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Sunraysia football: Mildura’s Jack Bower, Ouyen United’s Sam O’Shannessy

The top four race heated up in cool conditions and there was a six-goal haul on debut. Find out who starred in Sunraysia footy.

Mildura forward Jack Bower kicks for goal in his side's Sunraysia league match against Wentworth at the Brian Weightman Oval. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio
Mildura forward Jack Bower kicks for goal in his side's Sunraysia league match against Wentworth at the Brian Weightman Oval. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

A top four side survived a late rally, while two teams on the cusp battled it out for a points advantage, during an entertaining round of Sunraysia football.

Some handy players returned to Mildura and Merbein, as a debutant put on a show for Ouyen United.

Let’s run through the top performers from round 12’s action.

Jack Bower (Mildura)

The two teams most furiously knocking on the door of the top four squared off when Mildura hosted Wentworth.

In a low scoring contest it was the Demons who took control, securing a 26-point win.

Pacy medium forward Jack Bower was the standout for the victors, marking the ball well and kicking four of his side’s nine goals.

Bower has been prominent at key times this season, kicking the sealer two weeks ago against Ouyen United, and again helped put the game beyond doubt in the fourth quarter against the Roos.

While the Roos were again missing some of their first-choice team, the Demons were boosted by some handy inclusions.

Former Sydney Swans listed player Brady Rowles was back at his junior club, while rising star Finn Ellis Castle – who last week played for the Swans’ VFL team – was also back.

Tyler Curtis (South Mildura)

The thriller of the round was played at John James Oval, with top four side South Mildura holding on for a three-point win against Robinvale Euston.

South were 27 points up at the final change, though the home side had been experiencing some inaccuracy in front of goal.

That faded in a five-goals-to-one final term, forcing the Bulldogs to grind out a victory and move up to third spot on the ladder with Irymple out of action due to the bye.

Big man Tyler Curtis was once again prominent, taking on the tough assignment of rucking against Ethan Gill, who also played well.

Jackson McEwan and Nathan Nolan also played a major hand in the win.

Sam O’Shannessy (Ouyen United)

Ouyen United suffered another narrow loss at their Underbool base but may have unearthed a rising star in the process.

Sam O’Shannessy, who started the season playing for the Kangas’ under 16s, kicked six goals while making his senior debut.

The impressive haul by the first-gamer was a highlight in the 12-point loss to Merbein.

Ouyen United have just one win to their name this season, however four of their seven losses have been by two goals or less.

David Hankin (Imperials)

The other six-goal haul of the weekend belonged to a man who’s been there and done that before this season.

Imps small forward David Hankin had six majors in his side’s 46-point win over Red Cliffs.

It followed bags of seven against South Mildura and six against Mildura earlier in the year and brought his season tally to 30.

Mildura and Wentworth players fly for the mark in their Sunraysia league clash at the Brian Weightman Oval. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio
Mildura and Wentworth players fly for the mark in their Sunraysia league clash at the Brian Weightman Oval. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

Carmelo Lando (Mildura)

For the fourth match in a row, midfielder-forward Carmelo Lando was named one of his side’s best two players.

Continuing his consistent season, Lando booted two goals and did plenty of nice things in the Demons’ win over Wentworth.

Mildura are riding a three-game win streak following the Covid lockdown break and can now look ahead to a blockbuster clash next week with South Mildura, which could very well have top four implications.

Ryan Middlebrook (Robinvale Euston)

Stringing together another fine season in the Robinvale Euston midfield, Ryan Middlebrook was named his side’s best in the tough loss to South Mildura.

Middlebrook has been the top pick at the Eagles in five of their 10 starts this season.

Despite having just two wins, three of the Eagles’ losses have been by eight points or less, and two of those results were in the past fortnight.

Kyle Stevens (Merbein)

Missing some key players, it was an inclusion who helped boost Merbein’s return to the winner’s list.

Young gun Kyle Stevens played his first match of the season and immediately got to work against Ouyen United, kicking two goals.

Stevens spent time with the Bendigo Pioneers as a bottom-age player in 2018 and was a regular in the Magpies line-up in 2019.

Merbein, who were handed their first loss of the season last week against Mildura, remain in top spot.

Alex Douglas (Imperials)

Consistent performer Alex Douglas again played well for Imperials in their win over the Tigers.

Providing plenty of drive, Douglas has been named among his side’s best in all bar two starts this season.

Imps remain in second spot on the ladder, with one extra game to play compared to top placed Merbein and fourth placed Irymple, and two extra games than third placed South Mildura.

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michael.difabrizio@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/mildura/sunraysia-football-milduras-jack-bower-ouyen-uniteds-sam-oshannessy/news-story/ae65acaae2bca71856cd513ba1f2ba89