In the season opener, Kyabram hosts Nurmukah.
Last year, Kyabram missed defending the first flag it had won in this association the previous season over a rule pertaining to its ladder position going into the finals, so it’s also hungry for more success.
But, Numurkah is usually among the finals contenders and will be difficult to beat in the 45-over contest at the Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
Kyabram’s build-up to the new season has had its moments.
Star batsman Cade Mueller injured his eye socket in a practice session last week and is seeking expert medical advice this week to determine the extent of the injury.
But on the positive side, Kyabram has regained talented batsman Kyle Fitzgerald, who played football in Darwin last summer.
Fitzgerald and star bat and Kyabram skipper Kyle Mueller both warmed up for the new season with blazing half-centuries in a Twenty20 competition last weekend.
Fitzgerald slammed his 50 off 23 deliveries.
Tim Nelson has returned from Fire Brigade and will take over the wicket-keeping for the team from Ethan Hart, who won’t be available all season.
Another player who could be promoted to make his senior debut is Anthony Evans, a 14-year-old pace bowler who impressed in the Twenty20 competition last weekend and has sound fast-bowling attributes to build on.
2024-25 finish: Fourth (8-1-4)
Ins: Kyle Fitzgerald (Darwin), Tim Nelson (Kyabram Fire Brigade)
Outs: N/A
Club comment: Jackson McLay (coach)
“It was good to go deep into finals again last season, but we didn’t walk away with any real reward, so it was a bit of a frustrating end.
“We’ve only actually spoken about the first month. Half your season’s played in the first six weeks, so if you don’t start well and get some wins on the board, you’re behind the eight-ball and may not catch back up with the way the season is structured.
“We’re really not looking too far ahead; we’ve got to try and get some wins on the board early and stay ahead of that ledger.
“As it has been the last two or three years, there’s probably seven or eight sides every year that can win it and only six can play finals, so you don’t want to be in those bottom two.
“Put some wins on the board, give yourselves a chance, and hopefully, you can perform when it counts.”
Prediction: Fourth
Kyabram enters 2025-26 with a settled spine and a squad largely unchanged from last season, giving the Redbacks a distinct continuity advantage.
The linchpin to their campaign is master blaster and reigning Lightfoot medallist Kyle Mueller, who, after belting 772 runs at 85.8 last season, will dictate how competitive the Redbacks are with the bat.
Kyle Fitzgerald and Tim Nelson’s return also adds runs to the bank, while the side must adapt without Ethan Hart behind the stumps for most of the year.
Kyabram’s philosophy under coach Jackson McLay is pragmatic.
Secure early wins, stay in the top six, and peak at the right time.