The clash went the way of O&M to the tune of seven points, though not without a fight as the GVL reeled in a 34-point quarter-time deficit to lead by 15 in the dying stages of the game.
A slow start proved costly, but the efforts of Echuca’s Aiden Mills and Jack Evans helped wrench their league back into the contest.
Evans booted a game-high four goals — including a lead-stealing goal on the run from 50m — while Mills put the clamps on Yarrawonga super boot Leigh Williams.
While the GV was defeated 13.14 (92) to 13.7 (85), Evans said it was an enjoyable experience making connections with his league counterparts.
“It was heaps of fun all in all with a bunch of new blokes and heaps of new people,” he said.
“It was an awesome opportunity, and you don’t turn that down. Albury is a cracking ground, a big wide ground, so it was good for us to get out into some space.
“I thought we were home, but they rallied and got on top of us.”
Emerging talent: Echuca’s Aiden Mills.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Mills rolled up to the interleague clash against O&M to the news that he would be tasked with curbing the influence of opposing skipper Williams and that’s exactly what he did, keeping him goalless.
“I didn’t know too much about him. I heard he’s a pretty handy goal-kicker, so I normally love challenges like that,” Mills said.
“I was happy to keep him goalless, but I think I got lucky a few times. He had about five or six behinds in the end.
“It was a good challenge playing on one of the best forwards in the O&M.
“(I feel) a bit flat we couldn’t get it done in the end, but we gave it a good run in the second half.
“It was good fun. We met some new boys and made some new friendships, which was good.”
GVL coach Mark Lambourn heaped praised on the star Echuca duo.
“I thought AJ was fantastic,” he said.
“We could have changed things up and found another match-up when he kicked a couple, but we left him on him and said you’ve got a job to do and to his credit he did a great job.
“When a young fella does that … that’s what it’s all about and I couldn’t be happier for him.
“Jack was great when he came on and set us alight. His run and carry, delivery and four goals was really special.”