Sunday saw the Echuca Moama United AFL Masters over 35s and over 45s take on the GV Giants at South Oval in the annual Buck McPhee memorial game.

This was the first time the Giants have been able to put out both a 35s, and 45s and it was great this was on such a special day for both clubs.

Once the pre-game formalities were concluded, with Buck’s parents and son there to toss the coin, the over 45s game started.

What became clear very quickly was that there had been a big mix up in communication and the Giants’ 35s side was lining up against the EMU’s 45s.

While the inquiry is ongoing, it was quickly decided that the Buck McPhee Shield would be awarded to the winning club based on an aggregate score over the two games.

Over 45s

This was always going to be a challenge for the EMUs playing against a much younger side and this was clearly shown in the first quarter with the Giants kicking eight unanswered goals.

The EMUs were simply stunned. A strong breeze favoured the Giants which also compounded the issue.

At quarter time, coach Lucas Walker asked for an increase in effort and demanded the team did not drop their heads. He asked for pride to be shown.

The players lifted and managed to kick three goals in the 2nd quarter thanks to Mark Van Poeteren’s work up forward with some great supply from the ever young Robert ‘Bobby’ O’Connor; however, the Giants manage to kick four of their own, further extending the lead.

By half-time the lead was out to 60 points, and it was clear the 35s would have a lot of ground to make up in the 2nd game.

To their credit the 45s continued to battle hard in the 2nd half lead by Troy Ramsey, who had sensationally been dropped from the 35s side after a stunning start to the season, and Francis ‘Jacko’ O’Brien led from the front as always.

Mark Van Poeteren remained dangerous up forward and ended up kicking all of the EMUs majors for the game.

Once the final siren sounded, the 45s were tired, but proud that they had kept the deficit to below 100pts.

Echuca EMUs 45s 4.1 (25) defeated by GV Giants 35’s 19.7 (121)

Goal kickers - M. Van Poeteren x 4.

Over 35s

Now it was the turn of the 35’s to try and claw back the deficit.

With five or six new players, the coach laid out the challenge and what he expected from each and every player.

He demanded unselfish footy, he demanded the players move the ball well with overlap running, smart kicks to players in good positions rather than bombing it down the line, and he demanded accountability and communication in defence.

And this is what he got, in spades.

Some of the best footy the EMUs had played all season was on display and the Giants were kept scoreless in the first quarter with the EMUs kicking 5 against the breeze.

Clint Jurey was uncharacteristically accurate in front of goal, slotting three straight in the first quarter alone.

The midfielder was clinical in winning the footy and the backline were disciplined, holding structure and not getting sucked too far forward. It was a pleasure to watch.

At quarter time, the coach had no words other than perfect.

This was tempered with the reality that this needed to continue into the second quarter, and it did.

By halftime, the aggregate deficit had been reduced to only 29 points.

Then the foot was taken off the gas.

The EMUs only kicked three goals in the third quarter and allowed the Giants to kick one of their own.

This meant the EMUs were still 19 points on aggregate down heading into the last quarter.

The Giants, aware of the situation, flooded men back into defence, clogging up the space the EMUs had been exploiting all game.

The EMUs pushed and pushed and while they had nearly all the scoring they wasted numerous opportunities, kicking five points as well three goals.

However, the Giants were able to steal a late goal, meaning there was a three-point margin with less than a minute on the clock.

The EMUs were able to win the clearance and moved the ball forward quickly, resulting in a mark inside 50.

Then the siren went.

It is every players dream to kick a goal after the siren, unfortunately this dream was not realised with the set shot drifting narrowly wide.

Echuca EMUs 35s 16.12 (108) defeated GV Giants 45s 2.2 (14)

Goal kickers - C. Jurey x 6, M. Georgianni x 3, R. Eden x 2, T. Christie, M. Retallick, N. Smith, J. Hunter, J. Johnson

Overall score - Echuca EMUs 20.12 (133) def by GV Giants 21.9 (135)

While a disappointing result for the EMUs, as always with Masters footy the result is not what it is all about.

Yet again, it was a great day playing our good mates from the GV Giants in memory of Buck McPhee and there was plenty of talk after the game about what could have been if both sides had lined up correctly.

It could have been two belting games rather than two beltings.

What is clear is the future is bright for masters footy in the Shepparton and Echuca regions.

Awards

Echuca Workers Club Best On- M. Retallick (35s), M. Van Poeteren (45s).

Caledonian Hotel- C. Jurey (35s), J. Abela (45s).

Moama Bowling Club- S. O’Donnell (35’s).

Dominoes Pizza- M. Georgianni (35s), C. Danswan (45s).

Oarsome Fitness- R. O’Connor (45s).

KFC- R. Thompson (35s), C. Hagan (45s).

Echuca Stihl Shop Tool of the Week- N. Marsh.

Buck McPhee Memorial Mug- M. Van Poeteren.

If you think the EMUs and Masters footy is something you would like to try out, training is every Wednesday night from 6pm at Echuca South Oval.

New members (playing or non-playing) are always very welcome.

For more information, please visit www.echuca.viccountrymasters.com or contact/follow us through Facebook at Echuca Moama United Masters Football Club.

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Tuesday, 12th January 2027

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