KICKERS: Noah Campbell (three), Ethan Saxon (three), Jack Walters (two), Lucas McClure (two), Nathan Hendricks (one)