Home by four points in grand final thriller

A huge crowd, many of them Kyabramites, continually gasped in an absorbing goal-for-goal encounter in which the Bombers won by four points — 10.9 to 10.5 — against the Shepparton Swans.

There was never more than a kick or two between the sides all game, but last quarter goals from Max Stockdale and will-of-the whisp Kade Starling clinched the Kyabram win.

The ball was in a cluster of players just out from the Swans goal square when the final siren sounded.

Newman praised his charges for fighting to the end and being rewarded for it.

‘‘We had to work very hard for it and it was a credit to our players,” Newman said after the game.

‘‘We did a lot of things wrong, but we stuck at it.’’

The Bombers had a star in athletic ruckman Sam Bruhn who capped a dominant display by kicking four goals.

Kade Starling, although short in stature but big in class and heart, also kicked three vital goals.

It was a battle of the backlines for the four quarters and Kyabram defenders Xavier Dodos, Ethan Greiner, Rhys Parsons and Riley Nicholson were up to the challenge with Kade Drews stepping up in the second half.

A lot of Kyabram’s drive came from ruckman Bruhn and Bailey Samuels, midfielder Max Stockdale and skilful winger Jonty Sefton.

Charlie Pekin and Archie Sheppard also made an impact at times in the solid team performance.

Newman thanked the big crowd of Kyabram supporters who turned up to cheer on the team, and to all the support he had received during the season.

‘‘We have had a great season and it’s a credit to the boys.’’