With at most 15 or 16 women committed throughout pre-season, and often as few as 12, coach Damien Dalziel expressed ahead of round one that his side was facing significant challenges, with a fair chunk of his 2023 premiership side no longer pulling on the jersey.
But in their 22.9 (141) to 0.0 (0) thumping of Nagambie at the weekend, the Murray Bombers not only kept their perfect record intact through three games, but also sent a big warning to any rivals that thought they would be down and out this year.
Co-captain Paige Baksh led the charge for Echuca once again, claiming a big bag of 11 goals in a dominant display to continue an astonishing purple patch.
Baksh, who kicked 28 goals from 12 games in the premiership campaign last season, took her tally to 22 from just three games in 2024, following hauls of two and nine goals against Shepparton United and Rumbalara respectively.
Kate Dixon has also enjoyed a positive start to the year, and was again among the best with three goals against the Lakers, while Jacquelyn James and Jorden Irvine also kicked multiple goals with two each.
Meaghan Demasi, Sophie Douglas, Lily Hillman and Krystelle Lloyd rounded out the goalkickers for the Murray Bombers, meaning half of the total number of players that took to the field on Sunday were among the goals.
Emma Haly and Liv Dewar were also influential in the contest, joining Baksh, Hillmann and Irvine in the best.
The Murray Bombers, who sit atop the ladder with three wins and a percentage of 1089.66, will look to ride the early season momentum into their clash against Tatura next Sunday at Tatura Park.
In an odd fixture quirk, Echuca will play Shepparton United and Rumbalara in rounds five and six, meaning it will have played both of those sides twice this season before even facing last year’s runner-up Nathalia once, with the grand final rematch not set to occur until round seven.
Goulburn Murray Girls League
Echuca United has enjoyed a sensational start to its 2024 campaign, keeping Barooga scoreless at the weekend while slotting 13.10 (88) to remain unbeaten after three games.
While only three rounds in, being undefeated at this point is a significant milestone for the Eagles, as three wins this season have seen them eclipse their total wins from the last two seasons combined.
The wins have been of high quality too, beating 2023 grand finalist Moama in round two by 26 points, while also thumping Nathalia by 141 points in the season opener.
With six Bendigo Pioneers listed players in under-16 guns Sage Dennis, Remi Baulch and Ruby McLeod, as well as under-18 stars Shaleah Cooper, Ella Plattfuss and Jerrah Caruso, the Eagles are shaping as a force in the junior competition.
Dennis and Caruso were among the best against Barooga on the weekend, the latter with four goals, a haul matched by Harper Delamare, who was also in the best.
Ava Plattfuss, Indi Herrett and Olivia McKay also put in strong performances, while Jada Bover, Maisy Byrne, Lily Dunham, Matilda Fowler and Jessie Hall all hit the scoreboard with a goal each.
In other games, the highly anticipated grand final rematch between Moama and Shepparton Swans failed to materialise, with Moama forced to forfeit the contest.
