Rode, who stands only 171cm (5ft 6ins) and weighs only 67kgs made his debut with the Bombers in the GVL season’s opening round on Saturday against Rochester and captivated the big crowd with his pace and kit of skills and footy smarts.
Reuben played with Calder Cannons last year and was runner-up in their best and fairest award.
Of Sri Lankan descent Rode’s friendship with Kyabram teammate Anthony Depasquale is the reason he has found his way to Kyabram.
Up to two years ago they were schoolmates and sporting teammates in football and cricket teams, while in the past few years of their schooling at Kilmore’s famous Assumption College and have continued their friendship since those days.
Reuben has often been a guest and even a worker at times on the Depasquale Kyabram fruit orchards.
Anthony’s father Tony, a former Kyabram footballer and keen supporter, described Reuben as a “a great young man” with strong family religious beliefs.
‘‘He is pretty shy, but very courteous and likeable. Our family loves him,’’ Tony said.
Sentiments that have taken Kyabram fans only one game to embrace.
President steps down
Kyabram Football Netball Club is seeking a new president after Peter Learmonth stepped down last week.
But the club is in no hurry to make an appointment and the role will be shared among club officials for the time being.
‘‘Nearly everything for the season had already been arranged when Peter stepped down, so there is no urgency to get a replacement immediately,’’ a club spokesman said.
Learmonth said it was impossible to continue doing the presidency role justice with his present work commitments, but he would still be heavily involved with the club.
He is co-coach of the reserves and his son Bohden is captaining the Bombers thirds team.
Learmonth was praised for his time since taking over the helm in 2020 when the Bombers were struggling to find a leader.
‘‘Peter got a lot of things done for the club and is very passionate about the club,’’ the official said.
Club staying put
Murchison-Toolamba Football Netball Club won’t be going anywhere soon.
After club officials had talks with the City Of Greater Shepparton officials last week an idea to move its base to nearby Toolamba was shelved.
Club president Craig Thompson said such a move would be 10 years away at least and his club would be staying put in its home of 143 years at Murchison — although the ground is not council owned.
Thompson has been leading a push to have new clubrooms at Murchison and it would be one of the club’s major priorities to pursue all avenues to get funding for this project as quickly as possible.
Like mother like daughter
Netball coaching ace Di Hanslow will pull the reins as the GVL netball coach for its clash with the Ovens and Murray League, while her daughter Bree will coach the 15 and Under netball side in the interleague showdown.
In the Under-18s footy clash Ramadan Yze will mentor the GVL side.
Morrison Medallist Mark Lambourn will be charge of the GVL side in the main footy clash.
Mick’s ‘hot to trot’
Kyabram trainer Mick Blackmore is having a good run of late with his trotters.
After winning with debutant Loving Gina at Bendigo two weeks ago he followed up by producing another of his trotters Bitta Irish Luck to win at Shepparton on Wednesday.
The four-year-old Father Patrick mare had trialled impressively on the track for her return to racing the previous week and took full advantage of her barrier two draw in a bold front running display.
Driven by James Herbertson she was never seriously challenged in defeating outsider Bicardi Wood and the favourite Kyvalley Picasso.
Bitta Irish Luck, who was stepping out for the first time since winning the Vicbred Silver Trot series for three-year-old trotters at Maryborough in late December, has now won four of 12 career starts.
Out of the Super Arnie mare Senita, Bitta Irish Luck is a half sister to four other winners including Senitas Success (17 wins) and Super Angus (14 wins).
Rumbalara coach quits
Another local footy coach has stepped down.
Rumbalara’s Chris Egan announced he would not be continuing as coach of the Murray Football League club two days after it was thrashed by Deniliquin Rams in the opening round of the season two weeks ago.
He stated personal reasons for his decision, but also said he hoped to be back in Rumba colours sooner rather than later.
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