GVL Data | Echuca’s team success precludes personal accolades

By Matthew Kappos

Sep 18, 2024

Jack McHale placed third in total ranking points in the GVL this year, but neither he nor any of his teammates cracked the top eight in the Morrison Medal voting. Photo: Bruce Povey

Is Echuca suffering from the curse of greatness?

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The Goulburn Valley League presentation night was held on Monday in Shepparton but the Murray Bombers were noticeably absent from the Morrison Medal table.

At the ceremony, the 2024 Morrison Medal was awarded to Shepparton Bears’ Ash Holland, one of Echuca’s opponents this Sunday.

What was more notable about the vote count is that despite dominating the league once again this season, no Murray Bombers were in the top eight vote-getters.

While Holland polled 25 votes in the year, no Echuca player earned more than 14, the mark of eighth-placed Anthony Depasquale of Kyabram.

Liam Tenace is Echuca’s second highest ranking points earner in 2024. Photo: Aidan Briggs

You would think a dominant side like the Murray Bombers would place more highly in the end-of-year awards, but digging into the stats reveals Echuca’s individuals to be somewhat a victim of their team’s success.

Looking at GVL Data’s total ranking points chart, the only Murray Bomber to place in the top 10 is Jack McHale, who has 2668 for the year, with the next best Liam Tenace in 12th (2176).

McHale’s per-game numbers this season, including 20.1 disposals (at 71 per cent efficiency), 3.7 inside 50s, 9.2 clearances, 5.6 tackles, 3.7 intercept possessions and 9.2 score involvements jump off the page.

While McHale could feel a bit hard done by for not featuring more highly on the Morrison Medal charts, Echuca’s depth of talent has resulted in a whole host of players stepping up in any given game, spreading potential votes.

Of players who have played 10 games or more this year, six Murray Bombers — McHale, Sam Reid, Tenace, Sam Willoughby, Kane Morris and Ben Reid — average 100 or more ranking points per contest.

A whole host of other players, including Jackson Stewart, Angus Byrne, Will Monahan, Lachlan Watson and Mitchell Wales, all polled three Morrison votes in games this season.