GVL Grand Final Blog | Murray Bombers’ huge win over gallant Euroa, Seymour’s clean sweep of netball

UPDATE, 6.45pm: That’s all she wrote

We’ll have dozens of stories across the rest of the evening - stay tuned folks.

UPDATE, 5.55pm: Massive

Echuca has held out an incredible Euroa who came at them in the second half and in the final minutes, but held resolute.

Heartbreak for Euroa, whose 32-year drought continues, but jubilation for Echuca who has ended a 20-year drought of their own.

Final score 11.12 (78) to 10.6 (66).

UPDATE, 5.54pm: THEY’VE DONE IT

Echuca are premiers.

UPDATE, 5.50pm: Miss from Morris

Kane Morris misses a set shot 35 metres out on a tough angle.

11,12 (78) to 10.4 (64), Echuca up by 14, 23 minutes gone.

UPDATE, 5.48pm: ANOTHER ONE

Tommy Barber knocks one home from the pocket, Ruory Kirkby guides it through, and Echuca is thirteen points up!

21 minutes gone.

UPDATE, 5.46pm: Echuca kicks another

Massive contested mark, arguably pushed a player in the back a-la Tom Papley, but it doesn’ matter - a captain’s goal from Kane Morris and the Murray Bombers are seven points up.

I cannot emphasise how insane the games of football and netball we have been treated to today have been.

10.11 (71) to 10.4 (64) with 19 minutes gone.

UPDATE, 5.44pm: Valiant Euroa defence as Murray Bombers keep coming

Murray Bombers keep going forward. Euroa keeps defending. My goodness.

UPDATE, 5.43pm: Echuca back in front!

Jackson Stewart kicked a brilliant goal from 40 on the run and the Murray Bombers are back in front by ONE point.

15 and a half minutes gone.

UPDATE, 5.41pm: GJDGSJNSDFNJDFSNSDFNDS

EUROA HAS HIT THE FRONT. THE MAGPIES ARE IN THE LEAD. OH MY GOD.

WHAT IS GOING ON.

NATE STEWART CLUNKED ONE IN THE SQUARE AND DEAKIN RESERVE ERUPTS.

OH. MY. GOD.

I’m going to swear: what the HECK is happening.

Score is 8.11 (59) to 10 .4 (64). 13 minutes gone.

UPDATE, 5.39pm: Hometown hero kicks one

ADAM GIOBBI HAS SUNK ONE FROM 50. They’re one point down. Oh my god.

UPDATE, 5.37pm: Turned up a notch here

How good is sport? Andrew Smith has taken a ripper running back into a big pack to stop an Echuca thurst forward, and this is a CRACKER.

I’m trying really hard to not swear on this blog but I’m struggling.

UPDATE, 5.35pm: JETT!!!!

I’m struggling to stay composed here, Euroa is CHARGING as we get seven minutes into the final term.

Echuca’s lead is just SEVEN points. core is 8.11 (59) to 8.4 (52) with Echuca holding on. Oh my golly goodness.

UPDATE, 5.32pm: Oh my word

Two minutes into the last and Euroa’s Tristan Davies has kicked a goal after a contentious holding-the-ball call.

He’s sunk it from 40 metres out and this is a ridgy didge contest. Golly gosh.

UPDATE, 5.30pm: We’re under way in the last

Nineteen points. Twenty minutes, plus time on. Can Euroa win their first flag in 32 years? Or does the 20-year Echuca drought end?

We’re about to find out.

Also, the Seymour contingent it living its best life at Deakin Reserve.

Seymour has produced a, frankly, concert level speaker and are now partying to their heart’s content on the court.

UPDATE, 5.19pm: Man down for Euroa

Erish Uthayakumar is down and in a bad way after doing a shoulder.

He knocked the ball into the goalsquare where it was butchered and came back the other end. Real big blow for the Magpies.

That’ll be three quarter time, too. Score is 8.11 (59) to 6.4 (40).

UPDATE, 5.13pm: Gleeson sinks one

It’s going to be tough for Euroa now, with Jayden Gleeson taking a contested grab 15 metres out, dead in front and converting.

Murray Bombers now out to a 8.10 (58) to 6.4 (40) lead.

UPDATE, 5.10pm: Daives kicks one as Kirby misses another

Echuca spearhead Ruory Kirkby’s missed two long-range goals and it goes down the other end for Tristan Davies to get on the end of a long kick him from Harrison Jarvie.

