Goulburn Valley League: VFL talents Jack Hellier, Tristan Davies star

Several state league recruits are pushing one GVL club into premiership contention despite an extensive injury list. Here’s how they’re doing it.

Jack Hellier has been an important recruit for Euroa. Picture: Mark Wilson

Euroa have always known they’ve needed to show patience to put themselves in the position they are now.

With just one loss from their first six Goulburn Valley League games, the Magpies are nestled right among the premier teams in the competition.

Their only loss came against surprise packet Seymour in round four.

Remarkably, they’ve managed to continue their winning ways despite the club’s injury list continuing to grow.

On Saturday, against a depleted Shepparton Swans they welcomed back Ben Bath and Andrew Crosbie, while Mat Ivill played his first senior game of the season.

By the final siren, they had lost Riley Aldous and Will McFarlane to injuries.

But president Scott Watson said senior coach Scott Rowan deserved a lot of credit for the playing list he had been able to put together.

“We were probably missing eight to 10 guys who are in our top 25 on Saturday,” Watson said.

“If everyone is fit and available I think we have 35 players who could easily play senior footy if they’re called upon.

“The depth is fantastic and we’ve already seen just how much we need it if we want to win games.”

A number of recruits have impressed in the first several rounds of 2021, but none arguably more so than former NEAFL forward Tristan Davies.

The one-time Williamstown player sits second in the competition’s goalkicking charts with 20 goals.

“Tristan has been fantastic and continues to give us another avenue to goal,” Watson said.

“He’s been getting a great reward for effort. And it’s fantastic to see him playing well alongside one of our local kids Jett Trotter.

“In the time he had away Jett made it his goal to get really fit and you can see that with the impact he is having on games.”

Former Williamstown forward Tristan Davies has been a revelation for the Magpies. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Former Collingwood VFL captain Jack Hellier has also been impressive so far with Watson describing him as “super cool under pressure”.

“Jack has complemented the leaders we already had at the club,” he said.

“He’s combining well with our tools and is giving some great guidance to our younger players.”

Watson also reserved special praise for ruckman Andrew Smith who “fell into the club’s lap” after moving down from Queensland.

“He’s been tremendous for us,” he said.

“Unfortunately he couldn't play on Saturday because he had personal commitments but we’re looking forward to having him back next week.”

Ex-AFL talents fire in big wins

After breaking through for their first win of the season last week, Rochester coach Steve Stroobants admitted it was a difficult task choosing which end of the ground Logan Austin should play at.

On Saturday, the former Port Adelaide and St Kilda defender highlighted his ability inside forward 50 with four majors to help guide Rochester to a 55-point win over Mooroopna.

Brock McLean, a former Carlton and Melbourne midfielder, helped Shepparton United to its third win of the year with a best on ground display in a 29-point over Tatura.

Former Richmond forward Kayne Pettifer was also in fine form for Kyabram as he booted three goals in his side’s 61-point win over Benalla.

Ruory Kirkby, who was once on Hawthorn’s rookie list, booted three goals as Echuca comfortably accounted for Mansfield by 48 points.

Sam Willoughby, Liam Tenace and Jordan Frew also kicked three majors apiece for the Murray Bombers.

And Seymour was able to maintain its perfect record after a seven-goal final term against Shepparton.

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