Bruce McCahon breaks out of the contest. Photos: Cathlyn Herd.
The Echuca Moama United Masters were back at the nest on Sunday for a double-header fixture against the Melton Panthers as well as their annual sponsors and life members day.
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After a few delays from lightning, the first match in the masters saw the over 45s squads line up against each other with a sprinkling of younger legs mixed in.
The opening stanza was high intensity masters football and both sides handled the wet conditions extremely well going into quarter time even on the scoreboard.
The game opened up in the second quarter, and despite plenty of forward entries for the Emus, Melton were able to grab the upper hand, leading by three goals at the main break and five goals at three-quarter time.
Phil Arnott combines with Martin Retallick.
Despite a fast-finishing final quarter from the Emus, they fell short by 12 points against the highly regarded Panthers.
New recruit Vaz Sarup played a scintillating debut, winning many 50/50 contests, while Jared Johnson played his best game for the club, improving his likelihood of a call up to Carlton.
Ollie Oranje had the big job on an ex-VFL full forward in the second half and did a great job, Adam Davidson provided plenty of run through the middle of the ground and Craig Danswan was in everything as always, including a crafty goal.
Varun Sarup gets into open space.
Aaron Prewett was at his defensive best, allowing the Lockington imports of Dean and Corey Mitchell and Jared Ireland to prosper with plenty of footy.
Mark Van Poeteron continued his good form with two goals.
With perfect conditions ensuing for the second match, both over 35s teams were primed for a ripping encounter, and it lived up to all expectations.
The Emus blasted out of the gates with the midfield of Rob Guerra, Phil Arnott, Martin Retallick and Troy Ramsey asserting themselves and getting the first goal on the board with Clint Jurey on the end of repeat forward entries.
Francis O'Brien and Aaron Prewett work in tandem on defence.
Melton is never a side to lay down though, and they fought back hard, squaring the ledger at quarter time and gaining a two goal lead by half-time.
Emus debutants Ben Anderson, Jesse Cuttriss, Brent Freeman and Shaun Delamare all bought into the team plan with class and Josh Hunter was welcomed back for his first game in 2026
Coach Lucas Walker moved the magnets at half-time, put Tanner Christie to centre-half forward and reshuffled the back line with the Emus shifting into full gear and playing arguably their best footy for some time to go into three-quarter time with a seven point lead.
Tanner Christie rises for the mark.
Unfortunately for the Emus, Melton found another gear in the final quarter and were able to edge their noses in front with two quick goals.
The Emus couldn’t turn the tide after playing the day with a limited bench.
The Emus will be looking to convert their strong form into a win with their next match on May 17 against Murray Crays, played at Tongala.
Training is Wednesday nights at 6pm at Echuca South oval, new members are always welcome.
The Games
Over 45s
Echuca: 1.1, 1.3, 2.5, 5.6 (36)
Melton: 1.2, 4.5, 7.5, 7.6 (48)
Goal Kickers: Van Poeteron 2, Danswan, D Mitchell,
Best and awards: Ireland (Workies), D Mitchell (Cal), Sarup (Moama Bowling Club), Johnson (Dominoes), O’Brien (Oarsome Fitness), Prewett (KFC)
Over 35s
Echuca: 1.3, 1.6, 4.8, 4.9 (33)
Melton: 1.2, 3.5, 3.7, 6.8 (44)
Goal Kickers: Jurey 2, Delamare, Davidson.
Best and awards: Ramsey (Workies), Retallack (Cal), Arnott (Moama Bowling Club), Hagan (Dominoes), Christie (Oarsome Fitness), Cuttriss (KFC)
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