Hooly dooly it’s back to 12 points, and if Kirby had kicked either of them he’d have sealed the game.

Sixteen minutes gone, score is 7.10 (52) to 6.4 (40).

UPDATE, 5.08pm: Sarah Szczykulski the MVP

Seymour defender Sarah Szczykulski has been awarded the MVP for her job on Jessie Barnes today, despite incredible games from Casey Adamson, Jess Lallo and Nakita Singe.

UPDATE, 5.06pm: Kirby soars and goals

Ruory Kirby has taken a hanger in the square and goaled, giving Echuca some breathing room with his fourth goal of the game.

Echuca up by 16 points now.

UPDATE, 5.03pm: MASSIVE miss, as scenes in Seymour

Sam Reid has missed a sitter from 20 metres out with a set shot. Wowee.

Score now 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34). Euroa advancing.

UPDATE, 4.59pm: Huge goals for Euroa

Andrew Smith has clunked a mark in the square and then whacks the next one out of the middle for Harrison Jarvie to run onto it and kick a goal!

We have a GAME on our hands, 6.7 (43) to 5.4 (34). Sam Willoughby then misses one!

UPDATE, 4.57pm: Seymour completes clean sweep

The Lions have a clean sweep of the senior netball deciders at Deakin Reserve today.

They’ve clinched a dominant win 53-39, Seymour wins in a canter, back-to-back A-grade flags and a Triple Crown on the day. Kings Park will be rocking all week long.

UPDATE, 4.50pm: Lions roaring

It’s all over bar the loud shouting from the B-Reserve and B-grade players already in full Mad Monday mode.

This crowd is about to erupt. Seymour 46-36

UPDATE, 4.43pm: Bon Jovi given a whirl

Ducked out of the box for a second and was treated to Bon Jovi’s Living On A Prayer, which is elite areas for a half-time song.

Well done all.

We’re back at the netball, too, with the final term under way and Seymour in the box seat.

Tyler Maher: “I can see the front page of the Seymour Telegraph now - TRIPLE CROWN. The Lions are 11 goals up in the last term here at Deakin Reserve, 44-33.”

UPDATE, 4.38pm: Seymour on the precipice

Seymour stands on the precipice of clean sweeping all three senior netball grades, leading Shepparton United 40-28 at three quarter time.

UPDATE, 3.35pm: Half time in the main game

Echuca holds a 20-point lead at the main break over Euroa, 6.6 (42) to 3.4 (22) after a few costly misses from either side.

UPDATE, 4.33pm: Lions steady the ship

Seymour is steadying out here on the court. Tyler Maher really liking Nakita Singe’s game in GD.

Jess Lallo has found her range again too. 32-24 the Lions’ way.

UPDATE, 4.25pm: United right back in it

And Barnes again. 5 unanswered goals in two minutes and the score is 26-20.

Daniel Willis just hit the post for the Murray Bombers but Euroa just can’t get it forward of centre.

Score is 6.4 (40) to 3.3 (21).

UPDATE, 4.21pm: Atmosphere is electric

Patrick Morrow’s been out and about so far today and he reckons the atmosphere is incredible out there.

The crowd would be six or seven thousand at the very least and it’s not a quiet one.

Add in the hundreds of Shepp Swans fans and some more who’ve left and there’s a decent whack of people come through the gate.

UPDATE, 4.18pm: ELEVEN unanswered goals to Seymour

Goodness gracious me.

Half time, Seymour up 26-15 - 11 unanswered goals to finish the half for those playing along at home.

Just ridiculous netball from the Lions, who have dominated.

Cooper Barber kicks one for Echuca to put them 19 points up.

UPDATE, 4.13pm: Jetty Trotter’s comeback is on

If you missed his incredible story, check it below, but Jett Trotter’s just kicked a goal for Euroa after an incredible kick in from Jack McKernan and ground ball get from Jack Hellier.

Score is 5.1 (31) to 3.2 (20).

Seymour is putting the squeeze on superbly on the netball court, lead 25-15, Casey Adamson is starring.

It’s been 10 unanswered goals.

UPDATE, 4.11pm: Incredible grab as game tightens

Cameron Valentine has just gone back with the flight and taken a brilliant defensive mark. Bravo.

Both sides defending well here.

UPDATE, 4.07pm: ‘Can you feel the momentum swing?’

Scotty Rowan was licking his lips at the quarter time huddle after wresting back the momentum at the end of that first term.

