Both sides’ youngsters starred at Princess Park, but it was also a day for the clubs’ experienced campaigners, with Bears premiership forward Anthony Andronaco ticking off his 100th senior outing in maroon.
Swans stalwart and playing coach Andrew Riordan started his day in commanding fashion down back, but a problematic hamstring went midway through the first quarter, ending his day.
Speaking after the game, Riordan said a hard-fought win over their cross-town rival was the obvious focus from a game with no shortage of big moments.
“It’s always great to beat a fellow Shepp team, they’re an arch-rival,” Riordan said.
“We did it the hard way, in a way, it wasn’t our perfect game and probably not theirs either, but it’s pleasing to get over the top of them.”
It was the visitors that had more of a say in early proceedings, Shepparton on-baller Jordan McGregor and forward Achoung Agog spearheading the Bears’ early lead.
A classy McGregor set shot from just inside 50 would help the visitors maintain a narrow 11-point lead at the main break.
But a resurgent Swans outfit ignited in the second half on the back of some BJ Squire magic; the Swans’ skipper racked up clearances while his forwards rewarded the effort.
Two quick-fire Andronaco goals after the break were soon erased and the hosts hit the front with a five-goal-to-one third quarter.
The Bears, as they did last week against Mansfield, refused to go down without a fight and pulled level in the final term, only for the Swans to rise in the dying stages, kicking two late goals to ice the game.
Shepparton playing coach Ted Lindon was sent forward in the second half to good effect, but looked to roll his ankle after taking a crucial grab in the fourth quarter and failed to convert from 30 out.
Swans forward Lachlan McMahon got off the chain on a few occasions and finished his day with three majors, while Kurtis Dixon and Quade Johnstone saluted with two goals apiece.
Riordan said there was no shortage of Swans talent that rose to the occasion for their side on Saturday.
“I think it was our usuals through the midfield area, their midfield was pretty strong today, but I thought BJ and (Zac) Banch and Tyreece Collison through there were really effective,” he said.
“I also thought the young fella James Auld, a 17-year-old playing on Andronaco; he’s a quality footballer and he kicked a few, but I thought his (Auld’s) role all day was really good.”
With finals out of the equation, and a new coach locked in for season 2023, Riordan said every game and every win was a chance to gather momentum for what is shaping up to be an exciting few years at Princess Park.
“It’s another step in our development, we’re a young group like the Bears are and these are the type of games that you want to be winning,” he said.
“We’re showing that we’ve got a bright enough future — it’s good for these boys to enjoy a win.”
