Goulburn Valley League: United beats Shepparton, AFL stars step out

Shepparton United ended a 2050-day GVL drought as former AFL stars stepped out in their new colours for the first time.

Euroa celebrate their victory against Tatura. Photo: Facebook.

Almost no one could have predicted how the first round of Goulburn Valley League footy would play out in 2021.

After an 18-month hiatus, the competition returned with a bang with large crowds in attendance across the region.

While every club’s coaches, players, fans and volunteers might have a huge smile on their face there were none bigger than those at Shepparton United.

That’s because the Demons ended a 2050-day drought against local rivals Shepparton in their 46-point win to open the season on Good Friday at Deakin Reserve.

The last time United had previously prevailed was August 22, 2015.

It was an indication of just how much things may well have changed at Deakin since the 2019 grand final was played there.

United won just five games last season, while the Bears were a kick away from the big dance.

Now a changing of the guard could be on the cards this season.

United’s new recruit Fitzroy Greenwool gave an indication of what he could produce this season with three goals as Edward Adams and Jack Norman booted three of their own.

Former Carlton and Melbourne midfielder Brock McLean also made his debut for the Demons.

GVL board chairman David Roff was in attendance on the night and hailed the showpiece the two club’s, who share the ground, had put on.

“You could sense the excitement in the air as you arrived — everyone in the community had missed footy tremendously,” he said.

“It was great to see so many people supporting their local clubs. Shepparton United have been towards the lower end of the ladder in recent seasons so this result might have been a surprise to some

“I don’t think we could have asked for a better starting point to our season.”

The upsets continued on Saturday afternoon across the region as Seymour shocked an understrength Echuca by 55 points.

Despite star onballer Jason Cole missing with an elbow injury, the likes of Kyle Winter-Irving and Hudson Kaak led the way inside 50 with three goals.

The Murray Bombers will regain at least co-coach Andrew Walker for their round two game against Benalla after he missed the game through suspension.

One of the biggest results in recent history almost came to fruition as well after reigning premier Kyabram avoided its second loss in several years by just four points.

Despite trailing by as much as four goals in the third term, the Bombers didn’t die wondering.

In the end, their class shone through players including Kyle Mueller who booted six goals.

There were plenty of good signs for Rochester as well with a number of recruits including Jordan Harper, Lachlan Harper and Logan Austin named in the best.

A young Mansfield side, who many had tipped to finish at the foot of the ladder, got their season off to the perfect start with a 35-point win over Mooroopna.

Jayden Howes was named best on field for the Eagles.

Former Collingwood VFL captain Jack Hellier was on the scoreboard as he helped Euroa to a comfortable 37-point win against Tatura to start their season on the front foot.

Benalla was far too good for Shepparton Swans coming away as 50-point winners.

The league chairman said he hoped some of the unexpected results were a sign of things to come.

“An even competition is what everyone wants,” he said.

“If this continues to happen we’re going to be seeing a lot of great games throughout the year.”