‘Can you feel the momentum swing?’ he asked his charges at the break.

However, Rory Kirby slams one home after a dropped Erish Uthayamkumar mark at the other end on the lead (admittedly a tough one).

Score 5.0 (30) to 2.2 (14).

Really tight contest this one, but Seymour has the better of the elastic. They’re back out by four goals after United dragged it back towards parity twice.

Seymour up 20-15 in that one.

UPDATE, 4.02pm: Euroa bite back by quarter time

The quarter time siren has sounded, Euroa has done well not to be blown out of the water at the first change.

Score is 4.0 (24) to 2.2 (14).

At the netball, Jess Lallo is shooting well for Seymour. The strong Lions’ crowd is having plenty to say to Jessie Barnes and she isn’t letting them get away with it. Seymour lead 12-9 at quarter time

UPDATE, 3.57pm: United takes the early lead

United out to a 7-5 lead. Jessie Barnes has the look in her eye of a superstar ready to drag her team over the line no matter what.

In the time I got sent this it’s back to 7-all and Tyler Maher reckons it’ll be a “barn-burner”.

Meanwhile Will McIntosh has kicked another one for Euroa.

UPDATE, 3.52pm: Euroa on the board

Jack McKernan has struck truly from the pocket and Euroa is on the board.

The large Euroa contingent at the Harold St end celebrate loudly.

UPDATE, 3.49pm: Murray Bombers strike again

Angus Byrne has kicked his second and it’s incredible signs here for Echuca early. They’ve got the run of play and are up by 23 points.

Score is 4.0 (24) to 0.1 (1).

UPDATE, 3.46pm: Seymour draws early blood

The Lions have got off to a hot start in the A-grade decider, up 4-2 with four minutes gone.

Nervous moment’s early for both outfits. Casey Adamson and Courtney Aldous starring thus far for the Lions, Kara Blizzard going well for United.

UPDATE, 3.43pm: Hot start for Bombers

Guy Byrne has kicked a goal after an incredible coast-to-coast passage of play from the Murray Bombers and hoo boy they’re started hot.

Euroa looks out of its depth already, but it’s early doors.

3.0 (18) to 0.1 (1) with nine minutes gone as Echuca goes into attack again,

UPDATE, 3.40pm: A chance to star again?

All in readiness for the A-grade decider down at the netball court.

B-grade hero Ruby Martin is warming up with her A-grade counterparts, looks like she’ll be among the bench cover today.

UPDATE, 3.38pm: First blood drawn

Ruory Kirkby has kicked the first goal after a contested mark in the square, and then followed it up a minute later with a second.

Jeez Louise, it’s a rough start for Euroa. 2.0 (12) to no score, Murray Bombers up.

UPDATE, 3.36pm: Game faces on

UPDATE, 3.35pm: WE ARE OFF

Netball and football begin. Get excited.

UPDATE, 3.26pm: Official proceedings under way

Pregame presentaitons are set to begin for the GVL grand finals, with Shepp United and Seymour to clash in the netball and Echuca and Euroa in the football.

UPDATE, 3.03pm: Siren sounds.

Echuca wins after a marathon 27-minute final term.

UPDATE, 2.57pm: Echuca will be premiers

Jack Tenace kicked a goal from the square, with a minute to go and the Murray Bombers are home.

Kyabram has gone down in a gallant display after being blown away in the opening term.

Ben Holman kicked a Joe-the-goose over the top to cushion the blow and Mitch Dodos curled one around the corner, but it was too little too late.

Score is 11.7 (73) to 6.9 (45) with 23 minutes gone.

UPDATE, 2.54pm: Arm wrestle continues

Educa and Kyabram continue to grind away, but it’s costing time the Bombers can ill-afford to lose.

With 19 minutes gone, Echuca is home, 10.7 (67) to 4.9 (33).

UPDATE, 2.49pm: No dice for Kyabram

The Bombers have had their chances this quarter and are yet to be rewarded for effort.

They’ve kicked 1.3 this quarter to one straight goal for Echuca, leading them 28 points in arrears.

Score is 9.7 (61) to 4.9 (33).

UPDATE, 2.42pm: Ruby Martin rewarded

Ruby Martin was awarded the MVP medal for the stunning Seymour comeback win, of course, after a goal after the siren clinched the win for the Lions.

Tempers are flaring in the reserves game, which will shock anyone who knows how much these clubs hate each other.

Score 9.7 (61) to 4.6 (30) Echuca’s way.

