The scoreboard displayed a convincing 66 point win, but that was not the full story as Kyabram’s winning run extended into a seventh week on Saturday against the Shepparton Swans at GV Creamery Oval.
Statistics revealed the Bombers had the ball in their 50 metres arc just five times more times than Swans — 48 to 43. But the visitors failed to capitalise on their chances, particularly in the first half, when they took it right up to the Bombers.
In contrast, Kyabram had the focal points in attack to apply scoreboard pressure with Kyle Mueller and Brad Mangan showing the way with five goals each.
Mueller was the player to halt the Swans momentum when shifted from defence to attack in the second term. His successive goals were the start of an unanswered 12 goal onslaught the Bombers banged through.
The Swans were kept goalless from early in the first term until the 20-minute mark of the last quarter, but were competitive in patches during this drought although unable to apply scoreboard pressure.
Mangan followed up in his six goal haul from the previous week with his physical and marking strength presenting a daunting challenge, particularly for lighter opponents.
A few home truths from coach Paul Newman at half-time had the desired effect as the Bombers’ physicality generally took over from then against their hard running rivals.
Ruckman Zac Norris again gave his onballers an armchair ride all day and Rhys Clarke, Kane Hebert, Reuben Rode and Zac Keogh along with Archie Watt, Toby Wooller, Anthony Depasquale and Nic Denahy ensured the forwards got the chances to kick a winning score.
The smooth moving left footed Clarke played his best game since returning to the club this season.
Seventeen-year-old Archie Watt in his second senior game again showed he is an exceptional young talent.
Kyabram’s defence, missing stars in Jason Morgan and Riley Ironside, was often under pressure, but Lachie Smith was superb again and nullified a lot of the Swans forwards excursions with his intercept marks.
Kyabram coach Paul Neman conceded the Swans missed their chance to be in front at half-time but was happy with his team’s second half.
Due to illness and injury, the Bombers went into the game without Morgan, Riley Ironside, Kayne Pettifer, Aiden Robinson and Cooper Vick, all regulars this season and also player Will Golds who was required by Essendon’s VFL side.
Golds and most of these players are expected to be available for a danger trip to the High Country to meet Mansfield this Saturday which will provide pleasant selection headaches.
My best for Kyabram: Zac Norris, Rhys Clarke, Lachie Smith, Kaine Herbert, Archie Watt, Kyle Mueller, Reuben Rode, Brad Mangan.
— Kyabram reserves also rallied after a sluggish start to run out easy winners.
The Swans took it right up to the Bombers in the first half, but a nine goals to four second half broke the game open.
Onballers in ruckman Brenton Brazier and Liam Dillon and skipper Will Wild were standouts for the Bombers, while Kaleb Williams, Liam Francis and Bill McLay also helped to get things rolling.
Fearless Tom Gallivan led the defence and received great support from Josh Wild and Will Burnett. Wild was moved into attack in the second half and along with Cooper Fawcett, Billy McLay and Tom Bruhn were able to apply scoreboard pressure. Sam Campbell was another Bomber who also showed out.
Kyabram gets the chance this Saturday to take over second spot on the ladder from Mansfield.
— Kyabram thirds won the battle with the Swans for second spot on the ladder with a hard earned and well deserved 27 point win.
The young Bombers had their nose in front for most of the game and got on top after half-time.
Onballers in Tyler Norman, Miller Griffiths, Nic Jephson and Angus Scoble showed the way, while Declan Hallett in attack was always dangerous with his two goals coming at vital times when the Swans were gathering momentum.
Archie Guinan was solid and reliable again in defence and Jay Gentle, Danny Miller and Bailey White all made contributions to the win.
The Bombers meet another top six side Mansfield this Saturday so will need to be ready.
