Down the wing: Strikers' Duncan Moodie.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The Goulburn Valley Hockey Association men’s A-grade season is in the books for 2023 with the dominant Strikers again claiming premiership glory.
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Four goals off the stick of Andrés Pérez San Emeterio were the catalysts for a rout as Strikers played Echuca Moama off the court on Saturday, firmly taking a fifth straight title with a 10-0 thumping.
The result capped another unbeaten season for Strikers, although with one extra minor setback compared to the 2022 campaign, ultimately having more than enough to prevail on the big day.
Playing coach Xavier McBain was undoubtedly satisfied with the emphatic crowning.
“This is what we wanted,” McBain said.
All smiles: Strikers secured yet another emphatic GVHA A-grade premiership.
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Contributed
“It was a season where we’ve played some good and bad hockey ... in terms of the full season, it wasn’t easy.”
The final day could have been much more challenging, though, with McBain finding the net twice as one of four multiple goal-scorers.
Looking forward: Echuca Moama's Adam Thompson.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Full extension: Strikers' Phillip Whatman.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Working the space: Echuca Moama's Thomas Morphett.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Scanning the field: Echuca Moama's Regan More.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Down the wing: Strikers' Duncan Moodie.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Down low: Echuca Moama's Adam Thompson.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Sending it wide: Strikers' Ben Harman.
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Rechelle Zammit
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On fire: Strikers' Andres Perez San Emeterio.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Seeking a pass: Echuca Moama's Brodie Mulcahy.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Defensive stance: Echuca Moama's Troy Kenny.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Foot race: Strikers' Duncan Moodie and Echuca Moama's Jye Berryman.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Taking on his man: Strikers' Andres Perez San Emeterio.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Dealing with pressure: Echuca Moama's Ryan More.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Prolific: Strikers' Tim Russell had a big week after claiming the A-grade best and fairest and playing in another premiership.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
McBain also acknowledged the starring contributions of several other Strikers throughout the season and on the day itself, paying tribute to a retiring stalwart.
“Angus Cole was great, James McBain too, he took out best-on-ground,” McBain said.
“Our midfielder Tim Russell as well, he just won our best-and-fairest as well as the league’s B&F, so he’s been fantastic.
“Stewart Tyquin is a guy who’s played a lot of GV hockey and said he would hang up the stick and he’s been a special player to us, both the team and the association.”
However, no such plans are on McBain’s mind as he sets his sights on expanding local hockey participation.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
“The club is in a good position with a lot of juniors coming through, but we still need more seniors.”
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