UPDATE, 2.37pm: Kyabram’s fast start

Kyabram recorded a fast start to the final term on the back of the Adam Pulsoni but Rab Guinan has returned fire immediately, with two goals within three minutes of the final term beginning.

Echuca 9.7 (61) ahead of Kyabram 4.5 (29).

UPDATE, 2.28pm: What a ROOST on the siren

Fraser Brooks has ROOSTED home a goal from 52 metres after the siren to lock this game up for Echuca.

That’ll be all she wrote here, Murray Bombers up 8.7 (55) to 3.5 (23) at the final term.

UPDATE, 2.19pm: SEYMOUR! WHAT!

Pandemonium at the netball. Seymour was all-but gone, three goals down inside two minutes to go. Ruby Martin has shot the lights out to get them level, but the siren sounded as her go-ahead shot was about to leave her hands.

She had an obstruction, steadied, and sunk it like a true champion. Seymour win 43-42.

UPDATE, 2.13pm: Lead stretches back out

The experience of Rochester coming through, back out to three the difference and the Tigers will hold their nerve.

Meanwhile, a massive Ben Holman had a massive play to stop a certain Echuca goal. Score still 40 to 22 in an arm-wrestle.

UPDATE, 2.08pm: Rochester still ahead

Rochester has withstood the storm from Seymour and extended their lead to four goals.

The Tigers had been all over the Lions in this final term, and time looked to be running out before the tide turned.

Seymour was six goals down with nine minutes to play. There’s a goal in it with four minutes to go.

Still deadlicked in the football, with Echuca three goals up over Kyabram, 6.4 (40) to 3.4 (22).

UPDATE, 1.59pm: Final break at netball

Three-quarter-time at the netball. Rochester 34 leads Seymour 31. Tense game of football sounds like.

Chants of ‘Ruuuubbe’ coming from the Seymour contingent as Ruby Martin dominates.

UPDATE, 1.50pm: Kyabram bite back

Jarrod Pertzel kicked one for Ky against the grain, and Echuca has missed a few opportunities in front of goal but it’s all Murray Bombers here as the half-time siren sounds.

Footy score is 6.4 (40) to 3.4 (22)

Rochy now take a four-goal lead on the netball court, up 34-28.

Sophie Locke a very passionate onlooker - she’s actually named in the weekender in this B-grade side but is on the sidelines for this game.

UPDATE, 1.44pm: Dodos drags it back

Mitch Dodos has won a free kick from a ruck contest, which I didn’t think was there but I also no longer understand ruck rules in Australian rules football, to cut the margin back a little.

Score is now 6.1 (37) to 2.3 (15).

UPDATE, 1.41pm: Rochester claw it back

The Tigers took control for much of the second term, but Seymour lifted late to bring the score back to 21-all. Ruby Martin has been impressive in goal for the Lions.

Echuca’s kicked the first of the second quarter, too, up by 28 points. It’s getting messy.

UPDATE, 1.27pm: Quarter time at the footy

Hooly dooly. Echuca has stunned Kyabram with a stunning opening term, leading 5.1 (31) to 1.2 (8) at the break.

It’s been pretty comprehensive, with the first two goals to Callum Parsons.

Meanwhile, Zac Standish had a chat to young gun Caiden Phillips, who won the under 16s best afield medal.

Check it out here.

It’s 17-16 in the netball, with Rochester leading after a massive comeback.

UPDATE, 12.23pm: Fans giving Seymour a boost

250-gamer Lyndel Feery has started well, and her personal contingent of fans is huge.

We’ve got t-shirts and signs, the works.

I reckon Andrea McKenzie has more best and fairest medals than I’ve had hot dinners - and I’ve had a few of those in my time - and it shows out here on court.

Her ability to not only find space, but create it for others, has been on display early.

Seymour leads 15-11.

UPDATE, 1.20pm: Another two for the Bombers

Cooper Willoughby has taken a mark at the top of the square to slam home another for the fast-starting Bombers, and then from the next stoppage Joe Guiney gets on the end of it.

Five straight for Echuca with four minutes to go in the first.

The crowd is building as the entire town of Euroa slowly shuffled into Deakin Reserve.

It’s 14-11 Seymour’s way in the B grade netball, too.

UPDATE, 1.18pm: Ky on the board, Seymour in front

Kyabram has its first goal through Mitch Gugliotti, but Jordan Frew answered back immedaitely to bring the score to 3.0 (12) to 1.2 (8), Echuca in front.

