Goulburn Valley: Echuca takes down undefeated Shepparton Swans

An undermanned Echuca brought Shepparton Swans’ undefeated start to the Goulburn Valley season to an end. See the pictures.

Injury-ravaged Echuca’s depth of talent was on show in downing the previously undefeated Shepparton Swans in the Goulburn Valley league on Saturday.

Echuca’s pursuit of a record-equalling fourth successive flag has been under threat to a long list of injuries to star players including Ben Reid, Aiden Mills and Jack McHale, who have either been ruled out for the season or won’t return until the eve of finals.

Echuca’s Harry Milburn evades Shepparton Swans’ Harper Simpson. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

The list of absentees grew on Saturday grew to include key trio Hugh Byrne, Kane Morris and Curtis Townrow.

But the Murray Bombers still found a way to take down the Swans, who went into the match 7-0 alongside Kyabram, which beat Echuca last month.

The Swans were held to only one goal for the first three quarters of the match as regular defender Cameron Valentine turned goalkicker for Echuca in booting four of its seven goals for the match.

Shepparton Swans’ James Auld and Echuca’s Logan Orr compete in the air.

Echuca won by 17 points in a major setback for Swans as it continues to dip into successful reserves and under-18 teams of recent seasons for replacements.

More than half the Echuca team that beat the Swans has played less 10 senior matches.

Echuca sits fourth on the GV ladder behind undefeated Kyabram, Rochester and the Swans.

Shepparton Swans’ Enrique Goggin marks in front of Echuca’s Will Monahan.

Shepparton Swans’ Mark Kovacevic and Echuca’s Cameron Valentine compete.

Shepparton Swans’ Zac Alderton is tackled by Echuca’s Will Monahan.

Echuca’s Logan Orr is tackled to the ground.

Shepparton Swans’ Luke Davies is tackled without the ball by Echuca’s Makai Cronin.

Shepparton Swans’ Luke Davies tackles Echuca’s Kade Anderson.

Shepparton Swans’ Zac Clohesy tries to halt Echuca’s Fraser Brooks.

Shepparton Swans ruckman Mark Kovacevic arrives too late to stop Echuca’s Jed Dargan.

Shepparton Swans ruckman Mark Kovacevic marks strongly in front of Echuca’s Jack Evans.

Shepparton Swans’ Harper Simpson soars over Echuca’s Riley Smith.

Shepparton Swans’ Hugh Mason competes with Echuca’s Will Monahan.

Originally published as Goulburn Valley: Echuca takes down undefeated Shepparton Swans