Echuca co-coach Andrew Walker looms large and has had no trouble winning his own footy in recent matches, averaging 31 disposals in his past three games.
The battle between Walker and prolific Swans ball-winner BJ Squire (26.7) will be an entertaining one, but while much has been made of Squire’s influence, his partner in crime Zac Banch will also be one to watch.
Banch ranks top-10 in the GVL for contested possessions, winning 12.8 per match and among his average of 24.1 disposals.
However, this fact brings him into the realm of one of the GVL’s top contested bulls in Jack McHale.
McHale, averaging 16 contested possessions (third in the league), continued to bully his way through the packs with 14 last week, and the clash against Banch is poised to be an intriguing one.
Down forward, Ruory Kirkby shapes as a handful for the Swans backline.
The Echuca spearhead booted 10 goals, snared 22 marks (17 inside-50) and had 24 disposals in a red-hot display against Benalla last week.
Kirkby could draw the attention of a number of Shepparton defenders, but perhaps Swans coach Andrew Riordan would be best suited to tackle the task.
Riordan appears best-suited to tackle the Kirkby challenge, leading the Swans for marks (50), intercept marks (36), and one-percent efforts (45), and last week collected 19 disposals, five intercept marks and four spoils in a defensive masterclass against United.
Andrew Walker vs BJ Squire (averages)
27.8 Disposals 26.7
10.9 Contested Possession 10.7
3.5 Marks 5.4
6.1 Clearances 4.0
5.8 Inside-50’s 4.3
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