Although the two sides might not boast the same streak of wins, the duo does share some similarity in that majority of their wins have been decided by under 10 points.
Murchison-Toolamba is making a name for its ability to get the job done in nail-biting situations much like its AFL counterpart.
And that theme continued on Saturday when the Grasshoppers held on to survive by two points over Stanhope.
“To be honest it’s been like that (high heart-rate) all season. I feel like we are similar to Collingwood in that our average winning margin is under 10 points,” Murchison-Toolamba coach Nick Iorianni said.
“It would be nice to put sides away earlier, but we feel like it’s part of our make-up. We like to grind it out and we seem to find a way.”
It was billed as match-of-the round and the round 15 contest between the second-ranked Grasshoppers and Lions (fourth) failed to disappoint at Stanhope.
Played under wet and heavy conditions, Murchison-Toolamba was able to starve off the fast-finishing home side after putting itself in a commanding position.
Up by 12 points at the last break, the Grasshoppers rallied together in the fourth term as the Lions made one final push for victory.
Stanhope owned majority of possession and the ball lived inside the host’s forward half of the ground, but the defensive discipline from the visitors made scoring difficult.
A couple of decision making errors opened the door for Stanhope.
The Lions managed to get three points up at one stage during the final term, however, a quick response through Aidan Lloyd (two goals) threw the Grasshoppers back in front.
Josh Wild was Mr Fix-it for the Grasshoppers and played a number of roles, while onballer Jayedon Hexter thrived on the contested nature of the match.
Daniel Flynn, winger Lachlan West and forward Jono Pearson were the main drivers for Stanhope all day.
Iorianni said he was proud of the resilience and fight displayed by his charges in the 8.6 (54) to 7.10 (52) win.
“It was a finals-like game that was hot from the start and the conditions really made it contested,” the Grasshoppers mentor said.
“You had two really strong and competitive sides go at it and the crowd got an exciting game to watch. It was a tough game of footy that’s for sure ... we’ll have a few sore bodies.
“I’m just really proud of the group; each week they bring the same intensity, commitment, concentration and I’m proud of their efforts.”
Around the grounds, Shepparton East clinched a come-from-behind victory over Violet Town.
The Eagles fought back from being two goals down at the last break to record a 10.10 (70) to 10.6 (67) triumph.
East ruckman Tom McCluskey was a standout, alongside Shannon Campbell and Adem Barolli.
Violet Town forward Jack Exell booted four goals to take his season tally to 95.
Meanwhile, Avenel was able to grind out a resilient victory over a hungry Dookie United.
The ladder leading Swans were without a bench halfway through the second term, but managed to tough it out and claim a gutsy 10.13 (73) to 10.8 (68) win.
Speedster Braydon Avola (two goals) and onballer Mitch Tobin played starring roles for Avenel, while United’s Jye Limosani and Dylan Webster-Mill battled hard for the Thunder.
Girgarre has kept its season alive thanks to a resounding victory over Tallygaroopna.
The Roos, who can’t afford to lose another match, cruised to a comfortable 25.13 (163) to 5.1 (31) win.
Playing coach Damian Cupido was on song with 12 majors, while Ash Hughes and Corey Wanganeen provided support.
A four-goal best afield performance from Nathan Fothergill handed Nagambie a crucial 15.16 (106) to 10.10 (70) salute over Merrigum.
Lastly, Undera prevailed over Longwood by 102 points thanks to a five-goal effort from Logan Campbell.
Dylan Moncur and Ethan Batey were class operators in the win.
And an 11-goal outing from Jake Mills delivered Lancaster a 263-point thumping over Rushworth.
Teammates Zac Cerrone (seven goals) and Coby O’Neill (four) joined in on the goal feast.
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