From the Shepp News
Two-time Shepparton United premiership coach Marc Quarrell says his side’s forward strength is a major reason it boasts six straight wins over Mooroopna. Three of those victories have been by six points or fewer, including a one-point result in 2010 and last year’s two-point success thanks to Dwain Vidler’s after-the-siren goal.
‘‘Our forward line has probably got them in the past and we’re certainly backing that strength again this week with Matty Forys coming in,” Quarrell said.
‘‘That stretches them a bit more also and we think our midfield is really strong and matches up against theirs pretty well.
‘‘We need to make sure we’re working really well in there to give our forwards every option.’’
Forys failed to play a practice match and spent the opening round at reserves level, where he kicked three goals.
He was not at United when Eagle booted 99 majors three years ago and was goalless in their only match together against the Cats last season.
Justin Carey, Tom Scott and even Tim Looby, who kicked five second-half goals in the Demons’ 34-point win over Shepparton, could share the forward line with Eagle and Forys.
Mooroopna coach Blake Campbell rates United as the team to beat for the premiership and was impressed with how the Demons performed against the Bears.
‘‘United kicked a fair few goals and scoreboard pressure is important with any side and they missed a lot of shots on goal,” Campbell said.
‘‘They were definitely a bit slower early, but they were really good after half-time.
