In football, it’s pretty much always with a flag.
At a club like Echuca, premierships are more often than not expected, rather than hoped for.
But even though they are an overwhelming favourite, the club’s under-18s are trying to avoid a premiership-or-bust mentality this Sunday.
“We always want to win a premiership if we’re in one (a grand final), but is our season measured by that? Probably not,” coach Damian Slater said.
“If they walk away from this season where they’ve had a really good season, they’ve developed as footballers, and then we tap off a premiership at the end, then that’s a bonus for us.”
Slater’s side has quite literally beaten all-comers in 2026, undefeated going into the big dance.
Echuca has been so dominant that only two of its wins were by a margin under five goals.
Should it fall to Shepparton Bears in the decider, it would no doubt underline the harsh nature of finals football.
A side this good could have one off day and not get the ultimate reward.
“If we don’t get the job done on Sunday, there’s no way it’s a failure of a season — not a way in the world,” Slater said.
“I think our season has been really good, to finish on top, undefeated, is a pretty good effort in anyone’s world.”
Reading that may lead one to think the side isn’t totally confident, but that’s not the case.
Slater knows Echuca’s best will be good enough, even if the Bears will be bolstered by some players returning from Murray Bushrangers duty.
He also has a host of talented individuals that could break the game open.
Most sides have one major threat in each line, but Echuca has two.
Midfielders Jett Kervin and Baxter Cowley have a dual responsibility — leading their teammates into battle and aiding the side’s trademark quick ball movement.
Kristian Fitzsimmons and Campbell McCarty will organise behind the ball, with the latter ready to spring off half-back when possession is turned over.
Up forward, Mitchell Sutton and Max McCarty have been punishing opponents all year, kicking 73 majors between them.
If the duo play with the same swagger that saw them boot seven against Benalla to qualify for the decider, Shepparton’s in for a long morning.
The under-18 GVL grand final starts from 9.15am at Deakin Reserve.
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