Senior Football
By SCOTT WATSON
A COOL day of winter greeted all at Memorial Oval last Saturday as the Magpies played host to the Shepparton Bears for their round 11 clash.
Some wonderful inclusions since the round ten win against Mooroopna by a solitary point gave the Euroa supporters much confidence.
Craig Bamford has been his ever-consistent self in the Reserves again this year and was rewarded with a senior berth – his first since 2019 and as the club senior games record holder he soon felt at home and slotted in very well throughout the afternoon – kicking a goal early on which was very well celebrated.
Young gun Will Creevey also came into the team with the unavailability of another young star in Darby Wilson.
Ryan Hill popped back to the under 18 team for the day with ruckman Andrew Smith and key swingman Jack McKernan both returning.
The midfield dominance for the afternoon was flagged right from the first bounce as Will Hayes and Jacob Gleeson set about moving the ball with great speed and accuracy – allowing forwards like Jett Trotter and Adam Giobbi the opportunity to lead up and take well contested marks.
Lachie Hill’s work-rate was exceptional as was Jack McKernan’s as both players moved up the ground providing options for their team-mates in the process.
Cohen Paul again showed all present what an exciting prospect he is as he capitalised brilliantly on the way in which the ball was being delivered into the forward line.
With the game well in hand for the Magpies in the latter part of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter, this allowed greater flexibility by the coaching team as they looked to give a few players an opportunity to play in various roles for the team.
Max Gleeson was reveling in another opportunity to play in the midfield while the experience of Jayden Gleeson on the wing allowed those learning the ‘trade’ – like Keily Jager and Will Creevey – to settle into their roles and execute them with increasing levels of confidence.
In the end the Magpies ran away the victors by seven goals as they now head into the split-round bye next weekend.
Their next challenge will be the Benalla Saints in Benalla on July 8 for round 12.
Euroa 14.9.93 defeated Bears 7.8.50
Best players: Will Hayes, Jacob Gleeson, Andrew Smith, Ryan Pendlebury, Jett Trotter, Max Gleeson
Goal kickers: Will Hayes (4), Jett Trotter (3), Cohen Paul (2), Andrew Smith (1), Keily Jager (1), Jacob Gleeson (1), Craig Bamford (1), Adam Giobbi (1),
Reserve XVIII report
By TONY BRODIE
THE Euroa reserves team received an eye opener on Saturday.
Although we had a number of players unavailable, the thinking was that we could hold our own against the Shepp Bears reserves team.
This was not to be the case with the opposition team being quickly out of the blocks with a four-goal opening quarter, luckily we were able to crawl back two goals late in the first quarter to keep in touch.
The team was unable to control the opposition midfield who slowly continued to break away, winning at the centre bounce and at the stoppages around the ground.
This allowed the visitors to come away with a significant win at the final siren.
The Shepparton Bears team were led by a number of senior experienced players who controlled the game for their team.
This was a good learning curve for our Euroa side.
Although we had a number of players missing, the playing group for the day were seemingly lacking in work ethic - not prepared to help each other which has been a strong point during the year.
The team was best served by Isaiah Trotter who worked hard in defence, Zac Gleeson who gave all his all while in his midfield role and when endeavoring to push forward into our forward line as always.
Heath Downie gave a solid contest in the ruck against the Shepparton ruck division.
We should take notice from the loss knowing we must give hundred percent effort.
With a bye coming up this week and hopefully a number of players coming back into the team we will be able to regroup going forward.
Euroa 4.5.29 were defeated by Bears 14.8.92.
Goal Kickers Euroa: Declan Redfern (1), James Ivill (1), Nic Burke (1), Nick McCabe (1)
Best Players: Zac Gleeson, Isaiah Trotter, James Ivill, Mitch Penman, Peter Cairns, Declan Redfern
Third XVIII report
By Angela Wolfenden
THE Magpies started with a depleted team due to injuries and some of their best players being called up for the seniors.
The Bears bench filled the gaps in the Euroa team.
Credit to the Bears fill in players, they never went easy on their own teammates.
First quarter ended Euroa 0.2.2 Bears 3.2.20.
Some weak sunshine appeared for the second quarter.
The Bears scored first, and the ball seemed to stay down that end for a time.
Magpies rallied towards the end of the quarter with Mitchell Walters giving it a real crack.
The quarter ended with a ripper goal from Blake Hepworth.
Euroa 1.2.8 Bears 8.4.52.
In the third quarter the Euroa boys lifted momentarily with a goal from Walter Jackson.
Ryan Hill and Mitchell Walters gave it a real crack, but the ball would not stay down Euroa's end.
Caid Miller played bravely for Euroa amid Shepparton’s tall forwards.
Euroa 4.5.29 Bears 11.5.71.
Final quarter, the Bears were like a well-oiled machine.
They moved the ball smoothly and confidently down the ground and got away from the Magpies on the scoreboard.
The Magpies put up a fight but failed to score.
Euroa4.5.29 Bears 16.10.106
Well done the Euroa boys Under 18s this week. Having a bit of a rough season but they all go hard and show some grit week after week.
Thanks to all the people who contributed their time to make these days possible.
Euroa 4.5.29 defeated by Bears 16.10.106
Best players: Mitchell Walters, Ryan Hill, Ned Ivill, Walter Jackson, Kusuma Wolfenden, Dublin Anderson
Goal kickers: Tynan Cummins (1), Walter Jackson (1), Blake Hepworth (1), Mitchell Walters (1)