Meanwhile Seymour is up by three goals over Rochester, 13-10, at the first break.

UPDATE, 1.14pm: Echuca gets a let-off

Jarrod Pertzel ran into an open goal and from 15 metres out... and hit the post. Hot start to this contest.

UPDATE, 1.10pm: He’s got another!

Callum Parsons has two goals in four minutes to start us off in the reserves grand final.

Meanwhile, Seymour has the fast start against Rochester, up 8-4 five minutes in.

UPDATE, 1.08pm: Echuca on the board

The field has just cleared from one Echuca premiership celebration and we’re straight into more Murray Bombers.

Callum Parsons kicked the opener for the Murray Bombers against the Kyabram Bombers.

UPDATE, 1.04pm: B grade begins

Under way in B-grade and the action is already as red-hot as Daniel Webb’s neck.

UPDATE, 12.55pm: Clarke acknowledged

Hugh Byrne has been awarded Echuca’s player of the final, while Darchi Clarke was deservingly voted best afield today.

UPDATE, 12.50pm: Some yarns for ya

Daniel Webb has been busy clacking away on the keys down by the netball and has some yarns for you - a match report and a chat with MVP Jayda Meda.

He’ll also be chatting to Casey Drummond, who has been awarded the MVP in the B-reserve.

Keep an eye out for a chat with her in an hour or so.

UPDATE, 12.45pm: Echuca wins!

The Bombers have done it! They’ve won 8.9 (57) to 5.8 (38) against a Shepparton Swans side which went missing in the final term and a half.

UPDATE, 12.43pm: Seymour wins!

Seymour wins 46-41 in a gripping decider on the back of an Ashlyn Webster masterclass.

UPDATE, 12.40pm: Seymour pinch the lead, handy point

This is the best fourth quarter you’ll see from a shooter all day. Ashlyn Webster has been double-teamed but still the Lions have funneled all the ball through her - and she has delivered.

Lions 44-40 up and almost home.

Meanwhile the Bombers are home ahead of the Swans, 19 points up through Darchi Clarke’s third goal.

This is the best final term I’ve seen live from an individual player so far this year. Incredible from Clarke.

UPDATE, 12.37pm: Thriller at Deakin

Seymour converts a break and go 40-38 up! Webster shooting the lights out.

UPDATE, 12.36pm: Clarke on FIRE

Darchi Clarke has just saved a goal with a tackle 35 metres out.

The ball slung down the other end and Elijah Bruns kicked what could well be the sealer.

Meanwhile, a controversial stepping call ends up in a Mansfield goal down the other end, 36-36

UPDATE, 12.31pm: Seymour pull ahead

Seymour shoot Ashlyn Webster is killing it on the court for the Lions, with the side pulling ahead of Mansfield 34-30 before two quick Eagles goals brought it back to 34-32.

Meanwhile, is there life left in this one? Joeve Cooper has kicked his third and the margin is back to seven points.

6.8 (44) to 5.7 (37), Echuca’s way.

UPDATE, 12.25pm: Mansfield ahead at three-quarter-time

Mansfield lead 30-29. Leonie Berry had been crucial for the Eagles through the mid-court.

Meanwhile, Darchi Clarke has kicked a goal following a 50-metre penalty and this man has turned the game this quarter.

The Bombers are ON this quarter, with Sam Edgar slotting another a minute or two late following a Leo Barry-esque Lewis Rolfe intercept mark.

Score is 6.7 (43) to 4.5 (29) with Echuca in front.

Play has begun in the final term of the B-reserve, too.

UPDATE, 12.22pm: Bombers in front

Echuca has hit the lead thanks to a Hugh Byrne goal from 25 out on an angle.

Darchi Clarke has been electric this quarter, setting up that goal and a brilliant run-down tackle.

UPDATE, 12.18pm: Mansfield back in front

Mansfield has wrestled the lead back from the Lions, 26-24 in the B-reserve.

It’s a cracking, see-sawing contest which is getting fiery as it approaches 3QT.

UPDATE, 12.11pm: Five-point leave at the final change

Strap yourselves in, we are in for a belter of a last quarter in the under 18s grand final, with Shepparton Swans holding onto a five-point lead.

It’s a see-sawing affair and both sides are going hard at the footy.

The second half has begun in the netball, with Seymour still ahead.

UPDATE, 12.02pm: Rachele soccers one through, Seymour leads at the half

Sound familiar? Swans fans will love seeing the name Rachele, with draftee Josh sitting in the crowd, Isaac dribbled a thriller through to give the side a four-point lead.

