Shepparton's Ash Holland and Kyabram's Marcus Khoo contest in the ruck.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Kyabram co-coach Corey Carver was both happy and disappointed in his team’s fighting 14-point loss to unbeaten Shepparton in their GVL blockbuster clash at Deakin Reserve on Saturday.
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Happy with his team’s endeavour and commitment but disappointed in its shooting on goal — and the send-off of defender Jackson Griffiths in the third term.
Griffiths was sin binned for a sling tackle which infuriated Carver who said he had seen ‘‘a 100 worse offences than that this season when nothing happened“.
‘‘When he (Griffiths) was off and we were a man down they kicked three goals which was the difference in the final result. It was really disappointing the result of the game really got down to that.’’
Carver thought the Bombers had played well enough early to be in front at half-time but for inaccuracy at the goal mouth.
Kyabram's Aidan Robinson goes down the line.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
‘‘We had kicked 4.10 up to half-time and it could have been a different story if it was 10.4. But we were in it all game from start to finish and had our chances. They were just a bit more polished with their ball use but we certainly didn’t shirk an issue.’’
Carver was full of praise for young talent Archie Watt, who was playing his first game for the season with the club.
The Bendigo Pioneers player was conspicuous in the midfield and on the ball with his ability to win one-on-one duels and gain meterage once he gained possession.
Carver was also pleased with the Kyabram defence led by ‘The General’ Jason Morgan, Brad Whitford, Aidan Robinson and Jackson Griffiths.
Jake Parkinson was also able to keep Shepparton danger forward Luke Smith to two goals.
Onballers in Kaine Herbert and Liam Ogden turned in their usual tireless displays, Will Golds was Kyabram’s top possession gatherer along with Archie Watt and Bailey Tome and Josh Dillon.
Mitch Dodos and Anthony Depasquale were active up forward although Depasquale was not able to make the impact on goals he has been enjoying this season.
The Bombers host Benalla this Saturday which has suddenly turned into a danger game after Benalla’s shock win over Shepparton Swans last Saturday.
Kyabram's Archie Watt keeps his eyes on the footy.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Mobile flanker Eamonn Ogden who missed Saturday after a heavy knock the previous week may be ready to resume but Jackson Griffiths has to fight the sling tackle charge from Saturday’s game at the tribunal this week.
Archie Watt will also be missing.
• Kyabram reserves made it seven straight wins on the trot with a hard-earned nine-point victory in a dour struggle.
The Bombers led from start to finish with their 3.2 to 1.2 first term, setting up a buffer which they grimly defended for the remainder of the game.
The Bombers had a fine contributor in Ben Railton who was in everything on a wing and in arguably his best game for the season.
Railton and midfielder and onballer Adam Pulsoni were the key prime movers in the Kyabram win, but the defence played a telling role.
It was under siege particularly in the second half but Danyon Stockdale, Will McDonell, David Coulthard and Makhyah Pratt stood firm in game-saving displays.
With goals a premium the two goals kicked by both Will Wilds and Brenton Brazier were also vital contributions to the win.
• Kyabram thirds were handed their biggest defeat for the season by an impressive Shepparton side.
The young Bombers couldn’t match it with their slick moving hosts and managed only 2.3 for the game while Shepparton piled on 14.12 in a 66 points win.
But co-coach of the Bombers Peter Ryan wasn’t too disappointed in his team’s effort.
‘‘We tried to put a lot of pressure on them but across the board they had better players than us and used the ball better. They are the best side we have played this season so far,’’ Ryan said.
Skilful defender Max Carroll continued his fine form in a back pocket and was the Bombers’ best for the second week in a row.
Versatile Charlie Isaac on the ball and in defence stood up again and skipper Oscar Dixon also was effective, particularly when moved to full back. Cooper Learmonth was another defender to get his share of the sherrin.
Tyler Norman also showed his class again at times in the midfield along with Lachlan Carver.
The young Bombers have lost their last two games and have slipped to sixth on the ladder so need to beat Benalla this Saturday to keep on finals pace.
