Reigning premier Echuca came up against a tough, desperate Rochester side at the weekend, with the Tigers handing the Murray Bombers their first loss since round 10 last season.
But while the Tigers managed to get the win on the scoreboard, Echuca still emerged ahead in the majority of key statistics.
The Murray Bombers won the disposal count pretty comprehensively (337 to 298), while also ending with their nose in front of the contested possessions (164-159).
The clearances (43 to 35), inside-50s (50-39) and uncontested marks (63 to 48) all went the way of Echuca as well.
Despite bringing some extraordinary heat, with an overall pressure rating of 237 well above their average of 172.2 which ranks as the best in the league, Rochester’s pressure rating was lower than Echuca’s, with the Murray Bombers recording a rating of 251.
The contested nature of the game saw Echuca lay 94 tackles, again better than the Rochester effort of 91, so where did Rochester get on top?
The real difference came in the turnover game.
Echuca recorded 82 turnovers — the most they have recorded this season by some way — as opposed to Rochester’s 75, with 32 of those occurring in their forward line, which played a big part in Rochester being allowed to launch 39 rebound-50s.
Rochester sweated on the large number of Echuca turnovers, and made them pay, putting 9.6 (60) on the board directly from the Murray Bombers surrendering possession, while Echuca managed just 5.4 (34) from the same source.
The 60 points Echuca conceded from turnover is also the most they have given up so far this season, with the previous most being 36 points, which came against both Mansfield and Mooroopna.
Echuca vs Rochester - Key stats
Disposals: 337 to 298
Clearances: 43 to 35
Contested possessions: 164 to 159
Uncontested marks: 63 to 48
Overall pressure: 251 to 237
Tackles: 94 to 91
Inside-50s: 50 to 39
Rebound-50s: 28 to 39
Turnovers: 82 to 75
Score from turnover: 5.4 (34) to 9.6 (60)