Joeve Cooper has missed a set shot in front to put the score at 3.6 (24) to 4.5 (29).

Meanwhile Seymour leads a thrilling B-Reserve grand final, 21-19, over Mansfield.

Both sides absolutely primed for the big stage and it’s been a gripping contest.

Isaac Rechele

UPDATE, 11.56am: Mansfield edging ahead

A gripping contest on the court here. Mansfield held a 15-13 lead but it has been to-and-fro stuff, but it’s now 16-15 Seymour’s way.

Massive crowd down there.

Also, apparently I’ve been an hour behind and been listing updates as 10am, not 11. Oops.

UPDATE, 11:50am: Clarke gets Echuca rolling

Darchi Clarke has kicked Echuca’s first goal of the second half, before Xavier Walker returned fire a minute later.

We’re still with a one-point margin, 3.4 (22) Echuca to 3.3 (21) Swans.

It’s all tied up a few minutes into the second on the netball court, 11-11 between Mansfield and Seymour.

UPDATE, 11.45am: Mansfield take points early

Mansfield has had the better of it early doors in the B-reserve grand final.

It’s currently a time-out with 50 seconds left in the first, the Eagles up 9-7 over Seymour.

Massive Lions support down there with three games to go from them, while there’s a healthy Mansfield contingent.

The second half has begun in the under 18s, too.

UPDATE, 11.30am: One point game at half-time

Incredible goal from Joeve Cooper here in the under 18s, as the Swans and Bushrangers’ gun kicked one out of mid-air in the goalsquare to kick a ripping goal.

Echuca has responded through Max Hagan, who got on the end of an incredible Sam Edgar long bomb.

Score is 2.2 (14) to 2.3 (15) with the Swans up by the one point at the half.

B-reserve has just kicked off at the netball, too, with Mansfield taking an early lead.

On the food front, I’ve just been handed two snags on top of my bacon and egg roll earlier, while Tyler Maher has given a massive thumbs up to the chicken steak sangas.

UPDATE, 11.20am: Defender recognised with MVP

Echuca Bombers’ Raina Fimmel wins the MVP after a stellar defensive effort. while the Bombers fans get up and about.

Meanwhile we’re 10 minutes away from the start of the B Reserve decider between Seymour and Mansfield.

The Lions’ fans are out in force, with representation in all three remaining games to come.

UPDATE, 11.12am: Bombers’ first flag of the day

Echuca has claimed the 17-and-under flag, defeating Mooroopna 46-37.

Massive crowd down at the netball courts and a huge contingent of Murray Bombers and Mooroopna supporter turned up to see Echuca triumph comprehensively in the end.

UPDATE, 11.06am: Low-scoring affair in under 18s

Quarter time in the thirds game and it’s a tight tussle, with Echuca 1.0 (6) trailing Shepparton Swans 1.3 (9) by three points.

Swans have been wasteful, with the side squandering a few chances.

Meanwhile, with thre eminutes to go in the netball, the Bombers are up by nine goals, all but sealing Echuca’s first flag of the day.

UPDATE, 10.57am: Cooper opens Swans’ account

Joeve Cooper has kicked the opener for the Swans and has kicked the opener for the Swans.

Riv Herald editor Gregor MacTaggart is making his way to Shepparton has has seen a few signs on the way... they haven’t helped so far though.

Meanwhile Zac Standish was able to make his way into the Swans rooms and will have more for you shortly.

Meanwhile, Bombers are up 38-32 with nine minutes to go in the final quarter.

UPDATE, 10.53am: Bombers in box seat at final break

Strong finish to the term for the Cats, but Echuca still holds a 32-26 lead.

UPDATE, 10.50am: Echuca draws first blood

Max Hagan has kicked the opener of the under 18s grand final, after winning a free kick for holding the ball.

UPDATE, 10.45am: Your premiers, as the Bombers pull ahead

Shepparton Swans celebrate their under 16 flag.

Over on the netball court, Echuca continues to hold Mooroopna out on the netball court, with the Murray Bombers leading 31-23 in the latter stages of the third term.

The under 18s has begun for the footy, too.

UPDATE, 10.35am: Caiden Phillips declared best-on-ground

Announced to an almighty roar from Swans fans, centre-half-forward Caiden Phillips has been awarded best-on for his three goals.

