Shepparton put the seal on a fourth straight victory as they dispatched of rivals Shepp Swans in a 86-point win in round four of the 2026 GVL season.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
With the hosts riding high off the back of three consecutive victories during the opening weeks of the season, the Bears had reasons to feel confident coming into this garland affair at Deakin Reserve.
Coming into the clash, Shepparton co-coach Xavier Stevenson had spoken of his side’s desire to “consistently” produce the kind of performances that have made the Bears an immovable object in the first three weeks of the season.
The Swans struck first through Kade Alper, but it proved a false dawn as Shepparton quickly took control of proceedings.
Anthony Andronaco, returning from long-term injury to start his 150th senior game, made an immediate impact with two early goals as the Bears surged forward with intent.
From there, the home side dominated territory and possession, piling on six goals for the term.
Adam DeCicco, Tanner Madigan, Ashley Holland and Jacob Watts all hit the scoreboard, while Harper Simpson added a second major for the Swans.
By quarter time, Shepparton had opened up a commanding 30-point lead.
The Bears continued to build on that advantage in the second quarter, extending the margin with another four-goal term.
While the Swans showed improved signs and were able to respond through Oliver Warburton and Simpson, they struggled to generate sustained pressure.
Luke Smith proved particularly dangerous, kicking two quick goals to stretch the lead, while Holland and Lewis McShane added late majors to ensure Shepparton maintained control heading into halftime.
The third quarter developed into a more contested and scrappy affair, with both sides struggling to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.
Shepparton maintained control of territory but were unable to fully capitalise early, managing several behinds before Kade O’Dwyer broke through for a goal.
The Swans had chances to close the gap but were unable to convert, kicking five behinds for the term.
Joeve Cooper managed their only goal, but it did little to halt the Bears’ momentum.
Further goals to Andronaco and Liam Broom ensured Shepparton extended the margin to 50 points by the final change.
Any hopes of a late fightback were quickly extinguished in the final quarter, as Shepparton produced a devastating burst to blow the game wide open.
Smith led the charge with three goals in the term, while Andronaco added two more to cap off a six-goal performance in his milestone game.
Trent Herbert and Sam O’Brien also hit the scoreboard as the Bears piled on 7.3 for the quarter, turning a commanding lead into a comprehensive 86-point victory.
Captain Mitchell Brett described the win as “rewarding“ following a week of hard work in training.
“It’s obviously a good time of the week that 30 minutes to an hour after a game of footy,” he said.
“When you get the job done it’s rewarding after the week you’ve put in and the effort you’ve put in for the two-and-a-half hours prior.”
On the inspired performance of the returning Andronaco following his time on the sidelines, Brett waxed lyrical.
“He was great, he’s a class act - going back years ago to the grand-final in 2018 to the last quarter in that when he was a teenager.
“You just see the man oozes class and, though he hasn’t played footy for nearly two years, he’s class - it was a great reward for the man and it was good to see him back.”
Brett also highlighted how his teammates were eager to put on a show from the off in the clash, with this reflected in the ruthlessness exhibited in the first quarter.
“We had a bit of a point to prove, we weren’t probably at our best the week before around the footy and in terms of our pressure.
“The Swans are a good side so we knew we’d have to bring that intensity around the footy,“ he said, as his side tops the ladder at this early point in the campaign.
Next up, the Bears will face off against Rochester from 2pm at Moon Oval on May 2, while the Swans have Benalla up next from 2pm at Benalla Showgrounds.