A grand final loss can be heartbreaking, a grand final thumping can be demoralising.
Shepparton is determined not to let last year’s 96-point grand final defeat to Echuca shape its 2025 season negatively.
Co-coach Ted Lindon said the Bears know 99 per cent of what they did in 2024 was right as they went into the decider with a 19-2 record.
“We certainly haven’t swept our grand final day under the carpet,” Lindon said.
“We have addressed some areas over the summer that we felt we needed to.
“At the same time, we haven’t lost sight on the fact of what got us to grand final day and what got us to winning 19 games throughout the year.”
The Goulburn Valley League is set to be a more even competition at the top end of the ladder in 2025 with the likes of Echuca, Shepparton, Kyabram, Seymour and more hoping to sing the song on the final day of the season.
This year, Lindon said he and his players are using redemption as a motivator to improve.
“Over the past four years our expectations have changed and evolved,” he said.
“This time last year it was to play finals, now it has probably evolved and transformed to do everything we can to get back to grand final day and make amends.”
Lindon said the internal growth from the 17-22-year-old brigade has been a standout over the pre-season, with a couple of young guns leading the way.
“If I was to name a couple, (Tanner Madigan and Daniel Meek) are the ones that stand out that have really impressed with how they have gone about their business this summer,” he said.