Echuca’s Tom Evans was awarded the Lucy Scott medal for best player of the finals, who was phenomenal today again.

UPDATE, 10.33am: Cats roaring back into contention

Half time, and Mooroopna has cut the margin to four goals. Echuca leads 22-18. Cats’ goal-keeper Mya Jesperson has stood tall.

UPDATE, 10.24am: Swans win

Swans win!

7.15 (57) to 11.7 (73), Shepp Swans have claimed their second piece of silverware for the day in a mammoth win.

I’ll have some snaps from the ground in a sec.

UPDATE, 10.18am: Too little, too late as Stone sinks one

I reckon we’re about home here ladies and gentlemen, with 23 minutes gone in the last quarter.

Luke Stone took a good hanger and converted, and while Kaiden Phillips missed a chance at a fourth goal, they’re home.

Jye Fitzsimmons has snapped a goal and the celebrations are beginning.

Over at the netball, Mooroopna is clawing its way back into this. Score 16-13 Echuca’s way.

“Pretty nervy start there, but we’ve got that out of the way,” Mooroopna mentor Bree Hanslow said at the break.

The support for Mooroopna is huge, half of the court is taken up by Cats.

UPDATE, 10.14am: Bombers firing against Cats

Quarter time in the 17-and-under decider, Echuca leads Mooroopna 13-6 in a dominant display.

In the football, Harper Simpson has just converted a free kick to put the margin at to 16 points.

UPDATE, 10.11am: ‘There’s a pulse’ - Evans kicks his fourth

Tommy Phillips has kicked his fourth and Riverine Herald sports journalist Josh Huntly has declared “there’s a pulse”.

Back to 11 points.

UPDATE, 10.08am: 17-and-under tips off, Swans are storming home

Echuca got out to a 5-0 start, but the Cats have clawed it back to 5-5 at the mid-point of the first term.

Meanwhile, Swans have kicked two goals on the footy field, one to Jett Bruton, and one to Kaiden Phillips who has been incredible all day.

They’ve just missed another through Jye Fitzimmons but it’s been all Swans so far this quarter.

Score is 5.13 (43) to 9.5 (59), Swans up.

UPDATE, 10am: Swans up and about, Echuca returns fire

The Swans 15 and under girls have come straight from their triumph to the grandstand to watch the boys’ grand final.

They’ve been immedaitely rewarded with... an Echuca goal. Liam Gronow has slotted one from 35 metres out... and Tommy Evans immedaitely gets it out of the middle again!

UPDATE, 9.55am: Your 15-and-under champions

The 17-and-under grand final will be under way shortly, with Echuca taking on Mooroopna.

UPDATE, 9.51: MVP for 15 and under netball announced

Swans’ Jaylah Meda has been declared the MVP in the 15 and under grand final.

Massive result for the Swans in their only netball appearance for the day.

UPDATE, 9.49am: Grumley goals on the siren

Boy oh boy, wowee. Swans went inside 50 with only seconds left on the clock, with Mitch Grumley running into open space.

He had a bounce on the sand, it went awry, but he collected himself, wheeled around and kicked the goal as the siren sounded.

MASSIVE in the context of this game and it sends the Swans into the three-quarter-time huddle nine points ahead, their biggest lead of the game.

The score is 4.12 (36) to 7.3 (45).

UPDATE, 9.45am: Swans resolute as Bombers inaccurate

Shepp Swans have kicked two goals to be right in it this quarter but Echuca have been wayward in front of goal, kicking 1.7 this quarter.

Rory Duffy and Caiden Phillips have kicked goals for the Swans as they lead by three points.

Score is 4.12 (36) to 6.3 (39)

UPDATE, 9.41: Swans win! Swans win!

The Swans win in dominant fashion, 42-22, to claim the first grand final on offer today at Deakin Reserve.

UPDATE, 9.35am: Tommy Evans kicks his third

The Bombers are up and about on the footy field, and Tommy Evans has his third goal and Echuca is up 4.7 (31) to 4.3 (27) midway through the third quarter.

UPDATE, 9.32am: Swans on the verge of glory

The Swans are going to be crowned champions of the 15-and-under competition! They lead 37-20 with only minutes left.

Mammoth result for the Swans.

UPDATE, 9.26am: Rallying cry for Swans

Tyler Maher’s stuck his head into the Swans huddle at the last break and overhead some words of encouragement.

“The reason we’ve got to be in front is because of how hard we have worked”

The message for the Swans at the last change is simple - keep working hard.

