GVL Data | Can Seymour exploit a chink in Echuca’s armour?

The Murray Bombers are atop the table, having lost just once this campaign.

Thanks to GVL Data though, we can assess that defeat — against Rochester in round five — and pick apart any trends that may point towards a potential chink in Echuca’s armour.

On the stats sheet in that clash, which was also at Victoria Park, Echuca was -20 for ground ball gets and -21 for loose ball gets, meaning the Tigers were consistently first to the footy on the day.

Many of the other categories were relatively even or in Echuca’s favour, but Rochester also won the rebound 50s by 11.

A closer look at the third quarter, where Rochester kicked five goals to two and took control of the game, showed that marks inside 50 and contested marks also swung the way of the visitors.

On a season-wide lens, Echuca’s worst performing stats, as an average differential against its opponents, include tackles (-12.4), rebound 50s (-8.9) and overall pressure (-4.7).

All in all, it is a blueprint for Seymour to study ahead of this weekend.

It is all well and good to have a plan — every other side which has faced the Murray Bombers this season has had access to the same knowledge — but to grab the four points, execution will be the order of the day.

As a group, the Lions do best in areas like ranking points, overall pressure, marks and tackles.

Indiviudally, Tom Maloney averages 10 ground ball gets per game across his six matches this season.

David Mundy (four games) and Nicholas Quigg (one) are also around that mark.

From those who have made more consistent appearances, Nathan Beattie (7.7) and Chayse Thomson (6) will be crucial against Echuca this weekend.

Huw Jones (5.3), Dylan Scopel (3.2), Beattie (3) and Quigg (3) lead the way for rebound 50s for the Lions this year.