It has been an imperious campaign for Shepparton’s senior side in the Goulburn Valley League and co-coach Xavier Stevenson is eager for their dominance to continue over the next month.

The Bears stalwart has overseen an uncompromising season thus far alongside Jason Wells, chalking up nine wins from ten outings so far this term to gain a foothold in the premiership chase.

Currently level on points with Echuca at the summit, the ladder leaders have fallen to defeat just once in 2026 as the Murray Bombers inflicted a rare 10-point loss during round eight.

Since then, the GVL pacesetters have more than rallied back, defeating Mansfield and Euroa to maintain their position at the top of the table.

That most recent victory over the Magpies represented a major statement, as the Bears dominated proceedings across all four quarters to register a 15.9 (99) to 5.8 (38) win en route to maximum points.

The co-coach led by example down at Euroa Memorial Oval, kicking a goal just a few minutes from the final siren in the fourth quarter to help seal a resounding victory, as teammate Luke Smith hit the scoreboard on four occasions.

Now, Deakin Reserve mainstay Stevenson has assessed the mood within the dressing room as his side prepares for a potentially season-defining month of fixtures, starting with a home clash with Tatura in round 11.

“The messaging stays pretty consistent week to week,” Stevenson said.

“It’s about making sure that the boys stay on track and motivated enough to deliver what we want to achieve.

“We know there will be ups and downs within games and quarters but we’re confident in our system and the way in which we want to play - the boys really have bought into that and they’re terrific to coach.”

Following on from the battle against the Bulldogs, the boys in maroon and gold face the prospect of back-to-back away trips to face Seymour before a cross-city derby with Shepparton United.

Closing out a bumper four weeks for neutral observers, the Bears will then host neighbours Mooroopna.

Co-coach Stevenson revealed that everyone within the Shepparton camp is gearing up for a potentially pivotal stage of the campaign over the coming weeks.

“We’re calling the next three or four weeks ‘Big Boy Month’,” he said.

“We feel games you can win in this period can really hold you in great stead towards the back end of the year.

“So we’re placing a big emphasis on getting the results we want to have over the next few weeks.”

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Sunday, 13th April 2031

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