Magpies lose to competition ‘yardstick’

ON a magnificent Autumn day in Euroa the Magpie senior football side took to the Memorial Oval with great anticipation on coming up against the premiership team from the last two seasons in the GVL – the Echuca Bombers. Coming back into the team was Jack Hellier and Darby Wilson who were replacements for Tristan Davies and Jack McKernan. The game began with the Echuca side dominating the scoreboard as they hopped out to a four-goal lead by the quarter time break. Multiple forward entries due to the excellent defensive work from the Garside twins – Toma and Dan – as well as Nate Trotter meant the Euroa forward line were able to have the ball in their danger zone – the Echuca defensive unit were up to the task however as they made sure any score from the Magpies was very well earned. Andrew Smith and Fletcher Paul tag teamed in the ruck with the former shifting up forward later in the game resulting in some Magpie dominance – particularly in the third quarter. This dominance meant the Pies were well and truly back in the match with one quarter to play. But like any good side the Echuca team lifted their work rate and broke away from the Magpie boys to record a resounding victory and re-affirm their status as the ‘side to beat’ in the 2024 race for the GVL premiership. It is only round four though, so coaches Pendlebury and Poole have much time to get their side up and going in a way where what was seen during the third quarter of this match is able to be repeated for four quarters. Michael Barnes played four very consistent quarters as did ruckman/forward Andrew Smith. Nate Trotter led the backline superbly yet again and with his twins Garside, young gun Jack Frewen and hard running speedster Nic Burke the Magpie defensive unit is certainly one to be reckoned with. This coming weekend the 'Pies take on the Shepparton Bears at Deakin Reserve – 2pm is the game start time so get across to Shepparton to support your team. Euroa 5-4-34 defeated by Echuca 11-13-79 Best players: Michael Barnes, Tom Garside, Dan Garside, Nate Trotter, Andrew Smith Goal kickers: Silver Yousif (1), Jacob Gleeson (1), Fletcher Paul (1), Andrew Bell (1), Andrew Smith (1)