Footy’s just resumed moments ago, too. Still Swans by four points.

UPDATE, 9.20am: Vibes are up

The energy is electric around the netball court, with every Swans’ act cheered on by the strong red and white contingent. The lead is now 30-17 at the final break.

Meanwhile at the footy, a healthy crowd is building, with a strong Swans contingent on the hill behind the goals and a lot of green and white of Echuca supporters in front of the Shepp United rooms.

UPDATE, 9.14am: Half-time in the footy, Swans rally in the netball

It’s a lightning-fast pace over on the netball court, and despite some sustained pressure from Echuca it is still the Swans who hold a commanding 28-16 lead.

Meanwhile the footy field has lit up with two quick goals either way, one to Solly Fleming for the Bombers, which was immediately followed by a beautiful kick from Bailey Stevens.

The half-time siren has just gone and the score is 3.5 (23) to 4.3 (27) and this game is a cracker.

UPDATE, 9.07am: Simpson snaps truly

Shepp Swans nearly beansed up a two on one in the goalsquare, but a sleeves Harper Simpson has snapped truly to give the Swans a five-point buffer, to the delight of the Swans fans behind the goal.

Score is 2.4 (16) to 3.3 (21), the Swans’ way.

UPDATE, 9.02am: Bombers kick back in both theatres

Tommy Evans kicks his second and the Bombers are back ahead by two in the football.

Echuca is fighting hard over on the netball court, but the Swans are holding firm at half time after netting five of the last six goals of the term. They lead 22-10 at the main break.

UPDATE, 8.58am: Swans up on football field

Caiden Phillips was awarded a holding the ball free kick (which was definitely there) in the goalsquare and has put the Swans up.

They’re now four points ahead five minutes into the second, and your humble correspondent has a bacon and egg roll.

Folks, life is good.

UPDATE, 8.48am: Bit of biffo at quarter-time

Quarter time on the footy field at Deakin Reserve and we have some biffo as Echuca and Swans players go at it.

Score is 1.4 (10) to 1.1 (7), the Bombers’ way, while the second quarter is beginning behind me on the netball courts, with the Swans up by seven points.

UPDATE, 8.44am: Swans on the board in the football

Brodie Pena has taken a ripping mark running back with the flight in the goalsquare and kicked a ripping goal. Score now 1.4 (10) to 1.1 (7) the Bombers’ way.

Quarter time here on the netball court. Swans lead 11-4 over Echuca.

UPDATE, 8.41am: Swans snare fast start

It’s a fast start on the netball court for the Shepparton Swans, up 9-2 over Echuca approaching quarter time.

UPDATE, 8.37am,: First goal on the board

Tom Evans has kicked the Murragy Bombers’ first, the side leading 1.2 (8) to one behind.

UPDATE, 8.35am: Parking at a premium, first score on the board

If you’re coming along today, get in early - car parking spots are like golden tickets. Roads around the ground are already packed and surrounding streets also packed.

In the footy, we’ve got two points on the board to the Murray Bombers to no score, with the Swans’ defence holding up gallantly.

UPDATE: 8.30am: We’re off!

Let the games begin, with the first two games Shepparton Swans vs Echuca Bombers in the unfrt 16s football and the same clubs clashing in the under 15 netball.

UPDATE, 8.15am: What a cracker for Footballmas!

We’re 15 minutes from tip-off and the first bounce in the first games of the day and folks, it is a cracker.

Max Stainkamph with you from Deakin Reserve overlooking the beautiful footy ground, while Tyler Maher will join us shortly from the netball courts.

There isn’t a cloud in the sky in Shepparton, so if you’re joining us from Echuca or Euroa or Seymour or anywhere across the Goulburn Valley, we look set for a cracker.

Stay across the blog all day as we bring you all the updates.

UPDATE, 7.30am: Welcome!

The blog is live and ready to bring you all of the action from Deakin Reserve as Goulburn Valley League deciders play out before our eyes.

For the first time in three years, GVL premiers will be crowned on what will be an outstanding day of football and netball.

First-up on the netball court is the 15-and-under battle between Echuca and Shepparton Swans from 8.30am.

At the same time, the ball will be bounced in the under-16 football clash between the clubs - in fact the Murray Bombers and Swans will face-off in three deciders today.

But before then, get yourself a cup of coffee, some breakfast and settle in to read some of the previews the News and Riv sports teams have produced this week below.

As you can see, it’s a long list - but don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to get through them across the day.